An oral hypoglycemic agent used to treat obesity is:September 2008
**Core Concept**
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used to treat obesity by reducing the absorption of fat from the gut. This mechanism distinguishes it from other oral hypoglycemic agents that primarily target glucose metabolism.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down triglycerides into fatty acids and glycerol. This leads to a reduction in the absorption of dietary fats, which contributes to weight loss. Orlistat is often used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise to achieve optimal results.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Metformin is a biguanide that decreases hepatic glucose production and increases insulin sensitivity, making it an inappropriate choice for treating obesity.
**Option B:** Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione that improves insulin sensitivity by activating PPAR-γ receptors, but it is not primarily used for weight loss.
**Option C:** Glipizide is a sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin release from pancreatic beta cells, but it does not have a significant effect on weight loss.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools and fecal incontinence due to the undigested fat in the stool.
**Correct Answer:** C.