Obesity Flashcards
Explain the calorie intake and uses of a VLED
Less than 800 calories a day.
Used for rapid weight loss and improved glycaemic control
For 8-12 weeks
Name a lipase inhibitor and it’s MOA
Orlistat. A pancreatic and gastric lipase inhibitor. Prevents the break down of fats, which prevents them from being absorbed.
How can you reduce the abdominal cramping and diarrhoea associated with orlistat use?
Reduce fat intake
Why is supplementation of oil soluble vitamins required when taking orlistat?
Because without fat you cannot absorb these vitamins from your diet (e.g. vitamin K)
Orlistat + anticoagulant precaution?
Since orlistat can reduce the absorption of vitamin K, can enhance effects of anticoagulants like warfarin
Define GLP1
Glucagon-like peptide 1. A hormone secreted when eating to promote the release of insulin from the pancreas + other effects
Other than stimulating insulin secretion, what effects does GLP1 have?
Decreases appetite, reduces gastric emptying and motility, increases energy expenditure and increases satiety
What is semaglutide?
A GLP-1 agonist.
Name 2 GLP-1 agonists
Liraglutide and semaglutide
How do GLP-1 agonists reduce appetite?
By slowing down gastric emptying
Compare dosing of liraglutide and semaglutide
Liraglutide is 3mg daily
Semaglutide is weekly
Explain the use of bulk forming agents like methylcellulose and fibre supplements in obesity
Peripherally acting. Not effective on their own but can be adjuvant. They promote bowel regularity rather than weight loss
Name 2 centrally acting appetite suppressants
Phentermine and lorcaserin
Phentermine MOA?
An amphetamine that acts directly on the satiety centre of the hypothalamus. Short term use only. Promotes the development of good eating behaviours
How does topiramate suppress appetite
It is an anti epileptic drug that inhibits glutamate release and increases dopamine. Used in kids who gained lots of weight due to atypical antipsychotics
