Orlistat mouth rinse: Using the tongue to deliver antiobesity medication in a double‐blind randomized crossover pilot trial

Abstract

AbstractAimTo investigate the effects of an orlistat mouth rinse on the intake of a high‐fat meal.MethodsA double‐blind, balanced order, crossover study was conducted in participants (n = 10, body mass index 25‐30 kg/m2) assigned to receive placebo or orlistat (24 mg/mL) prior to a high‐fat meal. Participants were divided into low‐ or high‐fat consumers based on calories consumed from fat following placebo administration.ResultsThe orlistat mouth rinse decreased total and fat calories consumed during the high‐fat meal in high‐fat consumers, and did not alter calories consumed in low‐fat consumers (P < 0.05).ConclusionsOrlistat decreases long‐chain fatty acid (LCFA) absorption by inhibiting lipases that breakdown triglycerides. Orlistat mouth rinse decreased fat intake in high‐fat consumers, suggesting that orlistat inhibited the detection of LCFAs from the high‐fat test meal. Lingual delivery of orlistat is predicted to eliminate the risk of oil incontinence and promote weight loss in individuals who prefer fat.