Orlistat

About Orlistat Tablets

Orlistat 120 mg capsules offer a different approach to weight loss. Containing the active ingredient of the same name, they work directly with your digestive system instead of affecting your appetite or energy levels. This makes the treatment a popular choice for people who prefer non-stimulant, non-hormonal options.

Taking Orlistat is especially suitable if you’re looking to lose weight steadily and sustainably, rather than through dramatic, short-term diets. The medication also supports healthy eating habits by encouraging you to be more mindful of fat intake, since eating high-fat meals while taking Orlistat can cause side effects. Orlistat is also available under the brand name Xenical, which contains the same active ingredient and offers the same clinical strength.

If you think Orlistat capsules might be a suitable weight loss solution for you, Prescription Doctor is here to help. You can buy Orlistat online via our consultation service after completing a short medical questionnaire to assess your suitability for the medication. If approved, your treatment will be dispatched in discreet packaging. Orders authorised before 3pm on a weekday can also benefit from next-day delivery. 

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is a trusted and licensed first-line weight loss treatment that works by blocking the absorption of fat into the digestive system. Unlike other medications that affect your mood or hunger sensations, Orlistat tablets work locally in your gut to prevent some fats from being digested, allowing them to be passed through your body instead.  

For optimal weight loss results, Orlistat capsules should be taken in conjunction with a lower-calorie, reduced-fat diet. This is because major clinical trials combined Orlistat with lifestyle changes (such as in the XENDOS study), and evidence consistently shows that combining weight-loss medication with healthy eating and exercise leads to greater weight loss than using either approach alone.

Both Orlistat and Xenical are available on prescription as 120 mg capsules. Generic orlistat can also be found over the counter under the brand name Alli, which contains 60 mg of the active ingredient. 

How Much Does Orlistat Cost?

Prescription Doctor is pleased to offer Orlistat at the following prices and pack sizes:

We also offer orlistat in the form of branded Xenical capsules, as well as the over-the-counter version, Alli. 

How Does Orlistat Work for Weight Loss?

Orlistat weight loss tablets work by blocking an enzyme called lipase, which is necessary for breaking down dietary fat into absorbable molecules. When active, the medication prevents around 30% of the fat you eat from being digested. This results in fewer calories being absorbed per meal, without needing drastic cuts in the volume of food you eat.

In order to take effect, orlistat attaches itself to the lipase enzymes, preventing them from fully absorbing the fat you eat in meals. The fat that isn’t being stored in the body will instead be passed through the bowels.

Unlike weight loss treatments such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, which mimic naturally occurring hormones in the brain, Orlistat solely targets the digestive system, earning it the classification of a ‘peripherally acting anti-obesity agent’. This makes it a suitable option for individuals who may be concerned about the stimulating effects of other medications on the body. 

Does Orlistat Burn Existing Fat?

No, Orlistat does not burn existing fat in the body. It instead works by binding to the lipase enzymes, blocking them from breaking down and absorbing some of the dietary fat in meals. The unabsorbed fat is passed through the body as waste. This process reduces the amount of food consumed, thereby helping you use up existing fat for energy.

How Long Does Orlistat Take to Work?

Although Orlistat weight loss capsules can take effect in as little as 24 to 48 hours, it may be a few weeks before you notice subtle changes in your weight. This is provided the medication is taken alongside a calorie-controlled diet. More significant results tend to build over 8 to 12 weeks when taken consistently with each fat-containing meal.

Some promising signs to indicate that the medication is working include feeling lighter, less bloated, or having slightly looser clothing. These can occur early on in treatment, giving you the confidence you need to progress with your journey. Remember, though, that products like Orlistat are not designed to be fast-acting solutions; instead, they generate sustained, long-lasting results. 

Orlistat Results: How Effective is Orlistat?

Orlistat’s effectiveness for weight loss has been extensively studied. A four-year trial found that nearly half (41%) of Orlistat users lost 10% or more of their starting body weight within one year of taking the medication, compared to just 21% of those using a placebo. Some 60% of participants experienced a drop of 5% or more within 12 weeks alone.

Meanwhile, pooled results from several two-year studies revealed that the average difference in weight loss between people taking Orlistat tablets and those without was approximately 3.2 kg in the first 12 months of treatment. The majority of trials were randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiments, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who received Orlistat and who received a placebo. This is known as the ‘gold standard’ in clinical research.

An added benefit of Orlistat was found in people with impaired glucose tolerance, a prediabetic condition. Those using the medication were 2% less likely (3.4% vs 5.4%) to develop type 2 diabetes over a four-year period than individuals taking a placebo.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Orlistat in a Month?

Clinical trials suggest that with consistent use and a suitable diet, taking Orlistat 120 mg capsules can lead to a weight loss of 1-2 kg in the first month. Everyone’s body reacts differently to medication, so you may find that your own experience is slightly different.

Over 3 to 6 months, most Orlistat users can expect to lose 5-10% of their initial body weight. This timeframe is crucial, as the 3-month mark is typically when your progress will be assessed to determine whether the treatment is right for you. A drop of at least 5% means that the medication is suitable. 

