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Orlistat is a weight loss treatment that targets dietary fat. It is available as a generic medicine or as the branded drug Xenical.
Orlistat differs from appetite suppressants like Mounjaro and Wegovy. Instead of suppressing your appetite, orlistat is a weight loss pill that stops the absorption of some of the fat you eat.
When taken daily, it can significantly reduce the amount of fat stored in the body, leading to weight loss when combined with exercise and a healthy, calorie-controlled diet.
It was first approved by the EMA in July 1998, allowing it to be used in the European Union as a weight loss medication.
At euroClinix, we prescribe orlistat to those with a BMI over 30, or over 28 with a weight-related condition.
Orlistat is known as a gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor. These medicines work by preventing the absorption of some of the fats found in the food you eat.
Normally, this excess fat is stored in the body, contributing to weight gain. Orlistat disrupts this process, causing the unabsorbed fat to be excreted in the stool instead. About a third of the fat you eat is lost this way when taking orlistat.
When combined with exercise and a reduced-calorie diet, orlistat can help your body burn stored fat more efficiently, leading to weight loss over time.
How orlistat works
1. Prevents fat from being absorbed
Orlistat prevents the absorption of some of the fats found in the food you eat.
2. Unabsorbed fat is excreted
Since the fat is not absorbed, it is excreted in your stool instead of being stored on the body.
3. Stored fat is burned
Since the body doesn’t have access to new fat stores, it has to burn fat already stored on the body.
4. Weight loss
This process can lead to weight loss over time
Important: orlistat must be combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise to be effective.
By aiding in reducing fat absorption, orlistat can offer several benefits to your health.
Orlistat has been clinically proven to be an effective weight loss medication.
In one trial, 80 obese patients were randomly selected to receive either one orlistat 120 mg capsule 3 times a day or a placebo. Here are the key findings after 6 months:
NOTE: Orlistat results are subject to your lifestyle choices and may differ between individuals.
This medication may not be suitable for everyone. When you complete a consultation for weight loss, our UK-registered doctors will be able to determine if this medication is safe for you.
To get a prescription for orlistat from euroClinix, you must be over the age of 18 and have a BMI over 30, or over 27 with a weight-related condition.
You cannot take orlistat if:
Additionally, there are some conditions where the safety of orlistat will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Tell your doctor if:
Please disclose your health status during your online consultation with euroClinix. One of our doctors will evaluate whether orlistat is suitable for you and may adjust your medications if needed.
To use orlistat correctly, follow the dosage and treatment course our medical team prescribes. This ensures the drug’s effectiveness and helps avoid side effects.
Keep reading to see some general guidelines on how to take orlistat or its branded version, Xenical.
Only one dosage is available: orlistat 120 mg. The recommended dosage is 1 capsule 3 times daily until you reach a healthy BMI.
Orlistat is best taken either immediately before, during, or up to 1 hour after a meal. If you take it without eating, there won’t be any undigested fat for the medication to bind to, so it won’t have any effect.
You should take 1 capsule at each meal of the day. This will make it easy to remember to take all your capsules and ensure orlistat’s effectiveness.
If you miss a dose of orlistat, take it as soon as possible, provided it is within an hour of your last meal. Then, continue to take it as usual.
If it has been more than an hour since your last meal, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Taking more than your doctor has prescribed is dangerous and will not make orlistat more effective.
Orlistat starts working in the body immediately, but it can take a while before you see noticeable results. Significant weight loss is usually seen after taking this medication for longer than 2 months.
How much weight you lose and how quickly depends on how many calories you are eating and how active you are. For the best results, make sure you are eating in a calorie deficit and exercising regularly.
Orlistat is a safe and effective long-term weight loss medication. This means you can take it for as long as it takes to reach a healthy BMI.
However, your doctor may reassess your situation and prescribe alternative treatment if you do not lose at least 5% of your starting body weight after 12 weeks.
Orlistat is only effective if taken alongside a calorie-controlled diet and regular physical activity. Read on to learn how to take orlistat for best results.
NOTE: When taking orlistat, it is advised that less than 30% of your daily calorie intake should be fat for your dose to be effective.
Taking this medicine may produce side effects. Long-term side effects of orlistat are rare. They should normally disappear after a few days.
Mild headaches are a common side effect of Xenical. These are usually very mild and do not last for very long.
LiverSide effects relating to the liver are very rare but there is a slight possibility that they will occur. These include hepatitis and elevated liver enzymes.
GastricGastric side effects are among the most common occurrences for those taking Xenical. Flatulence and increased bowel movements are often reported. Abdominal pain may also occur. Less common is incontinence and rectal pain or bleeding.
MouthSome users of Xenical may experience some form of tooth or gum disorder.
Click on the relevant area of the body to find out about how it may be affected by Xenical
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Some side effects of orlistat may require medical help, but some can be managed at home. Here are some of the most common orlistat side effects and some ways to manage them:
For more detailed information, please refer to the patient information leaflet.
Some medicines are not safe to take alongside orlistat. Tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking, including the following:
Category | Safety | Advice |
---|---|---|
Alcohol | Consult your doctor | Consult your doctor before drinking alcohol, as orlistat may increase blood alcohol levels. |
Pregnancy | Unsafe | Taking this medication is not recommended while pregnant, as the effect on unborn babies is unknown. |
Breastfeeding | Unsafe | Breastfeeding while taking this medication is not usually recommended, as it is unknown if it passes into breastmilk. |
Driving | Safe | Orlistat has no known effect on your ability to drive. However, if you experience side effects that impair your driving, you must exercise caution. |
Hydration | Important | Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as this can reduce the severity of side effects. |
To store this medicine safely:
*Take any unused medication to your local pharmacy for proper disposal. These measures help to protect the environment.
No, Xenical can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Prescriptions are necessary because they:
Ordering orlistat online from euroClinix is convenient.
Follow these simple steps:
Your privacy is our top priority. euroClinix uses secure, encrypted transactions and complies with UK medical standards to keep your information confidential.
Start your online consultation today to enjoy professional care from the comfort of your home.
euroClinix is trusted by thousands of British users for its safe and convenient service. Here’s why:
Join thousands who trust euroClinix for their healthcare needs and take control of your health today.
The price of orlistat at euroClinix includes everything you need:
Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden fees. Order today and benefit from our complete, all-inclusive service.
Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.
Type of medicine | Gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor |
Used for | Weight loss |
Active ingredient(s) | Orlistat |
Works by | Preventing the absorption of fat from food in the intestines |
Effective within | Within 2 weeks |
Available as | Capsules |
Available dosage(s) | 120 mg |
Usage instructions | Take 1 capsule 3 times a day |
Packaging | Blister packs containing 84 capsules |
Manufacturer | Roche |
Branded available? | Yes, branded Xenical capsules |
Storage | Store below 30°C in the original packaging |
Prescription required? | Yes, get it FREE with our online consultation |
Who is suitable for an online consultation? | Adults over 18 with a BMI over 30 or over 28 with a weight-related health condition |
*Note: Our medical team must review your online consultation before approving this treatment. They will determine if the requested treatment and quantity are safe, appropriate, and effective for you.
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