Description
How it works
Orlistat attaches to enzymes in your gut (lipases) that normally break down dietary fat. When those enzymes are blocked, about a third of the fat you eat passes through your system instead of being absorbed—so your body takes in fewer calories.
What you’ll likely notice
- Best results when you keep meals lower in fat
- Clear feedback: if a meal is too fatty, you may get oily stools or urgency (a sign to reduce fat next time)
Who it may be suitable for
- Adults who prefer a tablet rather than injections
- People ready to follow a lower-fat, calorie-reduced plan consistently
- Those without conditions that make orlistat unsuitable (we screen for these in your assessment)
Your prescriber will confirm eligibility after reviewing your health, BMI and medicines.
Side Effects
- Oily/greasy stools, orange discharge, gas with discharge, urgency, more frequent bowel movements
- Mild abdominal cramps or bloating
Tips to minimise side effects
- Keep each meal’s fat to a modest amount; avoid deep-fried foods and creamy sauces
- Prefer grilled/baked lean meats, fish, pulses, low-fat dairy
- Increase fibre and fluids
- Plan ahead when eating out—choose lower-fat options
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
Do not use orlistat if you:
- Have chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Tell us if you have:
- Gallbladder problems, kidney stones, or fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies
- Thyroid disease (on levothyroxine) or use anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin)
- A history of eating disorders or significant GI disease
We’ll review your medical history and current medicines to ensure it’s safe.
Medicines, supplements & spacing
Because orlistat changes fat absorption, it can affect how some medicines or vitamins work. General guidance (your prescriber will tailor this):
- Levothyroxine: take at least 4 hours apart; your clinician may suggest monitoring thyroid levels if symptoms change.
- Warfarin/other anticoagulants: we may recommend INR monitoring when starting orlistat.
- Ciclosporin: usually avoid co-administration; if essential, specialist timing/monitoring is required.
- Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K): consider a multivitamin at bedtime (≥2 hours after your last orlistat dose) to avoid interference with absorption.
- Share all prescription, OTC and herbal products you take (including orlistat 60 mg Alli bought over the counter) so we can check for interactions.
Lifestyle guidance that boosts results
- Plate method: ½ veg/salad, ¼ lean protein, ¼ whole-grain or starchy veg
- Protein target: include ~20–30 g protein per main meal to support fullness
- Cooking methods: grill, bake, steam, air-fry with minimal oil
- Snacks: fruit, low-fat yogurt, popcorn, chickpeas/beans, rice cakes
- Movement: aim for 7,000–10,000 steps/day and 2–3 weekly strength sessions (brief, consistent beats intense, rare)
Storage & handling
- Store at room temperature, in original packaging, away from moisture and heat.
- Keep out of sight and reach of children.
When to contact us or seek urgent help
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Signs of allergic reaction (wheezing, facial swelling, widespread rash)
- Bruising/bleeding changes if you’re on anticoagulants
- Symptoms of vitamin deficiency (e.g., night vision changes)—we’ll advise on supplements
Expected Results
Everyone’s journey is different, but a steady, sustainable pace is the goal. Here’s what most people can expect when pairing Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Orlistat with a reduced-calorie diet, regular movement, good sleep, and stress management.
The big picture
- Healthy rate of loss: aim for 0.5–1.0% of body weight per week on average. Some weeks will be faster, some slower—trends matter more than single weigh-ins.
- Lifestyle drives results: medicines help with appetite or calorie absorption, but meal quality, portion control, and activity determine your long-term success.
- Non-scale wins count: looser clothes, smaller waist, better energy/sleep, improved blood pressure or blood sugar are all meaningful progress.
What a “good week” looks like
- Meals: 2–3 balanced meals/day + optional planned snack; 20–30 g protein per meal; plenty of veg/fibre; mindful portions.
- Movement: 7,000–10,000 steps/day average + 2–3 short strength sessions/week.
- Hydration & sleep: ~2 L water/day; 7–9 hours sleep where possible.
- Self-monitoring: 1–2 weigh-ins/week, waist measurement every 2–4 weeks, short note on appetite/side effects.
Plateaus: why they happen & how we respond
It’s common to stall for 1–3 weeks even while doing things right. We will:
- Check dose (for injectables) and side-effect comfort
- Adjust meal timing (e.g., consistent breakfast/lunch), protein/fibre targets, and calorie density
- Nudge steps up by 1–2k/day or add a short interval walk or incline session
- Review weekend patterns, alcohol, and “BLTs” (bites, licks, tastes)
When we reassess the plan
- Minimal change after several weeks despite adherence
- Persistent side effects impacting intake or daily life
- New medical issues or medicines
We’ll discuss options: adjust dose, tweak the lifestyle plan, consider a different medicine, or pause and reset.
Safety first
- Tell us if you experience ongoing vomiting/diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or any allergic symptoms.
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding: do not use these medicines. If pregnancy occurs, stop immediately and contact us.
Directions
How to take Orlistat
- Dose: One 120 mg capsule, with each main meal that contains fat (up to three times daily).
- Timing: Take during the meal or within 1 hour after.
- Skipped/low-fat meal: If you skip a meal or the meal contains no fat, skip the capsule.
- Diet structure: Aim for three balanced meals/day, with <30% of calories from fat, and spread fat evenly across meals (not all at once).
Example target: on 1,600 kcal/day, keep fat ≈ 50 g/day (≈ 15–20 g per main meal), focusing on lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats in small amounts.
What to expect over time
- First 1–2 weeks: GI effects teach you which foods/meals work best.
- Weeks 4–12: With consistent lower-fat choices, side effects usually settle and weight loss becomes steadier.
- 12 weeks onward: We review progress, diet, and tolerability; continue if you’re benefiting and it’s safe.
FAQs
Do I need to count every gram of fat?
No—but keeping fat moderate and consistent per meal is the key. If side effects flare, reduce fat next meal.
Can I take it with a high-fat “cheat meal”?
You can, but expect more GI effects. Most people prefer to keep those meals modest or skip the dose if the meal is very low in fat.
Will I feel shaky or hungry?
Orlistat doesn’t act on appetite directly. Build meals with protein + fibre to stay satisfied.
Can I use it long-term?
It can be used for extended periods when effective and well-tolerated, with periodic reviews by our prescribers.
What if I miss a dose?
If you forget during the meal, you can take it within 1 hour after. If it’s been longer (or you skipped/low-fat meal), skip the capsule and wait for the next meal.
How it works
Simple, safe, and designed around you. Here is what happens from start to finish.
Complete a Quick Online Assessment
Tell us about your health, goals, and any medicines you're taking. This helps us understand whether your chosen treatment is appropriate and safe for you.
Review by Our Prescriber
A UK-registered prescriber reviews your assessment—often the same day. If we need anything else, we'll contact you by secure message, phone, or email.
Fast, Discreet Dispensing & Delivery
Once approved, your treatment is dispensed and prepared for dispatch in plain, discreet packaging—no product names on the outside.
Ongoing Support
You'll receive easy, practical instructions tailored to your treatment—so you feel confident from day one.
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