Complete Patient Guide to Orlistat Weight Loss Treatment
What Is Orlistat? Essential Patient Information
Orlistat is a prescription-only weight loss medication available in 120mg capsules, designed to support weight management alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and increased physical activity. The medication works by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed in your digestive system. At EverydayMeds, we supply both generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical 120mg - both contain the same active ingredient and provide identical clinical effects.
How Orlistat Works for Weight Loss
Orlistat acts locally in your gut by inhibiting lipase enzymes responsible for breaking 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. Unlike stimulant-based treatments, orlistat doesn't act on your brain - it works purely in your digestive system to reduce calorie intake from dietary fat.
Orlistat Dosing and Patient Instructions
Take one 120mg capsule three times daily with each main meal containing fat - immediately before, during, or up to one hour after eating. If you miss a meal or eat a meal without fat, you can skip that dose. Maximum three capsules per day. Our 84-capsule pack (£29.69 with EDM10) provides a 4-week supply, whilst our 12-week supply (252 capsules) costs £86.39 with discount code EDM10.
Generic Orlistat vs Branded Xenical - Patient Choice
Both generic orlistat 120mg and Xenical 120mg contain identical active ingredients at the same dose, providing equivalent clinical effects. The key difference is cost - generic orlistat 4-week supply costs £29.69 with EDM10, whilst Xenical costs £38.69 with EDM10. Some patients prefer branded Xenical, whilst others choose generic orlistat for better value. Your prescriber can help you decide which option suits your needs.
Who May Be Suitable for Orlistat Treatment
Orlistat may be suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or 28 kg/m² or above with weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. Suitability is determined through individual clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers. Treatment is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, under-18s, or those with certain medical conditions including chronic malabsorption syndrome.
Expected Side Effects and Management
Most orlistat side effects are gastrointestinal and directly linked to dietary fat intake. Common effects include oily stools, increased bowel movements, and abdominal discomfort. These side effects can be significantly reduced by keeping meals low in fat (approximately 15g fat per meal). Side effects are actually a sign the medication is working - they occur when unabsorbed fat passes through your system.
Your Online Prescription Process
Complete our online health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, and weight management goals. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your information and issues a prescription where clinically appropriate. Your medication is then dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester and delivered discreetly to your address with next-day delivery. Use code EDM10 for 10% off your order - available to both new and returning customers.
