Orlistat- A body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or more in the presence of co-morbidities, which persist despite standard treatment (e.g. type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and/or high total cholesterol level). "
- A BMI of 30 kg/m2? or more with no associated co-morbidities.
- Orlistat should only be prescribed for patients who demonstrate their commitment to losing weight by losing at least 2.5 kg in four weeks through diet and exercise alone.
- To continue with orlistat NICE states that a weight loss of at least a further 5% after the first three months of therapy and a cumulative weight loss of at_least 10% after the first six months must be achieved.
To tackle obesity successfully NICE recognises that orlistat should be one part of a holistic approach which also includes education and advice on the management of obesity.