Authored: 19/03/2023
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Orlistat
Overview
Orlistat is a weight loss pill that helps your body reduce the amount of fat it absorbs. By passing more fat through your bowels, you are able to have more success in losing weight when adopting a plan to lose weight.
- Reduces the amount of fat the body absorbs
- Take THREE times daily with meals
- Average of ~5% body weight loss
- New Weight Pens ~20 body weight loss
Overview
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You can buy Orlistat 120mg capsules online from our UK-registered online pharmacy. It's a simple and secure process. Start by completing our quick online consultation, which is reviewed by our UK-trained and registered GPs.
If your treatment is approved, a prescription is issued and sent to our UK-registered pharmacy team for dispensing. Your medication is then discreetly packaged and delivered straight to your door, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
With expert clinical oversight, safe prescribing, and fast delivery, we make it easy to access trusted weight loss treatments online.
Orlistat Summary
| What is it? | Used as a weight loss aid |
| How It Works | Prevents the absorption of some of the fat from foods eaten, which is then eliminated in bowel movements. |
| Effectivness? | Helps patients lose an average of ~5% of their body weight |
| Brand Names | Xenical (prescription), Alli (over-the-counter) |
| Common Side Effects | Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., oily spotting, flatulence with discharge, urgent bowel movements, fatty/oily stool). |
| Price | From £17.50 |
What is Orlistat?
Orlistat is a weight loss medication used to assist people who are overweight in reducing their BMI. It is indicated in people with a BMI over 30, or 28 for those with additional risk factors. Orlistat is the generic version of the better-known brand, Xenical. They come in capsule form, and the prescription-only version contains 120mg of the active ingredient.
How Does it Work?
Orlistat capsules work by preventing around a third of the fat from the food you eat from being digested. The undigested fat is not absorbed and is passed out with your faeces. Orlistat works in the same way as the over the counter medicine Alli. They contain the same active ingredient (Orlistat), however, the prescription version is twice the strength (120mg instead of 60mg).
Because Xenical is no longer the only manufacturer of Orlistat, this has helped lower the price of the generic form of the drug. By decreasing the amount of fat the body absorbs and improving your diet and exercise routine, it is possible to achieve significant weight loss.
Before using Orlistat or Xenical, you should read the patient information leaflet.
Orlistat Dosage
The usual dosage of Orlistat is 120mg three times a day (each time you eat a meal). As it works to reduce the fat absorbed by your body, you do not need to take a dose if you skip a meal. You also don't need to take a dose if you have a 0 fat meal, as there will be not fat for the body to absorb!
You can read about what happens if you take Orlistat without a meal in our guide.
Losing weight with Orlistat
Orlistat helps you avoid gaining weight by reducing the amount of fat absorbed by your body. However, it does not necessarily cause you to lose weight. Therefore, it’s still important to stick to a healthy diet and exercise plan. In combination, the drug can be successful in reducing your weight into a more healthy BMI range.
Orlistat (Xenical) is usually recommended if you have made a significant effort to lose weight through diet, exercise or changing your lifestyle.
Even then, orlistat is only prescribed if you have:
- a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or more and other conditions related to weight, such as high blood pressure
- a BMI of 30 or more
Effectiveness
So does Orlistat actually work? In short, yes! Orlistat is recommended to be taken over a 12 week period and most people can expect to lose around 5% of their original body weight if combined with a good lifestyle and regular exercise.
The medication itself should reduce the amount of dietary fat absorbed by your body by around 33%, so this gives you a good opportunity to lose weight if you increase the amount of exercise you do.
Studies have shown you are around 3 times more likley to lose significant weight with Orlistat, than patient who take a dummy pill.
Read more about how to get the best results from Orlisat in our helpful guide.
Orlistat Results
In the graphic below you can see the difference in weight loss with Orlistat or placebo during a 1 year scientific study. You can find out more about experiences with the treatment, from our UK patient Orlistat reviews.
Changes in waist size
The table below shows the difference in waist circumference when taking Orlistat or placebo.
| Treatment | Change in waist circumference after 1 year |
| Orlistat | 5.27% reduction |
Placebo | 2.54% reduction |
Side Effects of Orlistat
Common side effects of Orlistat (Xenical) can include:
- fatty or oily stools
- more regular bowel movements
- needing the toilet urgently
- oily discharge from your rectum (you may have oily spots on your underwear)
- flatulence (wind)
Alternatives
While Orlistat provides the most affordable treatment, some patients do prefer to stick to the original branded version of the drug, Xenical. This also contains 120mg of Orlistat but is more expensive.
