Orlistat

Where can I buy Orlistat in the UK?

You can safely purchase this weight loss medication online from responsible prescription clinics like UK Meds. Before your order is supplied, you will need to complete an online consultation with an independent prescriber. This ensures that the 120mg capsules are the right treatment for your medical needs, making it the most secure way to order Orlistat online.

Learn more about Orlistat prescription requirements in the UK.

Can you get Orlistat at Boots?

Orlistat Boots

At the time of writing, this prescription medication is not readily available at Boots. However, you can securely purchase it from UK Meds, where you may also benefit from discounts when buying multiple packs to find the most cost-effective option.

Can you get Orlistat at Amazon?

Orlistat Amazon UK

Currently, prescription weight loss treatments are not available on Amazon UK. If you'd like to safely buy Orlistat, UK Meds offers a fully responsible, reliable alternative with discreet home delivery.

Can you get Orlistat at Alpha XR?

Orlistat Alpha XR

While available at Alpha XR, UK Meds offers highly competitive pricing and potential savings on bulk purchases. If you are looking for value and convenience when sourcing your medication, UK Meds provides an excellent alternative.

Our Commitment to Keeping You Safe on Your Weight Loss Journey

FitXpress is an AI-powered, live-photo BMI verification system that ensures accurate, tamper-proof body measurements to support safe and compliant online prescribing of weight-loss medications.

Learn more about the FitXpress process.

How do I use FitXpress?

To order your chosen weight loss treatment from UK Meds you need to complete a FitXpress body scan. Here is how this process works:

1 - Select your preferred weight loss treatment from the UK Meds website.

2 - Complete our online consultation form and submit your order.

3 - You will receive an email from us prompting you to complete your FitXpress scan. Click the link in the email.

4 - Select your desired photo mode. This is either taking photos yourself, or getting someone to help you. If you select "Take Photos Myself", using the voice assistant can make your experience much easier.

5 - Take a full-body front-facing photo, and a full-body side-profile photo.

6 - Submit your photos.

7 - These photos will be reviewed by FitXpress.

7a - If your photos fail, you will receive an email explaining why, with a prompt to retake your photos.

7b - If your body scan has passed the FitXpress assessment, your consultation will be reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor. If approved, your order will be processed and dispatched to your delivery address.

Top Tips For Using FitXpress

• During your consultation, make sure you update your weight.
• Avoid baggy or loose clothing.
• Stand in a well-lit area, avoiding strong backlighting. Natural light works best.
• Stand against a plain background (white or light-coloured walls are ideal).
• Make sure your photos include your whole body and match the silhouette.
• Stand straight with your arms in an 'A' pose for the front photo and relaxed by your side for the side photo.
• Make sure the camera angle is correct.
• If you are struggling to take the photos yourself, try using the voice assistant to help. It makes the process much easier.

What Is Orlistat?

It is a clinically proven weight loss medication that effectively reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs from food. These capsules are designed specifically for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 28 or higher if accompanied by weight-related health risks such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes^[1][9].

How Does Orlistat Work?

The medication works directly in your digestive system by blocking the enzymes that break down fat. Its mechanism of action involves reversibly inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipases. Because these enzymes are blocked, up to one-third of the fat you eat passes out of your body naturally instead of being absorbed. This significantly reduces your overall calorie intake and supports gradual, sustainable weight loss when combined with a low-fat diet.

• Starts working quickly: Fat excretion begins within 24 to 48 hours of your first dose.
• Targets dietary fat only: Carbohydrates and proteins are still absorbed normally.

Does Orlistat make you feel full or suppress your appetite?

No, it does not reduce your appetite. Because it acts entirely on the digestive enzymes in your stomach and intestines, it does not cross into the brain or send satiety signals to make you feel full^[7].

Does Orlistat burn existing fat?

No, it only targets the new dietary fat from the food you have just eaten. To burn the existing fat stored in your body, you must maintain a consistent calorie deficit through your diet and exercise plan, which this medication actively helps you achieve.

Is Orlistat Effective?

Yes. Clinical studies show that people using this medication can lose up to 50% more weight compared to dieting alone. On average, users who follow a suitable diet and exercise plan can expect to lose around 5% to 10% of their body weight within six months (Bansal et al., 2024)^[2].

• Most users lose a safe and steady 1-2 pounds per week^[6].
• For every 2 pounds you lose through diet, the medication can help you lose 1 additional pound.

How Long Does Orlistat Take to Work?

In terms of blocking fat absorption, it starts working within 24 hours. For visible weight loss results on the scale, progress varies by individual, but many users begin seeing changes within the first few weeks. The key to long-term success is consistency over 3 to 6 months while following a balanced, low-fat diet. Learn more about what to expect.

