Which statement is true about Orlistat as a weight-loss therapy for postmenopausal women?

• A. Orlistat is an FDA-approved pharmacologic therapy for weight loss in postmenopausal women
• B. Metformin is approved for weight loss
• C. Phentermine is the preferred first-line therapy
• D. Sitagliptin is approved for weight loss

Answer: (A)

Orlistat works by blocking fat absorption in the gut, inhibiting pancreatic lipase so about a third of dietary fat isn’t absorbed. When used with a reduced‑calorie diet, it provides modest additional weight loss and is approved by the FDA for weight management in adults, including postmenopausal women who meet the BMI criteria. This makes the statement true because it is an established, approved pharmacologic option for weight loss in this population.

Metformin isn’t approved specifically for weight loss (it’s a diabetes/insulin resistance drug with weight effects rather than an approved weight‑loss indication). Sitagliptin is also a diabetes medication with no weight‑loss approval. Phentermine can be used for short-term weight loss, but it’s not considered the preferred long‑term first‑line option in most guidelines. So orlistat stands out as the FDA‑approved pharmacologic therapy for weight loss in this group.