If you’re looking for a weight loss medication to support you, Orlistat is an option worth considering. It’s a prescription medication that works by helping your body absorb less fat from the food you eat, which can lead to weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise. But what exactly is Orlistat, who can take it, and how should you use it?

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is a medication designed to help with weight loss by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs. It works by preventing the fat in meals you eat being absorbed in the intestines. This means that instead of being absorbed into your body, some of the fat you eat passes straight through your digestive system and leaves your body as stools.

The medication is typically prescribed for people who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 28 and above if you have health conditions linked to weight, like diabetes or high blood pressure. Alli, a lower-strength version of Orlistat, is available over the counter, but the higher-strength prescription version is often more effective.

We prescribe orlistat through it’s branded name Xenical.

Who can take Orlistat?

Orlistat is suitable for adults who are overweight or obese and have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. However, it’s not for everyone.There are a few reasons why you can’t take the medication including:

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have a condition that affects your ability to absorb nutrients (such as chronic malabsorption syndrome).
• You have a liver condition

If you’re unsure if you qualify to take the medication before starting, you’ll need to go through our assessment process to make sure you can safely take the medication and you’ll see benefits from it.

How to take Orlistat

Orlistat is usually taken three times a day, with each main meal that contains fat. It works best when taken just before, during, or up to one hour after a meal. If you skip a meal or eat a fat-free meal, you can usully skip your dose of Orlistat.

To get the best results, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully. Taking more than the recommended dose won’t lead to faster weight loss and could increase the risk of side effects.

We’ll walk you through how to take the medication and answer any question you have so you know how to take the medication for the best results.

What should you eat while taking Orlistat?

Orlistat is most effective when combined with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.

You don’t need to eliminate fat entirely, but you should aim for a balanced approach. A typical goal is to keep your fat intake to about 30% of your total daily calories. For example, if you’re aiming for 1,500 calories a day, around 450 of those calories should come from fat.

There are some simple things you can do while taking Orlistat to help reduce your overall fat consumption:

• Choose lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, or fish to help you stay full
• Opt for low-fat dairy products like skimmed milk or reduced-fat cheese to save fat and calories.
• Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals to give you plenty of different nutrients
• Be mindful of hidden fats in processed foods and snacks, it’s better to avoid processed foods when you can as they’re often low in nutritional value and high in calories.

By sticking to a low-fat diet, you can minimise the risk of some of the unpleasant side effects that Orlistat can cause when too much fat is consumed.

Are there any side effects?

Like any medication, Orlistat can cause side effects. The most common side effects are related to how it works in the digestive system and usually occur when you eat a meal that’s high in fat. These can include:

• Oily or fatty stools.
• Urgent need to go to the toilet.
• Frequent bowel movements.
• Stomach pain or discomfort.

These side effects are usually temporary and may reduce as your body adjusts to the medication and you follow a lower-fat diet. However, if you experience severe side effects or any symptoms that concern you, it’s important to speak with your GP.

Orlistat can be a really helpful tool in your weight loss journey, especially if you’ve struggled to achieve results through diet and exercise alone. By blocking fat absorption, it supports weight loss efforts, but it’s not a magic pill. You’ll need to combine it with healthy eating and regular physical activity for the best outcomes.

If you’re considering Orlistat, speak with our team for an assessment and to see if it’s right for you. With the right approach and support, this medication can be a valuable part of your weight management plan.