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Orlistat
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Orlistat is a clinically proven weight loss medication designed to treat obesity and overweight adults with a high BMI by inhibiting fat absorption in the digestive tract using its active ingredient of the same name.
- Prevents dietary fat from being absorbed by your body
- Available as a prescription-strength capsule
- Supports significant weight reduction
- Offers a non-injectable, oral alternative to GLP-1 weight loss treatments
More information
Orlistat is typically prescribed for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 28 and above if they have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension. As a lipase inhibitor, it works locally in your gut to stop the breakdown of fats, making it a reliable choice for those committed to a structured nutritional plan who prefer a tablet over injectable medications.- Rachael Clarke MRCPharm MFRPSI FRSPH (GPHC Number: 2061366)
You can buy Orlistat online safely through our convenient consultation process, where a UK-registered prescriber reviews your medical history to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and shipped directly from our registered pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560) in discreet, plain packaging to protect your privacy.
Our Orlistat price is competitive. Generic Orlistat provides the exact same medical efficacy as branded versions but at a lower cost, starting from approximately £40 per month depending on the pack size selected.
We provide a range of delivery options for Orlistat UK orders, including Royal Mail Tracked 24 and Tracked 48 services. All orders approved before our daily cut-off time are dispatched the same day, ensuring your weight loss journey begins without delay.
Orlistat is a weight loss medication used to help adults manage obesity and maintain weight loss after initial success. Unlike many other diet pills, it is not an appetite suppressant. Instead, it targets the way your body processes the fats you eat during your main meals.
The active ingredient in this medication is Orlistat itself. Each hard capsule also contains inactive ingredients such as microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, and povidone, which help deliver the medication effectively to your digestive system.
Most users report that Orlistat is highly effective as long as they adhere to a low-fat diet plan. Patients often find the "feedback loop" of the medication helpful because eating too much fat leads to immediate digestive side effects, it acts as a behavioural tool to help them stick to healthier food choices.
Every pack of Orlistat 120mg includes a Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) which contains vital safety information. It is essential to read this leaflet before starting your treatment to understand the full list of ingredients, contraindications, and potential interactions with other medicines.
Orlistat works by inhibiting the action of gastric and pancreatic lipases, which are the enzymes responsible for breaking down triglycerides into absorbable fatty acids. By blocking these enzymes, the medication prevents about one-third of the fat in your food from being digested. This unabsorbed fat then passes naturally through your system in your bowel movements.
To use Orlistat effectively, you should swallow one capsule with water immediately before, during, or up to one hour after each of your three main meals. If you miss a meal, or if your meal contains no fat, you should skip the dose, as the medication only works in the presence of dietary fat.
The standard dosage for prescription Orlistat is one capsule taken three times daily. You should not exceed this dose, as taking more will not increase weight loss but will significantly increase the risk of unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects.
Common side effects of Orlistat are gastrointestinal in nature and are directly related to the fat-blocking mechanism of the drug. These side effects are often temporary and can be managed by reducing your dietary fat intake to around 30% of total calories.
- Oily spotting on underwear.
- Flatulence (wind), sometimes with oily discharge.
- Urgent bowel movements or increased frequency.
- Fatty or oily stools (often described as orange oil in the toilet).
- Stomach pain or discomfort.
Orlistat may not be suitable for individuals with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis (a liver condition). Because it reduces the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), we recommend taking a multivitamin at bedtime, at least two hours after your last Orlistat dose, to ensure nutritional balance.
| Feature | Orlistat 120mg | Wegovy / Mounjaro |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Oral Capsule | Weekly Injection |
| Mechanism | Blocks fat absorption | Suppresses appetite (GLP-1) |
| Weight Loss | Approx. 5-10% of body weight | Approx. 15-20% of body weight |
| Main Side Effects | Oily stools, flatulence | Nausea, vomiting |
Does Orlistat burn existing body fat?
No, Orlistat does not burn existing body fat. It works by preventing the absorption of new fat from the meals you eat. This creates a calorie deficit that forces your body to use its existing fat stores for energy.
How much weight can I lose in a week?
Weight loss results vary, but most patients aim for a healthy, sustainable rate of 0.5kg to 1kg (1-2 lbs) per week. Clinical guidelines suggest treatment should only continue if you lose 5% of your body weight within the first 12 weeks.
Can I take Orlistat with alcohol?
There is no direct interaction between Orlistat and alcohol, but alcoholic drinks are often high in calories and offer no nutritional value, which can hinder your weight loss progress.
This information is for general informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a medical professional. Always consult with a doctor or pharmacist for personalised medical guidance regarding your specific health condition.
Our clinical content is regularly reviewed by a team of medical experts and GPhC-registered pharmacists to ensure it remains accurate, reliable, and up-to-date with current UK clinical guidelines (NICE/BNF).
