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Orlistat - Weight loss treatment
  • Take 1 capsule 3 times a day
  • Prevents up to 1/3 of the fat you eat being digested
  • Cheaper than Xenical but works in the same way

Orlistat

When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Orlistat weight loss pill can increase your chances of losing weight. It's the cost-effective, generic version of Xenical, but works in the same way.

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Orlistat - Weight loss treatment

Generic treatment

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Alternative treatment: Xenical

  • Take 1 capsule 3 times a day
  • Prevents up to 1/3 of the fat you eat being digested
  • Cheaper than Xenical but works in the same way

Generic or branded treatments?

Some treatments contain the same active ingredient but are sold under different names. If the active ingredient and the dosage are the same, the treatments will have the same effect and work in the same way. 

Generic Branded
Same active ingredient
Works in the same way
Often less expensive

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About Orlistat

  • How to take Orlistat

    Take 1 capsule with water 3 times a day immediately before, during, or up to an hour after each main meal (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

    Orlistat only works in the presence of dietary fat. If you miss a main meal or if you have a meal containing no fat, Orlistat does not need to be taken.

  • Does Orlistat have side effects?

    Side effects could include pain or discomfort in your stomach, and flatulence (wind) with an oily discharge. You may have a sudden need to open your bowels, and stools may be oily, liquid or fatty in texture. These side effects are more prevalent if you take Orlistat following a fatty meal.

    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.

  • Is Orlistat effective?

    Orlistat should be taken 3 times a day, usually over 12 weeks, during which time you should aim to lose about 5% of your weight. However, the speed and quality of its effects depend on aspects of 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.

  • How it works

    Orlistat prevents your body breaking down nearly a 1/3 of the fat that you eat. The undigested fat is not absorbed into your body and is passed out with your stools (faeces).

  • Who can take Orlistat tablets?

    Orlistat is suitable for people who are medically overweight. We can only prescribe it if you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 and over (28 and over if you have any other associated risk factors).

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

  • Safety: taking other medicines

    As is true of all medication, Orlistat can interact with other medicines, making them less effective. This is why it's important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking so that we can prescribe Orlistat safely.

  • Important information about Orlistat

    Your first order of Orlistat must be collected from a LloydsPharmacy store so your height and weight can be checked. This is for your safety. For repeat orders, you will be able to choose delivery as an option.

    You should only take Orlistat as prescribed and never exceed the stated dose. Taking more will not make it work faster. Your prescription is for you – you should never share prescribed medicines with anyone.

  • Alternative treatments to Orlistat

    Alli is an alternative weight loss treatment that is half the strength of Orlistat. Alli is available without a prescription from LloydsPharmacy.com and in-store.

    LloydsPharmacy also offers a Medicated Weight Loss service. This service includes ongoing advice and support alongside a prescribed medication, which is a daily injection. Find out more. 

    There are a variety of weight loss treatments available on the market, including supplementary dietary pills and surgical options. However, a healthy diet and regular exercise is an effective way to lose weight and improve your health in the long-term.

More advice about weight loss

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