The influence of a 3-month weight reduction therapy with Orlistat on serum vitamin B12 and folic acid concentration in obese women.

Abstract

Serum folic acid, but not the vitamin B(12) concentration, was found to be significantly lower in obese subjects than in the control ones. The aim of this study was to examine the levels of serum vitamin B(12) and folic acid in obese women before and after weight reduction therapy with Orlistat in comparison to healthy controls with normal body weight. Twenty obese women participated in a 3-month weight reduction therapy. The control group consisted of 20 healthy women. Body weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Body composition was analyzed with the impedance method using a Bodystat analyzer. In all patients before and after 3-month weight reduction therapy, serum concentrations of folic acid and vitamin B(12) were assessed. In obese women, serum concentrations of folic acid and vitamin B(12) did not change significantly after 3-month weight reduction therapy with Orlistat.