Orlistat vs Xenical: Which Should You Choose?
Clinical Safety: All Three Options Are Regulated
Orlistat 120mg, Xenical 120mg, and Alli 60mg are all clinically proven weight loss treatments regulated by the MHRA. Each works by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat absorption in the gut. The 120mg prescription-strength options (Orlistat and Xenical) contain identical active ingredients and deliver the same clinical effect. Alli contains half the dose at 60mg, making it a gentler starting option for some patients.
Cost Comparison: Generic vs Branded
The most significant difference between Orlistat and Xenical is price. Generic Orlistat 120mg costs £32.99 for 4 weeks (£29.69 with EDM10), while branded Xenical costs £42.99 (£38.69 with EDM10). This saves you approximately £9 per month with the generic option. Both require the same clinical assessment and deliver identical weight management support when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
Alli 60mg: Lower-Strength Alternative
Alli offers half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat at 60mg. This lower-strength option costs £28.99 for 4 weeks (£26.09 with EDM10) and typically causes milder gastrointestinal side effects. While less potent than the 120mg options, Alli may be suitable for those preferring a gentler approach to weight management.
How to Choose Between Your Options
Your choice depends on your budget and preference for generic vs branded medication. Orlistat 120mg provides maximum clinical effect at the lowest cost. Xenical 120mg offers the same clinical benefit with branded assurance from Roche. Alli 60mg suits those wanting a lower-strength starting point. All three require commitment to a lower-fat diet and are dispensed following clinical assessment by our UK-licensed prescribers.
Side Effects Are Similar Across All Doses
All orlistat-based treatments may cause gastrointestinal side effects including oily stools, increased bowel frequency, and oily spotting. These effects are more common with higher fat meals and tend to reduce as your diet adapts. The 60mg Alli dose typically causes milder side effects than 120mg options, but individual responses vary. Keeping meals low in fat (approximately 15g per meal) significantly reduces side effect likelihood.
Order Today with Next Day Delivery
Complete our online clinical assessment to access Orlistat from £15.20, Xenical from £19.35, or Alli from £26.09 with code EDM10. Our UK-licensed prescribers review applications same-day, with next-day tracked delivery available. All medication is dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy in Leicester and sourced through licensed UK pharmaceutical supply chains.
