Cetilistat
A weight-loss medication that blocks fat absorption in the digestive system, designed to support weight management with fewer side effects.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
Cetilistat is a weight-loss medication that works in the digestive system by blocking about 25-30% of the fat you eat from being absorbed. Unlike some similar drugs, it is designed to cause fewer digestive side effects.
Medical
Clinical Definition
Cetilistat is a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor that prevents the hydrolysis and absorption of dietary triglycerides by inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipases. It shares the mechanism of orlistat but has a different molecular structure containing a bicyclic benzoxazinone scaffold that may confer a more favourable gastrointestinal tolerability profile.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
For patients who struggle with dietary fat intake despite nutritional counselling, medications like cetilistat provide a pharmacological tool to support weight loss efforts. Accord Medical comprehensive programme combines medication when appropriate with dietary guidance for optimal results.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.
