Several meta-analyses have shown modest improvements in blood pressure and serum cholesterol in patients taking Orlistat.
The 2003 Cochrane meta-analysis showed a significant net decrease in systolic blood pressure in the Orlistat group of 1.8 mmHg (95% CI: 0.9 to 2.6), and diastolic BP 1.6 mmHg (95% CI: 0.7 to 2.4). There were also greater reductions in total cholesterol levels 0.33 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.28 mmol/L to 0.38 mmol/L) and LDL 0.27 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.31). No clinically significant effects on triglycerides or HDL cholesterol were observed (Padwal et al 2003). These changes seem to represent an effect of Orlistat on lipid malabsorption rather than an effect of weight loss alone (Dixon and O’Brien 2001, 2002; Mittendorfer et al 2001).