Complete Guide to Using Alli and Orlistat for Weight Loss
How Alli and Orlistat Support Weight Loss
Alli 60mg and prescription orlistat 120mg work by blocking approximately one third of dietary fat from being absorbed in your digestive system. This lipase inhibitor acts locally in the gut, preventing fat-digesting enzymes from breaking down dietary fat. The unabsorbed fat passes naturally through your body, potentially reducing calorie intake when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and increased physical activity.
Alli vs Prescription Orlistat: Which Option?
Alli 60mg contains half the dose of prescription-strength orlistat, making it a lower-strength option for weight management support. Prescription orlistat 120mg (available as generic orlistat from £32.99 for 4 weeks or branded Xenical from £42.99) provides the full clinical dose. Both require commitment to a lower-fat diet to minimise gastrointestinal side effects and maximise potential benefits. Your prescriber can help determine which strength may be most suitable following clinical assessment.
Proper Dosing and Usage Guidelines
Take one Alli 60mg capsule three times daily with each main meal containing fat, or as your prescriber directs for orlistat 120mg. Each capsule should be taken immediately before, during, or up to one hour after eating. If you miss a meal or eat a fat-free meal, you can skip that dose. Never exceed the recommended dosage - this won't increase effectiveness but may worsen side effects.
Essential Diet Guidelines While Using Orlistat
Success with orlistat depends on maintaining a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet with no more than approximately 15g fat per meal. High-fat meals significantly increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects including oily stools, urgent bowel movements, and oily spotting. Spread your daily fat intake evenly across three main meals and consider taking a daily multivitamin at bedtime to replace fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) that may have reduced absorption.
UK Prescription Options and Pricing
EverydayMeds offers three orlistat options: Generic orlistat 120mg from £16.89 (2 weeks) to £95.99 (12 weeks), branded Xenical 120mg from £21.50 (2 weeks) to £128.99 (12 weeks), and Alli 60mg from £28.99 (4 weeks) to £129.99 (12 weeks). All prices include 10% discount with code EDM10. The generic and branded versions contain identical active ingredients - the main difference is cost. Following online clinical assessment by UK-licensed prescribers, your medication is dispensed by our GPhC-registered Leicester pharmacy with discreet next-day delivery available.
Managing Side Effects Effectively
Most orlistat side effects are gastrointestinal and directly related to dietary fat intake. Common effects include oily or fatty stools, increased bowel movement frequency, and oily discharge. These typically reduce as you adapt to a lower-fat diet. Wearing dark underwear or using panty liners may help during initial treatment. If side effects persist or are severe, consult your healthcare provider. Remember - these effects indicate the medication is working to block fat absorption.
Online Clinical Assessment Process
Complete our confidential online health questionnaire covering your medical history, current medications, and weight management goals. A UK-licensed prescriber reviews your information and determines treatment suitability. If appropriate, your prescription is processed and your medication dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy team. The entire process typically takes 24-48 hours from assessment to delivery, with prescription fees included in the price.
