Orlistat 120mg tablets

What is Orlistat?

If you have a BMI of 30 and over (or 28 and over with other risk factors), Orlistat tablets could be an effective treatment to support your weight loss journey.

• Orlistat is the generic version of Xenical
• Orlistat is the active ingredient in Xenical
• It works in the same way
• It’s a form of medicated weight loss
• Orlistat helps overweight people lose weight
• It should be taken three times a day around your mealtimes (from just before eating to an hour after)

How does Orlistat work?

Summary and effectiveness
Orlistat is a weight loss medication that changes how your body absorbs fat from the foods you eat. Orlistat prevents your body breaking down nearly a 1/3 of the fat that you eat.

In previous studies, Orlistat assisted 37% of participants with losing at least 5% of their body weight after twelve weeks.  

Step-by-step

• Orlistat attaches to the enzymes in your digestive system (lipases)
• Orlistat stops the lipases from breaking down up to a third of the fat you’ve eaten in your meals
• The undigested fat is not absorbed into your body
• This fat is then passed out with your stools (faeces)
• The body absorbs less fat, which can assist with weight loss alongside healthy living

How long does Orlistat take to work?

Orlistat starts to affect how you digest fat within 1 to 2 days. When taking Orlistat you need to follow a calorie-reduced diet plan and regularly exercise for the best results. The more lifestyle changes you make the more weight you may lose.

“Taking Orlistat alone with meals doesn’t guarantee weight loss. As with any weight loss journey, healthy eating and increasing your exercise increases the chances you will lose weight on Orlistat.”  - Dr. Bhavini Shah 

Does Orlistat burn existing fat?

Orlistat doesn’t burn any existing body fat you may have. Instead, it stops your body absorbing around a third of the fat in the foods you eat. When taking Orlistat or Xenical it’s important to follow a low-fat diet.

Is Orlistat an effective weight loss treatment?

When taken three times a day for 12 weeks you should aim to lose about 5% of your weight. Studies have shown that over 6 months some people may lose over 10% of their body weight. However, the speed and quality of Orlistat’s effects depend on your lifestyle. 

While Orlistat does help reduce the amount of fat your body absorbs, it is only effective if you make complementary lifestyle changes. These include increased exercise, moderating calorie intake, eating a balanced diet, and reducing alcohol consumption. The results are also dependent on your personal commitment and motivation to losing weight. Lifestyle factors such as stress or your age also play a part.

Look for non-scale signs of weight loss rather than focusing on the scales to help track your progress.

“Although it’s a good idea to check your weight every so often, there are so many other ways you can track your health and weight loss success that do not consider the number of kilograms you weigh.” - Dr Bhavini Shah

How to take Orlistat

• You should take one capsule with water three times a day
• Take one capsule immediately before, during, or up to an hour after each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) 

If you miss a main meal or if you have a meal containing no fat, Orlistat does not need to be taken. This is because there is nothing for the treatment to work with.

If you do take Orlistat on an empty stomach, you may experience side effects such as wind and oily stools.

Orlistat only works in the presence of dietary fat - the fat in foods and drinks. Dietary fat fall into three categories; saturated fats, unsaturated fats and trans fats. Fatty foods include cooking oils, cream, nuts and fatty cuts of meat.

Orlistat dosage

The recommended dose is one 120mg capsule three times a day. Each 120mg capsule is to be taken with one meal. Taking more will not make it work faster.

Available courses of Orlistat from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor:

You should only take Orlistat as prescribed and never exceed the stated dose. Your prescription is for you – you should never share prescribed medicines with anyone. 

Who can take Orlistat tablets?

Orlistat is suitable for people who are medically overweight. We can only prescribe it if you have a:

• BMI of 30 and over
• BMI of 28 and over only if you have any other associated risk factors or weight related conditions such as high blood pressure 

You will not be suitable for this treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Orlistat must be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Speak to your doctor or complete an online consultation if you’d like to take this treatment.

Where to buy Orlistat

Orlistat is only available with a prescription from your doctor or one of our clinicians. However, you will need to answer a health questionnaire first to get this treatment. In this questionnaire you will be asked questions like:

• Your height and weight
• Whether you have used Orlistat or another weight loss treatment before
• Your current exercise regime
• Whether you smoke
• If you take any other medications
• If you have any allergies
• Your medical history

What’s the difference between Orlistat and Xenical®?

Orlistat is the generic version of the drug Xenical®. Both treatments contain the same:

• Size capules
• No. of capsules
• Ingredients
• Dosage
• Method of taking treatment

The only major change between Orlistat and Xenical® is their branding. If you’re interested in other weight loss treatments, talk to your GP or visit our weight loss hub.

Orlistat side effects

As with all medicines you may experience side effects. Side effects are more prevalent if you take Orlistat following a fatty meal.

Side effects could include:

Other possible side effects include allergic reactions, diverticulitis, hepatitis, gallstones, pancreatitis and kidney stones.

For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects concern you, contact us via your Patient Record.