Understanding Orlistat Ingredients for Weight Loss
Active Ingredient: Orlistat 120mg
The key orlistat ingredient is orlistat itself - a lipase inhibitor that works locally in your digestive system. Unlike appetite suppressants that affect the brain, orlistat acts in the gut by inhibiting lipase enzymes responsible for breaking down dietary fat. This mechanism means approximately one third of the fat you eat cannot be absorbed and passes naturally through your body, potentially reducing calorie intake when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
Prescription Orlistat vs Branded Xenical
Both generic orlistat 120mg (from £16.89) and branded Xenical 120mg (from £21.50) contain identical active ingredients at the same dose. The clinical effect is equivalent - the main difference is cost. Generic orlistat offers savings of approximately £9 per month compared to Xenical, while providing the same weight management support. Both require prescription following clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers.
How Orlistat Ingredients Work
Orlistat's active ingredient targets pancreatic and gastric lipases in your digestive system. When these enzymes are inhibited, dietary fat cannot be fully broken down into absorbable components. The unabsorbed fat is eliminated naturally, which may help reduce overall calorie absorption when eating fat-containing meals. This process works best when combined with meals containing no more than 15g fat to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
Available Strengths and Pack Sizes
Prescription orlistat 120mg is available in multiple pack sizes: 42 capsules (2-week supply) for £16.89, 84 capsules (4-week supply) for £32.99, 168 capsules (8-week supply) for £63.99, and 252 capsules (12-week supply) for £95.99. All prices include 10% discount with code EDM10. Alli 60mg offers half the prescription strength for those preferring a lower-dose option. Each capsule should be taken with main meals containing fat, up to three times daily.
Clinical Assessment and Prescription Process
Orlistat 120mg requires prescription following clinical assessment of your medical history, current BMI, and weight-related health factors. Our online consultation process allows UK-licensed prescribers to review your suitability without requiring a separate GP appointment. Orlistat may be suitable for adults with BMI 30 or above, or BMI 28 or above with weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Complete your consultation today to discover if prescription weight loss treatment could support your weight management goals.
Safety and Side Effects
Understanding orlistat ingredients helps explain potential side effects, which are primarily gastrointestinal and directly related to the medicine blocking fat absorption. Common effects include oily stools, increased bowel frequency, and urgent bowel movements - particularly when eating high-fat meals. These effects can be minimised by following a lower-fat diet as recommended. A daily multivitamin taken at bedtime is advised, as orlistat may reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