How to get the best results

To maximise your weight loss, you must follow a strict low-fat, reduced-calorie diet. Because the medication works by blocking fat absorption, eating high-fat meals will trigger unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects. Distributing your daily fat intake evenly across three main meals will yield the best outcomes.

What are the best foods to eat when taking Orlistat?

The best foods are those that are low in fat but high in nutritional value. A dedicated Orlistat diet plan will help you choose balanced meals that support your goals and prevent digestive side effects. You should focus your diet heavily on:

• High-fibre fruits and vegetables
• Lean protein sources (like chicken or white fish)
• Whole grains
• Low-fat dairy and healthy, fat-free snacks

What foods should I avoid?

To avoid severe side effects, you must eliminate meals containing more than 15g of fat. Avoid fried foods, fatty meats, butter, heavy creams, and pastries. Furthermore, while you can consume alcohol safely, alcoholic drinks contain empty calories that will easily stall your weight loss progress.

Why am I taking Orlistat and not losing weight?

If you are taking the medication but your weight has stalled, it is highly likely that your overall daily calorie intake remains too high. The pills do not block the absorption of sugars or carbohydrates. You must track your food to ensure you remain in a calorie deficit.

Is Orlistat Right for You?

This treatment is suitable for adults committed to long-term weight management through dedicated diet and exercise. It’s most effective when used as part of a permanent lifestyle change rather than a quick fix. Consult your healthcare provider to determine if the 120mg capsule is appropriate for your specific medical history.

For detailed safety information on this prescription medication, patients should always refer to the official patient information leaflet^[3].

Weight loss treatments affect everyone differently. Each patient's experience is unique, heavily influenced by their starting health, lifestyle changes, and personal dedication to their diet.

Orlistat Reviews

If you're considering this medication, reading reviews can help you understand how others have successfully managed their diet to support their goals:

UK Meds Reviews: Read firsthand experiences from our customers to see how the medication has impacted their journey.
Additional Insights: You can also explore user feedback on independent platforms like Drugs.com^[4] and WebMD^[5].

Things to keep in mind

Individual Results May Vary: While some patients achieve dramatic weight loss, others may find it less effective if they do not adhere to the dietary rules. What works for one person may not work for another.
Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always consult your doctor to ensure the treatment aligns with your health goals before starting.
Patient Insights Are Valuable: Reviews provide excellent practical tips on managing side effects. However, it’s essential to judge the medication based on your own clinical experience once approved.

How is Orlistat Used?

The medication is taken orally as a capsule. Here is exactly how to structure your doses for maximum efficacy:

• When to Take It: Take one 120mg capsule after each main meal, up to a maximum of three times a day.
• Skip If You Skip a Meal: If you miss a meal, or eat a meal that contains zero fat, you should skip taking the tablet, as the active ingredient requires fat to bind to.
• Timing: You can take the tablet during your meal or up to one hour after eating.

Because the medication only works when there is fat in your food, following a balanced, low-fat diet is non-negotiable. Always follow the specific advice provided by your prescriber.

Can I take it once a day?

Yes, you only take a dose when you consume a meal containing fat. If you only eat one fat-containing meal per day, you would only take one pill. However, following a regular three-meal plan yields the most consistent and sustainable weight loss.

Who should not take Orlistat?

This medication is not suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18 years old, have a condition affecting nutrient absorption (chronic malabsorption syndrome), or suffer from cholestasis (a liver condition affecting bile flow).

Is Orlistat safe?

Yes, it is highly safe for eligible adults because it operates locally in the gut and does not enter your bloodstream or affect your brain chemistry. However, the specific conditions listed above are strictly contraindicated.

Medicines that can be affected

Because it alters digestion, it can reduce the absorption and effectiveness of certain other medicines. This includes treatments for HIV and AIDS, ciclosporin, acarbose, levothyroxine, amiodarone, warfarin, and some epilepsy medications^[8]. Furthermore, if you take the oral contraceptive pill and experience severe diarrhoea as a side effect, you must use an extra barrier method of contraception until your next cycle.

Before starting treatment

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you currently take.
• Because the drug blocks fat, it also blocks fat-soluble vitamins. You must take a daily multivitamin (containing vitamins A, D, E, and K) at least two hours before or after your capsule (taking it at bedtime is heavily recommended).

Always read the patient information leaflet^[3] for full safety guidance before starting.

The most common side effects relate directly to the unabsorbed fat being passed out of your body in your stools. These symptoms may include oily or fatty stools, an urgent, sudden need to go to the toilet, oily spotting on underwear, and excess flatulence (wind). While completely harmless, they can be unpleasant.

Crucially, these side effects are far more likely to occur if you eat a high-fat meal. Following a strict low-fat eating plan drastically reduces the risk, and many patients find these digestive symptoms ease over time as their dietary habits improve.

