Effect of Orlistat Treatment on Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) in Obese Patients

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 2, 128 - 134, 30.06.2025

İhsan Solmaz , Jehat Kılıç , Ömer Faruk Alakuş

https://doi.org/10.31832/smj.1648000

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by excessive fat accumulation. This study aims to assess the impact of orlistat treatment on the visceral adiposity index and related parameters.
Material and Method: This study involved 54 patients (18–65 years, BMI >25) from the internal medicine and obesity clinic. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained. Patients receiving orlistat were monitored at 0, 3, and 6 months. Anthropometric measurements (BMI, weight, waist, and hip circumference) and biochemical markers (glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, TG, HDL) were recorded. VAI was calculated separately for males and females.
Results: Clinical and biochemical parameters of 54 patients (F: 52, M: 2) were analyzed. At baseline, mean body weight (103.87±13,01 kg), waist circumference (113.59±10.25 cm), and BMI (41.59±4.86) indicated obesity. Liver enzymes (AST: 20.13 U/L, ALT: 21.87 U/L, GGT: 24.76 U/L) were mostly normal, with slight GGT elevations. Lipid profile showed mean HDL (47.11 mmol/L) and triglycerides (154,89 mg/dL). Over 6 months, significant reductions were observed in weight (93.33±12,44 kg, p<0.01), BMI (37.47±4.61, p<0.01), and waist circumference (105.9±10.2 cm, p<0.01). ALT (p<0.01) and GGT (p<0.001) decreased significantly, while AST did not (p=0.159). HDL improved (p<0.016). VAI slightly decreased (4.42±2.76 to 4.01±2.84), but was not statistically significant (p=0.224). These results suggest weight loss benefits metabolic and liver health.
Conclusion: The study observed positive metabolic changes, including weight loss, reduced waist circumference, and decreased BMI. Although VAI showed a decreasing trend after orlistat treatment, the change was not statistically significant. These findings indicate the potential benefits of orlistat.

Keywords

Obesity , Orlistat , Visceral Adiposity Index

Ethical Statement

The study protocol was approved by the local ethics committee of Diyarbakır Health Sciences University Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital (321/17.01.2025) and approval and local institutional approvals were obtained for the study.

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