Free BMI thresholds shown are illustrative. Final eligibility is confirmed by a UK prescriber during your free consultation.
Two of the most common UK semaglutide treatments at a glance. Your prescriber confirms which is suitable for you during your consultation.
Capsule, three times daily
Tirzepatide · weekly injection
semaglutide · weekly injection
If you are finding it difficult to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, Xenical® (Orlistat 120mg), the branded version of Orlistat may be an option for eligible adults. It is a prescription weight management medicine used in adults who need extra support, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or above, or 28 and above with weight-related health conditions. obesityrlistat is recommended as part of a comprehensive weight management programme that includes dietary changes, increased physical activity and ongoing clinical support for eligible adults.
Unlike medicines that work by affecting appetite, Xenical works directly in the digestive system. The fat that is not absorbed leaves your body naturally through bowel movements, which forms part of its licensed mechanism of action when used alongside dietary changes and physical activity.
Xenical is prescribed as part of a wider weight management plan that includes a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and regular physical activity. Before treatment is prescribed, a qualified healthcare professional will review your online consultation to determine whether it is suitable for you, and this page explains how Xenical works, who can be prescribed it, how to take it, possible side effects, interactions with other medicines, and the lifestyle changes needed alongside treatment.
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Xenical® (Orlistat 120mg) is taken as a capsule with meals that contain fat, usually up to three times a day. It works differently from GLP-1 medicines because it targets the digestion of dietary fat rather than appetite.
Xenical is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity as part of a medically supervised weight management plan.
If prescribed, your treatment will be supplied by a UK registered pharmacy following approval from a qualified prescriber.
Xenical contains orlistat, which works by blocking enzymes that digest fat in the food you eat. Clinical studies have evaluated orlistat when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Users can also lose an additional 1kg for every 2kg lost from dieting. Individual results vary.
You can also learn more about how Orlistat works and review important Orlistat safety information as part of understanding your treatment.
Different prescription treatments work in different ways. During your online consultation, a qualified healthcare professional will review your medical history and determine which treatment, if any, may be appropriate for you.
| Xenical® (Orlistat 120mg) | Wegovy® | Mounjaro® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine type | Prescription capsule | Prescription injection | Prescription injection |
| Active ingredient | Orlistat | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| How it works | Reduces fat absorption from meals | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| How often is it taken? | Up to three times daily with meals containing fat | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Used alongside | Reduced-calorie diet and exercise | Reduced-calorie diet and physical activity | Reduced-calorie diet and physical activity |
| Eligibility | Following a clinical assessment | Following a clinical assessment | Following a clinical assessment |
| Common side effects | Main digestive side effects | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation |
Xenical® and generic orlistat both contain 120mg of orlistat, so they have the same active ingredient.
Generic orlistat typically costs less than branded Xenical®.
Complete a short online consultation, and a qualified healthcare professional will review your information to determine whether Xenical® (Orlistat 120mg) is suitable for you before a prescription is issued.
Whenever you eat a meal that contains fat, your body normally breaks down and absorbs most of that fat during digestion.
Lipases are digestive enzymes that help break down dietary fat so it can be absorbed. By reducing fat absorption, Xenical works differently from medicines that primarily affect appetite. As a result, around 30% of the fat from your meal is not absorbed and instead passes naturally through your digestive system.
Because Xenical only works on the fat you eat, it is important to follow a balanced, lower-fat healthy diet while taking the medicine and to manage your overall calorie intake. Meals that are higher in fat may increase the chance of digestive side effects.
Xenical is intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.
Always take Xenical exactly as prescribed by your healthcare professional and follow the instructions included with your medicine.
General guidance includes:
The usual dose is one capsule with each main meal containing fat.
Taking more than the prescribed dose will not improve results and may increase the likelihood of side effects. If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose.
Xenical is usually reviewed after 12 weeks to assess effectiveness.
If you are unsure how to take Xenical, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist before starting treatment.
Healthy eating, regular physical activity and sustainable lifestyle habits remain the foundation of long-term obesity management, whether or not prescription medicines are used. For the best results, it should be used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat, calorie controlled diet and regular physical activity. Simple habits like eating balanced meals, staying active, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and choosing to avoid high fat foods can all play an important role in your weight management plan.
Xenical is a Prescription Only Medicine, so it can only be supplied after a qualified healthcare professional has assessed whether it is suitable for you, whether you access it online or may be able to obtain it from your GP.
As part of your online consultation, you will be asked questions about your:
Your answers are reviewed by a qualified prescriber before a decision is made. If Xenical is suitable, a prescription will be issued and your medicine will be supplied by a UK-registered pharmacy.
This process helps ensure that treatment is appropriate for your individual health needs and supports the safe use of prescription medicines as part of your wider treatment plan.
Xenical may be suitable for adults who are medically overweight and need additional support with weight management alongside healthy lifestyle changes. Before treatment is prescribed, a qualified healthcare professional will review your online consultation to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Xenical is generally prescribed for adults who:
Your prescriber will consider your BMI, medical history, current medicines and overall health before deciding whether Xenical is suitable for you. This may include related factors such as high blood pressure where clinically appropriate.