Orlistat Criteria for Use

To be eligible for Orlistat, you must fulfil the following criteria:

• Be over 18 years old
• Have a BMI of 30 or more, or 28+ with conditions such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
• Not be pregnant or breastfeeding
• Not have chronic malabsorption issues or gallbladder problems

Since Orlistat is a prescription weight loss treatment, it can only be provided after completing a medical questionnaire. This is to determine whether the medication is suitable for your unique circumstances. 

How to Take Orlistat

Orlistat comes in 120 mg tablets to be taken with meals. Be sure to swallow the capsule whole, without breaking it open. Since orlistat only works when dietary fat is present in meals, it’s not necessary to use the medication when eating an entirely fat-free meal, as doing so could result in you experiencing side effects.  

Ensure your diet is nutritionally balanced, with around 30% of calories coming from fat. You should also aim to reduce your intake of high-fat foods, such as fried items, full-fat dairy, and fatty cuts of meat. 

What Happens if You Take Orlistat Without Eating?

Taking Orlistat without eating (or alongside a fat-free meal) should have little to no impact. This is because the medication needs some dietary fat to bind to. That being said, using the medication unnecessarily could result in you developing some uncomfortable side effects, especially if your next meal contains a large amount of fat.

To achieve the best results, take Orlistat tablets with meals that contain a small to moderate amount of fat, such as lean proteins or healthy oils. 

Orlistat Dosage Information

The standard dose for Orlistat is one 120 mg capsule to be taken up to three times per day with water. It should ideally be taken alongside each main meal (usually breakfast, lunch, and dinner) that contains dietary fat, although it’s also possible to use the medication up to one hour afterwards.

Xenical (branded orlistat) also comes in 120 mg doses, while Alli is available in 60 mg form. 

What if I Miss a Dose of Orlistat?

If you miss a dose of Orlistat, skip the missed dose and take a capsule as usual with your next fat-containing meal. Don’t double up to compensate, or use the medication without food, as it won’t boost effectiveness and may cause uncomfortable side effects. Should you continue to forget your Orlistat dose, consult our clinicians for advice. 

How Long Should I Take Orlistat For?

Most people take Orlistat tablets for an initial period of 12 weeks. This allows enough time to assess whether the medication is effective for you. If you’ve achieved weight loss of at least 5% of your starting body weight, your clinician may advise you to continue treatment.

For many people, Orlistat becomes part of a longer-term weight management strategy. It is considered safe for up to 1 year of use, though this timeframe can be extended further, provided you’re seeing continued benefits and not experiencing side effects. Regular check-ins with your prescriber can help you track progress and ensure the medication continues to support your weight loss goals.

Orlistat Side Effects

Although Orlistat is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects. This is especially the case when it’s consumed alongside excessive amounts of fat. Here are the main Orlistat side effects to be aware of:
 

The above is not an exhaustive list of Orlistat side effects. More information can be found within the Patient Information Leaflet that’s included with the medication. 

How to Manage Orlistat Side Effects

Most Orlistat side effects settle once your body adjusts, or if you reduce your fat intake. Common issues, such as oily stools and excess gas, tend to ease off after a few days or weeks, especially if you stick to a lower-fat diet.

To minimise side effects, try spreading your fat intake evenly across meals and avoiding greasy or fried foods. Drinking plenty of water, eating more fibre, and choosing lean protein sources can also help regulate digestion.

If these symptoms persist or you experience something more severe, consult your clinician.

Where to Buy Orlistat Weight Loss Pills

You can buy Orlistat from trusted pharmacies in the UK. Since it’s a prescription-only treatment, you’ll either need to speak to a doctor or request it privately from a regulated and trusted online service such as Prescription Doctor. This is done by completing a health consultation to determine whether Orlistat capsules are right and safe for you.  

Can I Buy Orlistat Online?

Yes, you can buy Orlistat online from Prescription Doctor using our fast and convenient weight loss consultation service. As a licensed provider, we offer discreet delivery and full clinical oversight, so you can be completely confident that you’re in safe hands.

Here’s how our process works:

• Health Questionnaire: Provide details about previous medical history, such as existing health conditions or lifestyle factors that may impact treatment.
• Review: Our team of licensed clinicians and prescribers will assess your responses to determine whether Orlistat tablets are the right choice for you.
• Dispatch: If your order is approved, the medication will be issued in plain and discreet packaging. Anything accepted before 3pm on a weekday can also benefit from next-day delivery. 
• Check Up: Our clinicians will schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure everything is optimised and working as it should. 

Can You Buy Orlistat Over the Counter?

Technically, generic orlistat can be bought over the counter as a lower-strength (60 mg) treatment known as Alli. However, Orlistat 120 mg capsules require a prescription and clinical assessment, even if you buy online. The same is true when purchasing the branded version, Xenical. 

Is Orlistat Available on the NHS?

Yes, Orlistat is available on the NHS, but access is limited. You’ll usually need a BMI of over 30 and a referral to a weight management service before you can obtain it. As a result, many people choose to buy Orlistat tablets online or via another private service for faster access.

Orlistat Weight Loss: Frequently Asked Questions