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

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effects of an orlistat mouth rinse on the intake of a high-fat meal.

Methods: A 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.

Results: The 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).

Conclusions: Orlistat 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.

Keywords: fat sensing; obesity; orlistat; tongue.