Buy Orlistat Online. No Consultation Fee, Free Next-Day Delivery
Get prescribed Orlistat for Weight Loss Tablets by a UK clinician through a free video consultation*. No questionnaires, no hidden fees. You only pay for your medication if approved.
Other Related Treatments
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Orlistat Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Xenical
About Orlistat
Orlistat is used to help people with obesity to lose weight when exercise and dieting alone have not been successful. It is used in patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI of 28 or more if other risk factors are present, such as diabetes, heart disease, or smoking.
Orlistat blocks enzymes (lipases) in your intestine from digesting fat, preventing a third of the fat you consume from being absorbed. This undigested fat is passed out of your body with your stools.
NowPatient offers Orlistat or the brand Xenical as treatments for weight loss only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Orlistat
- For the treatment of weight loss
- When taken in combination with a low calorie-controlled diet and exercise plan, you should see weight loss within the first 13 weeks
- Orlistat has some common side effects which include bloating and wind
- It can be dangerous if you take Orlistat with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
- A dose of Orlistat is not necessary if there is no fat within your food
Who is Orlistat suitable for?
Orlistat is used in patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more, or a BMI of 28 or more if other risk factors are present, such as diabetes, heart disease, or smoking.
Who is Orlistat not suitable for?
Orlistat may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Orlistat if you:
- Are allergic Orlistat
- Have chronic malabsorption syndrome
- Have liver problems
How and where to get Orlistat?
You can buy Orlistat safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of weight loss, you can discuss if Orlistat is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Orlistat for weight loss
Orlistat is available as Orlistat 120mg capsules when used for weight loss.
Information about how to take Orlistat for weight loss
Take one Orlistat 120 mg capsule up to three times a day, with or up to one hour after each main meal. A dose of Orlistat is not necessary if you have had a low fat meal or if you skip a main meal. Orlistat only works if you have eaten a meal containing dietary fat.
Your doctor will stop Orlistat weight loss treatment after 12 weeks if you do not lose at least 5% of your body weight from the start of treatment. You are advised to read the patient information leaflet provided or speak to a healthcare provider for further information.
What happens if you take too much Orlistat?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Orlistat and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Orlistat?
Common side effects of Orlistat compared to placebo include:
- Abdominal pains
- Bloating
- Urgent bowel movements
- Fatty liquidy oily stools
- Constipation, diarrhoea
- Flatulence with an oily discharge
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Orlistat at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Orlistat, but you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking medications such as warfarin, amiodarone, levothyroxine, or cyclosporin.
Can Orlistat taken for weight loss be taken long term?
If you do not see any results after taking Orlistat for 3 months, it may not be suitable for you and should be stopped. If Orlistat is working for you, you can take it for up to 2 years.
Is there a herbal Orlistat?
No. Herbal Orlistat does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Orlistat?
Women can take Orlistat for weight loss, but is not usually recommended during pregnancy. Speak to your doctor before taking Orlistat if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Orlistat?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Orlistat. You are advised if you are taking Orlistat weight loss medication to take a supplement with your treatment, as you may find it hard to absorb fat-soluble vitamins.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with weight loss?
Modify your lifestyle and diet in a number of ways:
- Reduced calorie diet
- Cut back on refined carbohydrates
- Eat more fibre and protein
- Drink water
- Physical activity
Alternatives to Orlistat
Alternatives for the treatment of weight loss include Alli, Xenical, Saxenda, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mysimba.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
Related Articles
FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Orlistat
What is Orlistat?
Orlistat is a weight management medication that works by blocking the absorption of dietary fat in the gut. It is available as 120 mg capsules on prescription (branded as Xenical) and as 60 mg capsules over the counter from pharmacies (branded as Alli). Orlistat is licensed for use alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 28 or above with weight-related risk factors. It has been available in the UK for over 20 years and has extensive safety data.
How does Orlistat work?
