About weight loss treatments
Who is eligible for weight loss medication?
Weight loss treatments are made for people with high BMIs. Here at Online Doctor, we currently offer Orlistat, Xenical and Saxenda®.
Orlistat and Xenical can be prescribed for people with a BMI of over 30 (or 28 if you have a risk factor such as high blood pressure).
Saxenda® is suitable for people with a BMI of over 30 (or 27-30 if you have a risk factor).
During your online consultation, we'll work out your BMI (you'll need to know your weight). We'll also ask about other medicines you're taking, and any conditions you have. The questionnaire is completely confidential, and we'll use the information to ensure the treatment you have requested is safe to take.
How do weight loss pills work?
Xenical and Orlistat (which both have the same active ingredient, orlistat, so work in the same way), are prescribed as a tablet. They work by blocking up to a third of the fat in the food you eat from being absorbed into your system.
How do weight loss injections work?
Saxenda®, the weight loss injection (pen) that we offer, works by suppressing your appetite. This means it makes you feel less hungry and fuller quicker.
Weight loss treatments and weight management
The goal with weight management should be to reach a healthy weight for your height and build, and to maintain it. Achieving sustainable results and staying at your goal weight is best done by making adjustments to your lifestyle, being more active and eating a balanced diet. However, it is possible that prescription weight loss treatments can help you reach your goal weight. If you have any concerns about sudden weight gain, you should see your GP for advice.
Doctor's weight loss advice
How you feel about your weight is very personal. Many people do not need to be concerned about their weight, as they aren’t in immediate danger of health issues.
Medically speaking, you are 'overweight' if you have a BMI of more than 25. So, you might be advised by your GP to make lifestyle changes to try and lose weight.
You can use this NHS tool to calculate your BMI.
What are the health benefits of losing weight?
If you’re looking to lose weight because you have a high BMI, you may be at higher risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Reaching a healthy weight can lower your risk of experiencing these serious health issues.
If you’re living with asthma or erectile dysfunction, weight loss can improve your symptoms. Some people find that reaching a healthy weight improves self-confidence and mental health. It can also make some activities more enjoyable as the strain on their joints is reduced as well.
Diets and long-term weight maintenance
Make changes to your lifestyle that you can stick to, and you will find maintaining a healthy weight easier. Fad diets tend to make your weight drop dramatically and then rise again, so avoid these. Instead, try to eat more whole fruits, vegetables, wholegrains and lean protein while increasing your activity level. Walk more, join a local sports team, or swim regularly. The occasional sugary treat is fine, but make sure it's occasional and part of a balanced diet.
Our weight loss clinic
We can prescribe Orlistat and Xenical online. Simply request the treatment you'd like and complete the medical consultation. We’ll use this information to ensure that the treatment is safe and suitable for you.
If approved, you’ll need to go in-store to collect your first treatment. This is so that you can have your BMI checked by one of our colleagues. After this first collection, for Orlistat and Xenical, you'll have the option of delivery.
Other weight loss services
We're also working on bringing you a new weight loss treatment Wegovy®. It's another weight loss injection used to help reduce and regulate your appetite and has been proven to be very effective.
Find out more about Wegovy® here.