Xenical may be considered for adults who:
Weight management is different for everyone, and treatment decisions are always based on your individual health needs.
Xenical is not suitable for everyone.
Do not take Xenical if you:
Speak to your prescriber before taking Xenical if you:
Your healthcare professional will review your medical history to determine whether Xenical is appropriate for you.
Like all medicines, Xenical can cause side effects, although not everybody experiences them.
Many of the commonly reported side effects are related to the way the medicine works. Because some dietary fat is not absorbed, some undigested fat passes through the bowel, so digestive side effects are more likely if meals contain a higher amount of fat.
Common side effects may include:
These effects may lessen over time for some people.
Following a lower-fat diet while taking Xenical may help reduce the likelihood of these digestive side effects.
Although uncommon, serious side effects can occur. Seek urgent medical attention if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or a severe skin rash, or if you develop severe diarrhoea.
You can also find important Orlistat safety information for further guidance on the safe use of this medicine.
Before starting Xenical, tell your prescriber about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.
Xenical may interact with certain medicines, including:
Check the patient information leaflet for full interaction and safety details.
If you are taking medicines for HIV, speak to your healthcare professional before starting treatment. More information is available on Orlistat and HIV medicines.
Your prescriber will review your medicines during your consultation and advise whether Xenical is suitable for you.
Weight management forms part of an overall approach to maintaining health. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can also support long-term health. Weight loss with Xenical may help improve metabolic risk factors such as cholesterol and blood pressure when combined with lifestyle changes. Individual outcomes vary, and no medicine can replace the importance of a balanced diet, regular physical activity and ongoing support from healthcare professionals.
Xenical is intended to be used as one part of a wider weight management plan, helping to support healthy habits over time.
Xenical 120mg is the branded form of xenical 120mg capsules and contains the same orlistat 120mg as generic versions. It is one of the prescription medicines containing orlistat 120mg. used to support weight management in eligible adults and is designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and regular physical activity. Before it can be prescribed, a qualified healthcare professional will review your online consultation.
Xenical is a prescription medicine used in the management of obesity in eligible adults. in eligible adults, and it works in your digestive system by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from the food you eat. Xenical and generic orlistat work in the same way. The fat that is not absorbed passes naturally through your body. It works differently from medicines that affect appetite because it targets the digestion of fat rather than hunger.
Yes. Xenical is a Prescription Only Medicine in the UK. Before treatment is prescribed, you will complete an online consultation. A qualified healthcare professional will review your answers to check whether Xenical is suitable for you.
Xenical 120mg is usually taken with your main meals that contain fat. If you switch between Xenical and generic orlistat, the same dose is used because they contain the same active ingredient. If you skip a meal or eat a meal that contains no fat, you will usually skip that dose as well. Always take the medicine exactly as your prescriber has advised and follow the instructions included with your treatment.
Yes. Xenical is designed to be used alongside a healthy, reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and the recommended diet advised by your prescriber. Choosing meals that are lower in fat and reducing high fat foods may also help limit digestive side effects. Your healthcare professional can advise you on making healthy, sustainable changes that fit your lifestyle. Some people focus on limiting all the fat in one meal, but keeping meals balanced is the practical goal.
If you forget to take a capsule, you can take it during your meal or within one hour afterwards. If more than an hour has passed, simply skip that dose and take your next one as usual. Do not take an extra capsule to make up for a missed dose.
Some people experience digestive side effects while taking Xenical. These can include oily stools, loose stools, passing wind more often or needing to use the toilet urgently. These effects are often linked to the amount of fat eaten in meals. If you have side effects that are severe, do not go away, or you are concerned about them, speak to your prescriber, pharmacist or GP.
Some medicines can interact with Xenical, so it is important to tell your healthcare professional about everything you are taking. This includes prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Your consultation is there to help make sure Xenical is appropriate for you.
There is no specific warning against drinking alcohol while taking Xenical. However, alcohol contains calories and may make it more difficult to follow a reduced-calorie diet. If you choose to drink alcohol, it is generally best to do so in moderation.
Xenical can reduce the absorption of some fat soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E and K. Your healthcare professional may recommend a daily multivitamin supplement if it is suitable for you. Always follow the advice given with your treatment.
Speak to your prescriber, pharmacist or GP if you have questions about your treatment, develop new medical conditions, start taking a new medicine, or experience side effects that concern you. If you develop symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing, seek urgent medical attention straight away.
Getting started is simple. Complete our online consultation, answer a few questions about your health, and a qualified healthcare professional will review your information. If Xenical is suitable for you, a prescription can be issued and your treatment will be dispensed by our UK-registered pharmacy.
Complete an online consultation. A qualified healthcare professional will review your information and determine whether Xenical® (Orlistat 120mg) is appropriate before any prescription is issued.
Once completed, a qualified healthcare professional will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe Xenical® (Orlistat 120mg). You can then review and select the treatment option that is most suitable for your needs, and if Xenical is not right for you, the prescriber may discuss other medically supervised options such as weight loss injections.
Your prescriber sets a starting dose and plan for you. The early days focus on settling in.
Cravings ease off, and eating well starts to feel less like a fight.
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