Xenical (Orlistat) for Heart Disease

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of using the weight loss medication Xenical (generic name - orlistat) on weight loss and change in heart disease risk factors in patients of the Healthy Heart Program Lipid Clinic at St. Paul's Hospital over a three month period. Xenical works by blocking the body's absorption of dietary fat in the gut, allowing it to pass through to be excreted, therefore reducing the intake of fat and calories. This is a pilot study supported by Hoffmann-La Roche Limited which produces Xenical. The aim is to investigate whether weight loss will also result in reductions in heart disease risk factors that may allow for less of a need for medications controlling lipid levels, hypertension and plasma glucose.