Can Orlistat cause constipation?

No, constipation is exceptionally rare. The mechanism of action leaves excess fat in the digestive tract, which acts as a lubricant and typically causes the exact opposite effect (loose stools or diarrhea).

How long after taking it do you poop?

If you consume a meal that is too high in fat, the resulting side effect (which sometimes presents as an orange or oily discharge) typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours as the unabsorbed fat moves fully through your digestive tract^[10][11].

What are the long-term side effects?

The primary long-term side effect is the potential for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K)^[9], which is precisely why a daily multivitamin is mandatory. Severe dangers, such as liver or kidney complications, are incredibly rare. Always consult your patient leaflet for the comprehensive list of precautions.

A pharmacist's overview of the side effects of this medication and how to manage them:

Independent pharmacist and Clinical Safety Officer, Monalisa Kapinga provides a simple explanation of the common side effects patients experience, and how you can manage them:

"Side effects of Orlistat may include abdominal pain, anxiety, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Abdominal discomfort is often diet-related - reduce fat intake and seek medical attention if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by vomiting or fever. Anxiety should be monitored; if it affects daily functioning, consult a GP. Diarrhoea is common early in treatment - manage with small, low-fat meals and seek advice if it becomes frequent, watery, or leads to dehydration. Gastrointestinal issues often improve with dietary control; track and limit hidden fats. For serious symptoms like rectal bleeding, gallstones, or signs of diverticulitis (fever, sharp abdominal pain), stop Orlistat and consult a doctor. Rashes with blisters (bullous dermatitis) require immediate discontinuation and medical review. Watch for signs of hepatitis (jaundice, fatigue, dark urine, nausea) and stop treatment until reviewed. Good hydration helps prevent oxalate nephropathy or kidney problems - seek help if urine output drops or back pain occurs. In the case of pancreatitis (sudden upper abdominal pain, vomiting), stop Orlistat and seek urgent care."

Below we answer the most common questions weight loss patients ask about this medication:

Is Orlistat the same as Xenical?

Yes, Xenical is the premium brand name for the generic medication Orlistat. Both contain the exact same active ingredients and work in the exact same way to block fat absorption.

Key Points:

• Function: Both medications help with weight loss by inhibiting fat absorption in the digestive tract.
• Effectiveness: They are equally effective clinically. They are not suitable for weight issues caused by underlying hormonal conditions like hypothyroidism.
• Diet: For either brand to work, you must pair the medication with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet.

Can I buy it over the counter in the UK?

You cannot buy the clinical 120mg dosage without a prescription. However, there is a lighter over-the-counter alternative; the 60mg version (branded as Alli) is available directly from pharmacies without needing a doctor's review.

How long does it stay in your system?

Because the drug acts locally in the gut, only trace amounts are ever absorbed into the bloodstream. It is naturally excreted in your faeces, usually taking between 48 to 72 hours to leave your digestive system completely.

If you're looking for alternatives, UK Meds offers other effective diet pills and clinical medications. Here is an overview:

Alli Diet Pills (Orlistat vs Alli)

• What Is Alli? Alli is simply a half-strength, 60mg version of Orlistat. It works using the identical mechanism but contains a lower dose.
• No Prescription Needed: Unlike the 120mg capsules or Xenical, the 60mg Alli version can be legally purchased without a prescription.
• Order Online: You can conveniently purchase Alli tablets directly from UK Meds.

Xenical Diet Pills

• What Is Xenical? Xenical is the branded 120mg version of Orlistat, marketed under a premium label.
• Prescription Required: If you have a prescription for Xenical, you can order it online through our service.
• Generic Option: Generic Orlistat provides a far more cost-effective alternative for the exact same clinical result.

Are other weight loss medications available? (Pills vs Injections)

Yes, there are highly effective alternative treatments available in the form of weekly or daily injection pens. These work entirely differently; rather than blocking fat in the gut, they suppress your appetite by acting on receptors in the brain. They include:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A newer, highly effective dual-action injectable treatment that targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
• Wegovy (semaglutide): A once-weekly injection clinically renowned for significant weight loss through appetite suppression.
• Saxenda (liraglutide): A well-established daily injectable option for reducing weight alongside a healthy diet.

Can you combine Orlistat with weight loss injections?

• Combining with Wegovy (Semaglutide): It is generally not recommended to mix them. Taking a fat-blocker alongside a medication that slows gastric emptying can severely compound and worsen gastrointestinal side effects.
• Combining with Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Dual therapy with these aggressive medications is not standard clinical practice and should only ever be considered under direct, continuous medical supervision.
• Combining with Ozempic: The same medical logic applies; combining these treatments significantly increases the risk of severe adverse digestive reactions.