Understanding Orlistat Wind - Making An Informed Choice
Why Does Orlistat Cause Wind and Flatulence?
Orlistat works by blocking lipase enzymes in your gut, preventing approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed. This unabsorbed fat passes through your digestive system naturally, often causing flatulence, wind, and other gastrointestinal effects. The mechanism that makes orlistat effective for weight management - fat blocking - is also what causes these side effects. Understanding this helps you make an informed decision about prescription weight loss treatment.
How Common Is Wind With Orlistat?
Flatulence affects more than 1 in 10 people taking orlistat 120mg or Xenical, making it a very common side effect. You may also experience oily spotting, urgent bowel movements, and fatty stools. These effects are more noticeable when eating high-fat meals. The lower-strength Alli 60mg typically causes milder side effects due to the reduced dose. At EverydayMeds, Alli 60mg costs £49.49 for 8 weeks with code EDM10.
Minimising Wind and Gastrointestinal Effects
The key to reducing wind with orlistat is keeping your fat intake low - approximately 15g of fat per meal spread across three main meals daily. High-fat meals significantly increase the likelihood of flatulence and other gastrointestinal side effects. Many patients find that side effects reduce over time as they adapt to a lower-fat diet. This dietary change is essential for orlistat to work effectively as a weight management tool alongside increased physical activity.
Orlistat vs Xenical - Same Effects, Different Prices
Both generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg contain identical active ingredients at the same dose, so they cause the same side effects including wind and flatulence. The key difference is cost - generic orlistat costs £29.69 for 4 weeks compared to £38.69 for Xenical with code EDM10, saving you around £9 monthly. Both require prescription from a UK-licensed prescriber following clinical assessment.
Getting Orlistat Through EverydayMeds
Our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester supplies prescription orlistat following online clinical assessment by qualified UK prescribers. Complete a confidential medical questionnaire covering your BMI, health history, and current medications. If treatment is clinically appropriate, we'll dispense and dispatch your prescription with next day delivery. Orlistat 120mg prices start from £15.20 for 2 weeks with code EDM10. The prescription consultation is included - no separate GP appointment needed.
Is Orlistat Right For You Despite Side Effects?
Orlistat may be suitable for adults with BMI 30kg/m² or above, or BMI 28kg/m² with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. While wind and gastrointestinal effects are common, many patients find the weight management benefits outweigh temporary side effects. Our prescribers assess your individual circumstances during the online consultation. Ready to explore prescription weight loss options? Start your assessment today.
