How Orlistat's Mechanism Helps You Choose
How Orlistat Blocks Fat Absorption
Orlistat works by inhibiting lipase enzymes in your digestive system that normally break down dietary fat. When these enzymes are blocked, approximately one third of the fat you eat cannot be digested or absorbed into your body. This unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your digestive system, reducing the calories absorbed from fatty foods. The mechanism works locally in your gut rather than affecting brain chemistry, making it fundamentally different from appetite suppressants.
Orlistat 120mg vs Alli 60mg: Same Mechanism, Different Strength
Both prescription orlistat 120mg and Alli 60mg work through identical fat-blocking mechanisms. The key difference is dosage strength - prescription orlistat at 120mg blocks a greater proportion of dietary fat compared to Alli's 60mg dose. Generic orlistat 120mg costs £29.69 for 4 weeks with EDM10, while Xenical (branded 120mg) costs £38.69. Alli 60mg costs £26.09 for 4 weeks. Understanding this mechanism helps you choose the right strength following clinical assessment.
Why the Mechanism Proves Orlistat Works
The fat-blocking mechanism provides measurable proof that orlistat is working. When you follow a lower-fat diet (approximately 15g fat per meal), orlistat's effects are optimised with minimal gastrointestinal side effects. Higher fat meals result in more noticeable effects as unabsorbed fat passes through your system - this is actually confirmation the mechanism is functioning correctly. The science behind lipase inhibition has been extensively studied and proven effective for weight management support.
Getting Started: Mechanism-Based Dosing
Understanding how orlistat works guides proper usage. Take one capsule with each main meal containing fat - if a meal contains no fat, skip that dose since there's nothing for orlistat to block. The 12-week supply (252 capsules) offers best value at £86.39 for generic orlistat or £116.99 for Alli with EDM10. Following online clinical assessment, our UK-licensed prescribers determine the most appropriate strength based on your individual circumstances and weight management goals.
