NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) Practice Exam

Which medication decreases the absorption of dietary fats by 30%?

1. Liraglutide

2. Semaglutide

3. Orlistat

4. Phentermine

The correct answer is: Orlistat

Orlistat is the correct answer because it is a medication that works by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that breaks down triglycerides in the intestine. By inhibiting this enzyme, Orlistat reduces the absorption of dietary fats by approximately 30%. This mechanism helps in the management of weight loss by reducing the number of calories absorbed from dietary fats. Liraglutide and Semaglutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists primarily used for managing diabetes and obesity by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion. They do not directly affect the absorption of dietary fats like Orlistat does. Phentermine is a sympathomimetic amine anorectic agent used for short-term weight management. It works by decreasing appetite but does not specifically target the absorption of dietary fats like Orlistat does.