33
OTC Anti-obesity Therapy
Mechanism of Action Effects Side Effects
Orlistat
Intestinal lipase
inhibitor that
impairs intestinal fat
absorption.
Mild weight reduction Loose, oily stools.
Possible deficiency in
fat soluble vitamins,
liver toxicity, and
kidney stones.
Weight Loss Therapies with Mandated Disclaimer by the
FDA
Intervention
Proposed
Mechanism
of Action Effects Warnings
HCG Marketed
as reducing
appetite and
preserving muscle
mass during
administration of
very low calorie
diet.
Meta-analyses
do not support
clinically
significant weight
loss. Since 1976, the
FDA has mandated
a disclaimer
for those who
administer HCG.
a
In 2016, the
American
Medical
Association
passed policy
that "The use
of HCG for
weight loss is
inappropriate."
a
1976 FDA disclaimer for HCG: "ere is no substantial evidence that HCG increases weight loss
beyond that resulting om caloric restriction, that it causes a more attractive or normal distribution of
fat, or that it decreases the hunger and discomfort associated with calorie restrictive diets."
