RESUMEN
AIMS: Orlistat is recommended as an adjunct to diet and exercise for weight loss in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aims were to explore (i) associations between patient characteristics and orlistat prescribing and to determine (ii) associations of orlistat with weight loss in T2DM/prediabetes. METHODS: This cohort study used anonymised records of T2DM/prediabetes (2016-2017) patients ≥18 years, from the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) database. Multivariable logistic regression models determined associations with starting orlistat and stopping it early (<12 weeks of prescriptions) and orlistat's associations with weight loss in those not prescribed 2nd line anti-diabetic medications. RESULTS: Out of 100,552 patients with incident T2DM/prediabetes, 655 (0.8%) T2DM and 128 (0.7%) prediabetes patients were prescribed orlistat. Younger people, females, those in more deprived regions, current smokers, co-prescribed metformin and recorded with hypertension were significantly more likely to be prescribed orlistat while higher baseline HbA1c levels were associated with early stopping. Those who continued orlistat for >12 weeks were more likely to lose ≥5% weight (adjusted OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.67) than those not on orlistat, but those who stopped orlistat early were less likely (adjusted OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.29, 1.09). CONCLUSIONS: Orlistat was significantly associated with weight loss in T2DM/prediabetes when taken for at least 12 weeks. However, orlistat is infrequently prescribed and often taken for <12 weeks. Orlistat may be a useful adjunct to lifestyle modifications in T2DM/prediabetes however barriers to continuing orlistat means it may not be effective for everyone in managing weight loss.
