Understanding the Differences Between Orlistat, Xenical, and Alli

Weight loss medication quick comparison 

For many, the struggle to lose weight can be a daunting task. Diet and exercise are the first recommended weight loss methods, though they might not always be sufficient. In certain situations, weight loss aids might offer an extra boost that helps in achieving weight loss goals. However, it might be challenging to choose the right medication because so many possibilities are accessible.  

This article provides a brief comparison of popular weight loss medications to help you make informed decisions about which option may be right for you. 

Orlistat 

Orlistat is a powerful inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases (pancreatic lipase, carboxylester lipase, and gastric lipase), which are responsible for breaking down ingested fat. The unabsorbed fat is consequently eliminated in the faeces. 

Orlistat capsules can help with weight loss. Each capsule contains 120mg of the active ingredient orlistat and is only available on prescription.  

It is recommended for use in adults 18 years of age and older in conjunction with a low-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise routine. According to research, using this drug in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise can aid in weight loss. 

Orlistat capsules are the cheaper, generic version of the drug, orlistat, as opposed to the branded version, Xenical, you can read more about orlistat vs Xenical below. 

How does Orlistat work? 

Orlistat is used to treat obesity working by stopping 1/3 of the fat in your food from being digested. 

The active ingredient orlistat attaches to the enzymes in your digestive system and prevents them from breaking down a proportion of the fat you have consumed from meals.  

Your body will then eliminate the unwanted fat that you consume, and it will pass through your body in stools. 

How long after taking Orlistat do you poop? 

Orlistat will block around 30% of the fat being digested from each meal and the fat will be eliminated in your poop.  

It follows that anyone taking orlistat should follow a low-fat diet because any excess fat will eventually leave the body. 

So, now you’re wondering how long after taking orlistat you poop? This can vary between the individual and the amount of fat consumed. However, generally, it should take around 2 - 3 days for the orlistat to complete excretion. 

Buying Orlistat Online  

The OxfordOnlinePharmacy Online Doctor service allows you to complete consultations online to assess suitability for treatment. The GPs are trained and registered in the UK and look to make sure that what they prescribe is safe and effective for your condition. 

Orlistat 120mg capsules are available in different box sizes, starting from £17.48. * 

Check out the orlistat reviews UK to see what our customers think. 

Xenical 

Xenical (orlistat) 120mg is the branded version of Orlistat.  

Medicines frequently have two names: a generic name (which refers to the drug's active component) and a brand name. The manufacturer chooses the brand name to aid in marketing. For instance, Chelapharm branded the generic drug orlistat under the name Xenical.  

When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, they file for a patent to prevent others from manufacturing it for a certain amount of time. They can recover the cost of the development and testing because of this. When the patent expires, other businesses will be able to sell the medication under its generic name, typically at a lower price. The active ingredient, potency, safety, and dosage of the generic medication must all be the same. 

So, which is better Xenical or orlistat? Neither one is better than the other, Xenical contains the same active ingredient as orlistat, the only obvious difference is the brand name and the price. 

Xenical 120mg capsules are available in different box sizes, starting from £29.99. *  

How does Xenical work? 

Xenical functions in the same manner as orlistat. Its active ingredient, orlistat, comes in a 120 mg tablet strength, and like generic orlistat it functions by blocking the digestion of 1/3 of the fat you consume. 

How to take Xenical for best results? 

It is recommended that Xenical capsules are taken just before, during or up to one hour after meals, usually 3 times daily.

If you have a meal that contains no fat or miss a meal, you should skip that dose of Xenical.  

Maintaining your diet on Xenical (Orlistat) 

Here are 5 tips to help maintain your diet when taking Xenical: 

1. Consumer smaller portions (it may help if you use a smaller plate).
2. Opt for healthier foods, such as fruit and vegetables. 
3. Avoid foods high in fat (click here for a list of foods to avoid).
4. Eat slower - Longer chewing breaks down your meal more, which aids in digestion in the stomach. Additionally, when you eat slowly, your brain receives a signal to tell your stomach to start the digesting process. 
5. Use fat-free cooking techniques, such as steaming, boiling, grilling, baking, and poaching. 

Alli weight loss pills 

Orlistat capsules were given the green light by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2007 as an over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss supplement for obese individuals. The prescription medicine Orlistat, which is still used to treat obesity at a greater dose than the over-the-counter equivalent, was first licenced in 1999 under the brand name Alli. (1)

The European Medicines Agency eventually authorised the sale of orlistat without a prescription on January 21, 2009. (2) 

At least as of September 2017, Alli capsules of 60 mg are freely available in pharmacies. However, prescriptions are still required for medications containing 120 mg per capsule.  

How does Alli work? 

Alli Capsules work in the same way as Orlistat and Xenical. Like them, its shares the same active ingredient. This medication is available in 60mg capsule strength (half the strength of Xenical) and works by preventing the digestion of about one-third of the fat you consume. 

Should I take 2 Alli capsules to speed up my weight loss? 

No. Given that Xenical has double the dosage of Alli, you may think that it would make sense to take 2 Alli capsules at once. However, studies have proved that this is untrue. Xenical removes 30% of the fat from your meal, which is just 5% higher than Alli's 25% absorption reduction from your meal. Therefore, increasing the dose by two makes little of a difference. One capsule at a time is plenty; consuming more could be a waste of money.  

How long after taking Alli do you poop? 

Since GI (gastrointestinal) transit times can vary anywhere from 12-72 hours, it can take 48 hours to clear all the fatty oil from a meal you ate earlier. (3) 

Orlistat, Xenical and Alli Summary 

Here we summarise the three different capsules and the key differences, see the table below: 

New alternative weight loss medication Saxenda 

Saxenda is a new injectable weight loss medication that has been making headlines for its promising results. 

This medication is a popular alternative to traditional weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise.  

Saxenda works by reducing appetite and helping individuals feel fuller for longer periods of time. It is typically prescribed to individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 27 or higher with weight-related health problems.  

Saxenda is a great option for those that cannot swallow tablets or those that do not get on with orlistat capsules.  

So how different are Saxenda and orlistat? See the comparison below:  

To find out more about Saxenda and whether you are eligible for this daily injection click here. 

If you are still unsure of the best weight loss treatment for you, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our healthcare-trained team. 

References 

1. Food and Drug Association, FDA Approves Orlistat for Over-the-Counter Use, February 7, 2007
2. BBC News, Chemists to provide obesity pill, Reviewed Wednesday, 21 January 2009
3. My Alli, FAQs

Related Articles

• How long does a Saxenda pen last?
• Nervous about injecting Saxenda
• Our 5 best apps for healthy weight loss
• Weight loss aids what are my options
• Nausea with Saxenda

Disclaimer
 *The prices are as of 17/04/23 and are subject to change.