Kathryn is a 52-year-old woman who has been grossly overweight for more than 15 years. In that time, she has tried many diets, exercise regimens, diet clubs, and drug therapies, but all to no avail....

Kathryn is a 52-year-old woman who has been grossly overweight for more than 15 years. In that time, she has tried many diets, exercise regimens, diet clubs, and drug therapies, but all to no avail. She weighs 143 kg (315 lb) and has a BMI of 48. Her health care provider has prescribed orlistat (Xenical). She informs you that she has tried diet pills in the past. She has heard that amphetamines cause people terrible problems and is fearful that she will become dependent on orlistat or experience serious complications.

1. How would you address Kathryn’s fears about diet drugs and the use of orlistat (Xenical)?

2. How is prescription strength orlistat different from the OTC dosage? What adverse effects may occur at the higher dosage?

3. What effect does orlistat have on vitamin absorption? If Kathryn’s provider prescribes a multivitamin, what should Kathryn know about taking it?