Alli (Orlistat)

About Alli Weight Loss Pills

Alli is an effective weight loss pill that offers an alternative solution to the most popular treatments. Containing 60 mg of the active ingredient orlistat, it works with your digestive system to block the absorption of some dietary fat from meals, rather than affecting energy levels or appetite.

Because Alli affects fat absorption from food, it helps promote healthier eating habits and more sustainable weight loss. The treatment encourages you to be more aware of the fat content in your meals, resulting in healthier food choices. Alli’s active ingredient, orlistat, is also found in 120 mg tablets known as Orlistat and Xenical, which are both available on prescription.

You can buy Alli online without a prescription from Prescription Doctor. However, you will need to complete a short medical consultation to determine whether the medication is suitable for your circumstances. Orders approved before 3pm on a weekday are eligible for discreet next-day delivery. 

Alli Cost & Pack Sizes

Prescription Doctor is pleased to offer Alli weight loss tablets at the following prices: 

We also provide the prescription-only 120 mg versions of Alli, known as Xenical and Orlistat. 

What are Alli Tablets?

Alli capsules are a reliable solution that can help you safely lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It contains half of the active ingredient found in Orlistat and Xenical, but works in the same way to reduce the body’s absorption of dietary fats.

Manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Alli weight loss pills work directly with the gut. This is different to other treatments that impact things like hunger sensations, cravings, or mood. As a result, Alli is a popular choice for individuals who prefer non-stimulant medications.

Alli weight loss pills stop your body from absorbing around 25% of the fat you ingest in meals. Anything that is not absorbed is instead passed through your bowels as waste. It is important that you only take Alli if you need to lose weight and diet and exercise alone have not been successful. 

How Does Alli Work?

Alli weight loss pills work by binding to a pancreatic enzyme called lipase, which is responsible for digesting dietary fats into glycerol and fatty acids that can either be burned for energy or stored. When lipase activity is blocked, up to 25% of the fat you eat is prevented from being absorbed into the body.  

The absorption-blocking properties of Alli’s active ingredient, orlistat, are important for weight loss because the body can struggle to metabolise excessive dietary fat and stores it instead, leading to obesity. By reducing the amount of dietary fat that is stored after every meal, Alli tablets enable the body to burn more of what’s already there.

It’s worth pointing out, however, that Alli capsules do not block calories from proteins or carbohydrates from being absorbed into the body. Therefore, if you simply replace the calories you consume from fats with calories from these other food groups, you’re unlikely to see much in the way of weight loss. That’s why it’s essential to follow a healthy, calorie-controlled diet that’s low in fat and carbohydrates to achieve the best results from Alli. 

How Long Does Alli Last in the Body?

Alli tablets remain in the body for up to 6 hours after taking them with a meal, while working to block the absorption of dietary fats. Should you decide to stop taking them, for whatever reason, they will stay in your system for up to 72 hours.

How Long Does Alli Take to Work?

Although Alli weight loss pills start working almost immediately when taken with every fat-containing meal, it can take up to three months to notice the medication’s benefits. Alli is meant to encourage safe and gradual weight loss, rather than deliver immediate and drastic results. 

Alli Weight Loss Results: How Effective is Alli?

Several clinical studies have found that Alli is an effective weight loss pill. In one trial, the average weight loss after 6 months with Alli 60 mg tablets was over 5.5% or 5.2kg. In addition, almost 55% of people lost at least 5% of their initial body weight within 6 months compared to 31% on a placebo.

The same study also found that 21% of people reported a loss of at least 10% within 6 months compared to 10% given a placebo, further showcasing Alli’s weight loss capabilities. Meanwhile, other research showed that after 52 weeks, people taking Alli pills lost 2.5 kg more weight than those who were given a placebo. For context, those given 120 mg of orlistat, the same amount found in Xenical, lost an average of 3.3 kg.

In addition to the aforementioned weight loss benefits, Alli may also contribute to a reduction in blood sugar, blood lipid, and blood pressure levels, potentially lowering the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The XENDOS study found that the cumulative incidence of the condition was 9.0% in patients taking a placebo, compared to 6.2% when taking orlistat. This equates to a risk reduction of 37.3%. 

Who Can Take Alli Pills?

Although a prescription is not required for Alli weight loss pills, you must still meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure they are safe and suitable for you to take. If you take Alli when you do not need to, it can cause serious adverse effects. A pharmacist or a clinician will ask you some medical-related questions to determine if Alli is right for you.

To be deemed suitable for Alli, you will need to:

• Be over the age of 18
• Have a BMI of 28 or above

It’s also important that you let your doctor or clinician know of any other medications that you’re taking, including over-the-counter treatments and herbal remedies. The same is also true if you have kidney stones or gallbladder issues, as this could impact whether Alli is right for you. 

