Which Should You Buy: Orlistat or Xenical?
Orlistat vs Xenical: The Key Differences
When considering how to lose weight with xenical versus generic orlistat, the most important factor is cost. Both medications contain exactly the same active ingredient - orlistat 120mg - and work identically in your body. Orlistat blocks approximately one third of dietary fat absorption, helping reduce calorie intake when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
Generic orlistat 120mg costs £32.99 for a 4-week supply (£29.69 with EDM10), whilst branded Xenical costs £42.99 for the same period (£38.69 with EDM10). This represents a saving of approximately £9 per month choosing the generic option.
How Both Options Help You Lose Weight
Whether you choose orlistat or Xenical, the mechanism remains identical. Both medications work locally in your gut, inhibiting lipase enzymes that break down dietary fat. This means approximately one third of the fat you eat passes through your body unabsorbed, naturally reducing calorie intake from fat.
The key to success with either medication is maintaining a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet with no more than 15g fat per meal. This approach not only maximises weight loss potential but significantly reduces the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.
Pricing Comparison: Orlistat vs Xenical
Here's how the costs compare across different treatment periods:
Orlistat 120mg (Generic):
2 weeks: £16.89 (£15.20 with EDM10)
4 weeks: £32.99 (£29.69 with EDM10)
8 weeks: £63.99 (£57.59 with EDM10)
12 weeks: £95.99 (£86.39 with EDM10)
Xenical 120mg (Branded):
2 weeks: £21.50 (£19.35 with EDM10)
4 weeks: £42.99 (£38.69 with EDM10)
8 weeks: £86.99 (£78.29 with EDM10)
12 weeks: £128.99 (£116.09 with EDM10)
Over a 12-week treatment period, choosing generic orlistat saves you approximately £30 compared to branded Xenical.
Alternative Option: Alli 60mg
If you prefer starting with a lower-strength option, Alli 60mg contains half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat. Alli costs £28.99 for a 4-week supply (£26.09 with EDM10) and typically causes milder side effects due to the reduced dose. However, the weight loss effect is also correspondingly lower than the 120mg prescription options.
Making Your Decision
Most patients choose generic orlistat for the cost savings, as the clinical effect is identical to Xenical. Some prefer the branded option for personal preference. Both require the same online clinical assessment through our service, reviewed by UK-licensed prescribers.
Following prescriber approval, your chosen medication is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester and delivered discreetly to your address with next day delivery available. Remember to use code EDM10 for 10% off your order.
