Lipase inhibitors

Lipase inhibitor
Drug class
Chemical structure of the lipase inhibitor Orlistat
Class identifiers
ATC codeA08AB
Mode of actionInhibits gastric lipase and pancreatic lipase
Legal status
In Wikidata

Lipase inhibitors are substances used to reduce the activity of lipases found in the intestine. Lipases are secreted by the pancreas when fat is present. The primary role of lipase inhibitors is to decrease the gastrointestinal absorption of fats. Fats then tend to be excreted in feces rather than being absorbed to be used as a source of caloric energy, and this can result in weight loss in individuals.[1] These inhibitors could be used for the treatment of obesity, which can subsequently lead to Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases if not managed. An example of a lipase inhibitor is orlistat.[2]

  1. ^ Aronne LJ (2001). "Treating obesity: a new target for prevention of coronary heart disease". Progress in Cardiovascular Nursing. 16 (3): 98–106, 115. doi:10.1111/j.0889-7204.2001.00589.x. PMID 11464439.
  2. ^ Franson K, Rössner S (May 2000). "Fat intake and food choices during weight reduction with diet, behavioural modification and a lipase inhibitor". Journal of Internal Medicine. 247 (5): 607–614. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2796.2000.t01-1-00666.x (inactive 15 July 2025). PMID 10810001.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of July 2025 (link)