Effect of orlistat on obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common gynecological endocrine syndrome characterized by metabolic abnormality and reproductive dysfunction, including ovulation abnormality, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian manifestations. Most PCOS patients are overweight or obese, particularly the central type. This aggravates the clinical manifestations of PCOS and ultimately increases the risk of infertility. Orlistat is the only weight loss drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. As a long-lasting gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor, orlistat can effectively reduce the absorption of lipid and increase lipid excretion, thereby achieving weight loss. In obese PCOS patients, orlistat can reduce weight, improve lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, improve sex hormone disorder, and have a positive effect on pregnancy outcome. This review summarizes the impact of orlistat treatment on metabolism and fertility in obese women with PCOS. Key words: hyperandrogenism; insulin resistance; obesity; orlistat; polycystic ovary syndrome; pregnancy outcome