Diet and exercise alone, is always the preferred method for weight loss. This is not always possible, however. Many patients may have chronic pain which can make exercise difficult.
Medication such as Saxenda Pens, work to suppress appetite and have shown good results. A new and improved weight loss injection, Wegovy, has recently been approved in the UK and was released in September 2023. Read about how Wegovy compares to Orlistat in our guide.
Ozempic and Mounjaro are also medications which are availablein the UK for weight loss. These are both injection pens, and can help achieve ~15-20% body weight loss.
You can also find information online for diet advice, such as the British Heart Foundation weight loss advice.
Orlistat Prices
| Orlistat 120mg - 42 capsules | £17.50 |
| Orlistat 120mg - 84 capsules | £35.00 |
| Orlistat 120mg - 168 capsules | £68.95 |
| Orlistat 120mg - 252 capsules | £99.95 |
Further Reading
| Wegvoy vs Orlistat | ||
| 10 tips for losing weight | World Obesity Day 2022 |
|
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Reviewed: 19/03/2025
FAQ
General Information
What is Orlistat?
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor prescribed for weight management. It works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the gut.
How does Orlistat work for weight loss?
Orlistat binds to gastric and pancreatic lipases, preventing the breakdown and absorption of about 25–33% of the fat you consume. The unabsorbed fat is excreted, which may lead to oily stools, especially with high-fat meals.
Who can use Orlistat?
Orlistat is indicated for adults with a BMI over 30, or those with a BMI over 28 if they have another weight-related condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
What is the difference between Orlistat and Xenical?
Xenical is the branded version of Orlistat. Medically, they are identical and both contain 120mg of Orlistat per dose.
What is the difference between Orlistat/Xenical and Alli?
Alli is the over-the-counter version of Orlistat and contains 60mg per dose, which is half the strength of the prescription versions (Orlistat/Xenical) that contain 120mg.
Usage & Dosage
What is the standard dosage for Orlistat?
The typical dose is 120mg taken three times daily with each main meal that contains fat.
How should I take Orlistat?
Orlistat should be taken with meals. If you miss a dose, take it with your next meal that contains fat.
What dietary recommendations accompany Orlistat?
A low-fat, balanced diet is advised to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and enhance weight loss.
How long does it take to see results with Orlistat?
Weight loss is generally observed within 1–2 months of consistent use alongside dietary changes.
How much weight can you lose on Orlistat?
Clinical studies indicate a weight loss of approximately 5–10% of body weight over a period of 6–12 months.
Do I need to maintain lifestyle changes with Orlistat?
Yes, diet and exercise are essential components of an effective weight management plan when using Orlistat.
Can Orlistat be used long-term?
Orlistat may be used long-term under medical supervision, with regular reviews to monitor its efficacy and safety.
Effectiveness & Results
What are the benefits of using Orlistat?
Orlistat helps achieve modest weight loss and improves metabolic health when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How is the effectiveness of Orlistat monitored?
Regular weight measurements and follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider are recommended to track your progress.
Side Effects & Safety
What are the common side effects of Orlistat?
Common side effects include oily spotting, flatulence, faecal urgency, and loose stools. These effects are usually mild and temporary.
Are there any contraindications for Orlistat?
Orlistat should not be used by individuals with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis.
Does Orlistat affect vitamin absorption?
Yes. Orlistat may reduce the absorption of fat‑soluble vitamins, so vitamin supplementation is often recommended.
What should I do if I experience severe side effects?
If you experience severe gastrointestinal issues or other adverse effects, stop using Orlistat and consult your doctor immediately.
Access & Cost
Do I need a prescription for Orlistat?
In the UK, Orlistat is available by prescription. Some lower-dose formulations may be available over the counter in other regions.
Can I buy Orlistat online?
Yes, Orlistat can be purchased online via regulated pharmacies such as Simple Online Pharmacy. Always ensure you have a valid prescription.
Where can I find competitive pricing for Orlistat?
We regularly compare prices across UK service providers and strive to offer competitive rates for Orlistat.
What support is available for Orlistat users?
UK clinical guidelines recommend regular follow-ups with your doctor to monitor progress and address any side effects. Online support may also be available through your provider.
Reviews
Info Leaflet
Before taking any medication, it is important to read the Patient Information Leaflet. You can find information leaflets for your medicines by typing them into the search bar at medicines.org, or by contacting us.
