How Good Are Orlistat Tablets for Weight Management?
How Effective Are Orlistat Tablets for Weight Loss?
Orlistat tablets are a prescription-only medicine that may help support weight management when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and increased physical activity. Clinical studies demonstrate that orlistat can contribute to weight loss by blocking approximately one third of the fat you consume from being absorbed into your body. The unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your digestive system, helping to reduce your overall calorie intake from dietary fat.
Individual responses vary, and orlistat works best when combined with lifestyle changes including regular exercise and dietary modification. Your prescriber will assess whether orlistat is suitable for your individual circumstances during the online consultation process.
Orlistat vs Xenical vs Alli - Which Option Is Right for You?
We offer three orlistat-based weight loss treatments, each containing the same active ingredient but at different strengths and price points. Generic orlistat 120mg provides the most cost-effective option at £32.99 for a 4-week supply (£29.69 with EDM10). Xenical 120mg is the branded version at £42.99 for 4 weeks (£38.69 with EDM10), containing identical active ingredients to generic orlistat. Alli 60mg offers a lower-strength option at £54.99 for 8 weeks (£49.49 with EDM10).
Both orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg require a prescription following clinical assessment, while Alli is available at the lower 60mg dose. Many patients choose generic orlistat for the clinical effectiveness at the best value, saving approximately £9 per month compared to branded Xenical.
How Do Orlistat Tablets Work for Weight Loss?
Orlistat works by inhibiting lipase enzymes in your digestive system that are responsible for breaking down dietary fat. When these enzymes are blocked, approximately one third of the fat from your meals cannot be digested or absorbed into your body. This unabsorbed fat is eliminated naturally, helping to reduce the calories your body receives from fat.
Orlistat acts locally in your gut rather than being absorbed into your bloodstream, making it different from appetite suppressants that work on your brain. The medication is most effective when you follow a reduced-calorie diet where no more than 30% of your daily calories come from fat - roughly 15g fat per meal spread across three main meals.
Online Prescription Process - Fast and Discreet
Getting orlistat prescribed through EverydayMeds is straightforward and doesn't require a GP appointment. Complete our online health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, and weight management goals. A UK-licensed prescriber will review your information and determine whether orlistat is clinically appropriate for your situation.
If approved, your prescription is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester and dispatched with next-day delivery in discreet packaging. The prescription is included in the price, and you can save 10% on every order using code EDM10. This applies to new and returning customers across all our orlistat products.
What to Expect When Taking Orlistat
When taking orlistat tablets, you may experience gastrointestinal side effects, particularly if you consume high-fat meals. Common effects include oily stools, increased bowel movement frequency, and urgent toilet visits. These side effects are directly related to the unabsorbed fat passing through your system and can be minimised by keeping your fat intake low.
Most patients find that side effects reduce over time as they adapt their diet to work with the medication. Taking a daily multivitamin supplement at bedtime is recommended, as orlistat may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Always follow the dosing guidance provided by your prescriber and take one 120mg capsule with each main meal containing fat.
Pricing and Pack Size Options
Our orlistat pricing offers excellent value with flexible pack sizes to suit your treatment duration. For generic orlistat 120mg, prices start from £16.89 for 2 weeks (42 capsules), reducing to £15.20 with code EDM10. The popular 12-week supply (252 capsules) costs £95.99 or £86.39 with discount, providing the best value for longer-term treatment.
Xenical branded orlistat starts from £21.50 for 2 weeks, while Alli 60mg begins at £28.99 for 4 weeks. All prices include the online consultation, prescription, and delivery. Use code EDM10 at checkout to save 10% on any order size. Start your weight loss journey today with a clinical assessment from our qualified prescribers.
