Orlistat Weight Loss Tablets (120mg)

Get to know Orlistat weight loss medication

Orlistat can be an effective weight treatment alongside a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity. The average weight loss with 12 months of treatment is up to 10%. It comes as a capsule.

• Take one capsule 3 times a day (with each main meal)

• Reduce dietary fat absorption by up to a third

• From £34.98 for a monthly supply

Orlistat 120mg key facts

Orlistat 120mg capsules are licenced in the UK for weight loss and are most effective when used as part of a holistic healthy living approach. Taken 3 times a day (with each main meal), they’re available on prescription in packs of 84, 168 and 252 capsules.  

The active ingredient is Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, which binds the fat in your food and reduces how much is absorbed by the body. Because of this process, it’s recommended to take a daily multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E, and K at least 2 hours before or after taking Orlistat.

Remember, always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.

How does Orlistat work for weight loss?

Orlistat works in the body by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from the food you eat.

This happens in your digestive system by inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipases - the enzymes that break down fat. By binding to the fat in your food, Orlistat blocks these enzymes and prevents around 30% of the fat you consume from being absorbed by your body. This unabsorbed fat is then eliminated when you go to the toilet through your bowel movements.

It’s important to note that Orlistat doesn’t have any effect on existing fat cells and only works on the fat contained in the food you eat whilst taking the medication. However, because of reduced fat absorption, your body can use already stored fat for its energy needs, contributing to overall weight loss.

Studies have also shown that patients who made positive changes to their diet, lifestyle and activity levels experienced less weight gain once they stopped treatment.

Am I eligible for Orlistat 120mg?

Orlistat 120mg capsules are only available via prescription in the UK. You might be suitable if the criteria below apply to you, the doctor will complete a clinical review of your completed online assessment and let you know.

•  Adults aged 18 or over

•  Those with a BMI of 30 or higher

•  Those with a BMI of 28 or higher and a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

Remember, completing an online assessment or meeting the initial eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee you’re suitable for treatment.

Use this NHS tool to calculate your BMI.

Weight loss results using Orlistat

Several studies have demonstrated the potential weight loss results achievable whilst using Orlistat as part of a holistic weight loss plan.

The first 2 weeks

Once you start taking Orlistat, it gets to work fast and will start binding the fat from your food intake within 1-2 days. You may also start to notice weight loss results within 2 weeks of starting treatment.

The first 3 months

Most people can expect to lose up to 5% of their starting body weight during the first 3 months of treatment. If your weight loss is slower than this, let us know.

Months 6-12

After 6-12 months of treatment, the average weight loss supported by Orlistat to be expected is around 10% or more. Individual weight loss will depend on a range of factors, including changes to diet, lifestyle and exercise.

Special dietary instructions

Because Orlistat works by binding to - and then expelling via bowel movements - up to 30% of the fat in the foods that you eat, you should reduce your fat intake to 30% of your total calorie intake.

Distributing your fat intake evenly across your 3 main meals can also help reduce digestive side effects. Consuming meals with very high fat content while taking Orlistat can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.

Explore more about what to eat whilst taking Orlistat in our FAQs below and in our dedicated blog, Weight loss – getting the best results from Orlistat.