Orlistat works by inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipase enzymes in the gut. These enzymes normally break down dietary fat (triglycerides) into smaller molecules that can be absorbed. By blocking approximately 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed, Orlistat causes that fat to pass through the gut undigested. This creates a calorie deficit that contributes to weight loss. The unabsorbed fat is excreted in the stool, which is why stool changes are the most common side effect.
How much weight can I lose with Orlistat?
Clinical trials show that Orlistat 120 mg, combined with a reduced-calorie diet, produces an average additional weight loss of 2.5–3.5 kg over 12 months compared to diet alone. Approximately 35–55% of patients lose at least 5% of their body weight. The weight loss is more modest than with GLP-1 agonists but is still clinically meaningful. Orlistat is most effective when combined with a lower-fat diet (approximately 30% of calories from fat). Following the dietary guidelines is essential for both effectiveness and tolerability.
How do I take Orlistat?
Take one 120 mg capsule with water immediately before, during, or up to 1 hour after each main meal (up to three times daily). If you miss a meal or the meal contains no fat, skip the Orlistat dose. Do not take more than three capsules per day. Your diet should aim for approximately 30% of calories from fat, evenly distributed across meals. Eating a very high-fat meal while taking Orlistat will significantly increase gastrointestinal side effects.
Do I need to follow a special diet with Orlistat?
Yes, a lower-fat, calorie-controlled diet is essential when taking Orlistat. Aim for approximately 30% of total calories from fat, spread evenly across three meals. Each main meal should contain no more than about 15–20 g of fat. High-fat meals will cause significantly worse oily stools and gastrointestinal discomfort. Following the dietary guidelines maximises weight loss and minimises side effects. Your prescriber or a dietitian can help you plan an appropriate eating programme.
What are the side effects of Orlistat?
The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and directly related to the mechanism of action. These include oily or fatty stools, oily spotting on underwear, flatulence with oily discharge, increased frequency of bowel movements, and faecal urgency or incontinence. These effects are worse with high-fat meals and serve as reinforcement to follow a lower-fat diet. Other side effects include headache, abdominal pain, and flatulence. Rarely, liver injury has been reported — seek medical attention if you develop jaundice or dark urine.
Does Orlistat affect vitamin absorption?
Yes, Orlistat can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) because it blocks fat absorption. It is recommended to take a daily multivitamin containing these fat-soluble vitamins while using Orlistat. Take the multivitamin at bedtime, or at least 2 hours before or after taking Orlistat, to ensure adequate absorption. Your prescriber should advise on appropriate supplementation.
Can I buy Orlistat without a prescription?
The 60 mg strength (Alli) is available over the counter from pharmacies for adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 28 or above. The 120 mg prescription strength (Xenical or generic orlistat) requires a prescription from your GP or online service. The OTC version is roughly half the dose and may produce less weight loss but also fewer side effects. A pharmacist will check your BMI and health status before selling Alli.
Does Orlistat affect the contraceptive pill?
Orlistat can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives if it causes severe diarrhoea. If you experience significant diarrhoea while taking Orlistat and the combined pill, follow the missed pill rules in your contraceptive’s patient information leaflet. An additional barrier method of contraception may be advisable. The effect is due to malabsorption from diarrhoea rather than a direct drug interaction.
How can I get Orlistat?
Orlistat 60 mg (Alli) is available OTC from pharmacies. Orlistat 120 mg is available on NHS prescription or through online services like NowPatient. Your prescriber will assess your BMI and overall health. NowPatient offers convenient online consultations and home delivery.
Experienced a Side Effect?
Report to Yellow Card (UK) or MedWatch (US)
Report to
OUR CUSTOMERS VIEW
What Customers Love About Our Service
We want everyone to be happy and healthy, that’s what keeps us going. Read what some of them have to say about us.
Medicines Experts
Meet Our Medical Team
We are a broad skilled and passionate group of clinicians with experience of operating in health systems in the United Kingdom & United States. Providing excellent care and advice is at the heart of everything we do. You can read more about our medical team by visiting the medical team page or learn more about how we curate content by visiting our editorial process
