Eight weeks after starting a new weight-loss medication, a 43-year-old woman with obesity comes to the physician because of greasy diarrhea, excessive belching, and flatulence. She also complains of progressively worsening night-time vision. She has had no fever, chills, or vomiting. Physical examination shows dry, scaly skin on her extremities and face. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism of action of the drug she is taking?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Lipase inhibitors such as orlistat inactivate gastric and pancreatic lipase enzymes within the intestine, preventing the complete hydrolyzation of dietary fats into monoglycerides and fatty acids. This decreases the amount of fat absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and increases fecal fat excretion. Adverse effects of orlistat, therefore, include symptoms of fat malabsorption, such as steatorrhea, abdominal cramps, and bloating. It may also cause fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (in this case, vitamin A deficiency).

Eight Weeks After Starting a New Weight-Loss Medication, a 43-Year-Old