How to Take Alli Weight Loss Tablets

Alli is an oral capsule that should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. You should never chew or break the pill. Take an Alli capsule just before, during, or up to one hour after a meal that contains dietary fat. This is typically done three times each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Because orlistat (Alli’s active ingredient) only works by absorbing dietary fat, you should not take a pill if your meal contains no fat whatsoever. Doing so will have no impact on weight loss and could actually cause side effects. Instead, it’s recommended that you consume around 15 grams of fat in each meal. Remember that you should also take Alli weight loss tablets in conjunction with a calorie-controlled diet and regular exercise.

It’s also recommended that you take a multivitamin each day when using Alli pills, particularly ones that contain vitamins A, D, E, and K. This is due to the fact that orlistat can reduce the absorption of these fat-soluble vitamins. It’s a good idea to take this multivitamin just before bed for maximum effect. 

How Long Should I Take Alli For?

You should not take Alli pills for longer than 6 months in total. However, you will need to continue with the tablets for at least 1-3 months before experiencing the full effects of the treatment. If you have not lost any weight within the first 12 weeks of treatment, please stop taking Alli and notify your clinician.

This slow pace of weight loss and the emphasis on making healthier diet and lifestyle choices are crucial for building the type of positive habits that will help you continue to lose weight after your treatment has come to an end.

Alli Dosage Information

The recommended single dose of Alli is one 60 mg capsule that can be taken up to three times per day with a meal containing dietary fat. You should not exceed the maximum daily amount, which equates to 180 mg of orlistat. If a meal doesn’t contain any dietary fat, there’s no need to take an Alli pill.

As with all medications, however, it’s essential to adhere to the dosage recommended by your doctor or clinician. 

What if I Miss a Dose of Alli?

If you miss a dose of Alli and it has been:

• Less than one hour since your last main meal, take the missed capsule.
• More than one hour since your last main meal, do not take the missed capsule. Wait and take the next capsule around the same time as your next main meal.

If you regularly forget to take Alli capsules, consider setting an alarm as a reminder. If it has been a while since your last dose, it’s important to consult with a clinician for further advice. 

Alli Side Effects

Alli is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause side effects just like all other medications. Most will be mild and generally clear up after a short time, if you experience anything at all.

Here are some potential Alli side effects to be mindful of: 

It’s important to note that the above is not an exhaustive list of potential Alli side effects. For more information, please consult the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication.  

If you experience any of the serious side effects listed in the table above, you should stop taking Alli capsules and contact your doctor straight away. For any life-threatening symptoms, such as an allergic reaction, stop taking the capsules and get medical help immediately.

How to Manage Alli Side Effects

Most mild Alli side effects will subside or go away within the first few weeks of treatment. They can usually be managed at home by:

• Reducing your dietary fat intake to limit effects such as sudden bowel movements, oily spotting, and loose stools
• Staying hydrated to manage bowel movements and avoid dehydration
• Engaging in regular exercise may be helpful for anxiety and to maximise the benefits of Alli
• Increasing your fibre intake may help with side effects such as gas and oily stools

What to Do if You Experience Alli Side Effects

Exactly what you should do if you experience Alli side effects depends largely on their severity and how well you can tolerate them. If you find that they subside over time, as they should, then you may decide to continue taking the medication. Should they become severe or impossible to handle, stop taking the treatment and consult your clinician.

If you experience an allergic reaction from taking Alli weight loss pills, stop taking them immediately and speak to your doctor right away. Signs of a potential allergic reaction include:

• Red, itchy rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, face or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing
   

Where to Buy Alli Weight Loss Tablets

You can buy Alli weight loss tablets from most pharmacies or online, without the need for a prescription. This will be at the discretion of a licensed pharmacist or clinician, as they will need to determine whether or not the treatment is suitable for you before they can provide it. 

Can I Buy Alli Online?

Yes, you can buy Alli online from reputable services such as Prescription Doctor. Our process works as follows:

• Complete an online weight loss consultation for our licensed clinicians to review.
• Our team will determine whether Alli pills are right for you
• Approved orders are dispatched in discreet packaging. Those authorised before 3pm on a weekday are eligible for next-day delivery
• If the treatment is not approved for you, we will provide a full refund or recommend an alternative

If you decide to buy Alli online, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and work with a reputable provider. For example, check if they are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. 

Do I Need a Prescription for Alli Weight Loss Pills?

No, Alli is classified as a non-prescription or over-the-counter medication, meaning you won’t need to obtain a prescription from a GP. You will still need to answer a few questions relating to your medical history so that a pharmacist or clinician can determine whether the treatment is suitable for you.

Is Alli Available on the NHS?

No, Alli is not available on the NHS, but your doctor may be able to prescribe an alternative such as Orlistat or Xenical instead. It’s essential to note that weight loss treatments obtained through the NHS are often subject to stricter eligibility requirements and have long waiting times to be accessed. 

Alli Weight Loss Tablets: Frequently Asked Questions