Orlistat

Orlistat is a medicine called a lipase inhibitor. Lipases are digestive enzymes in your intestines that break down fats in the food you eat. Orlistat works by stopping lipases from breaking down ⅓ of these fats. As the fat molecules are too large for your body to absorb, they’re excreted as waste when you go to the bathroom.

You should take one Orlistat capsule just before, during, or one hour after a meal, especially if the meal contains fat. You can take up to three Orlistat capsules a day. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions when taking Orlistat.

If your meal does not contain any fat, you do not need to take an Orlistat tablet as it will not work. For instance, if you have a pasta salad with no dressing or dairy products for lunch, then you do not need to take an Orlistat pill with it. It’s a good idea to look at the nutrition label of your meal.

If you take more than three Orlistat capsules a day, speak to your prescriber for medical advice. 

If you forget to take your Orlistat tablet with your meal, you can:

• Take the missed dose if it’s been less than an hour since your meal.
• Skip the missed dose if it’s been more than an hour since your meal. Take your next dose as normal with your next meal.

How long you can take Orlistat for depends on several factors, such as your treatment goals and your starting BMI. Some people choose to stop Orlistat once they’ve reached their target weight. Your prescriber works with you to build a safe and personalised plan for lasting weight management.

If you do not lose 5% of your body weight after 12 weeks on Orlistat, your prescriber may suggest stopping treatment as it may not be effective for you. If Orlistat isn’t right for you, we can help you explore alternative options to continue your weight loss journey.

You can order Orlistat online through registered pharmacies with a prescription after a medical assessment. At My Chemist Plus, we follow best clinical practices to provide our patients with the highest quality of care, certified by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Simply fill out our quick health form to start your consultation for Orlistat with a certified prescriber. No GP referral or appointment needed. 

Yes, Orlistat is generally considered safe when used under clinical supervision as it has been licensed for weight loss treatment by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The MHRA are responsible for making sure all medicines and medical devices in the UK are safe and effective for their intended use. 

But, like all medications, Orlistat can cause some side effects that range from mild to more severe, and may not be suitable for everybody. Your specialist prescriber will walk you through the risks, benefits and side effects of Orlistat before you decide to start treatment. 

No, Orlistat does not burn existing fat. Orlistat works by preventing your body from absorbing around a third of the fat you eat from meals. The only way to burn existing fat is to use more calories than you’re eating, which can be achieved by reducing your calorie intake and increasing physical activity.

It’s generally not advisable to take Orlistat with Mounjaro or any other weight loss medications as their side effects may overlap. It’s also possible the side effects may become more severe when used together, such as nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting. 

If you’re already taking Mounjaro and would like to switch to Orlistat, speak to one of our expert prescribers who can guide you on how to safely transition between treatments.

While you can drink alcohol on Orlistat, it’s not recommended. It’s important to follow a balanced diet and adopt healthier lifestyle habits while taking Orlistat to maximise its effectiveness and improve your overall health. Many alcoholic beverages are high in calories, and drinking a lot of alcohol may lead to cravings for fatty foods you should avoid, such as chips or fried foods.

Orlistat usually starts taking effect within 24 to 48 hours. The timing depends on how your body digests fat, so it could be faster or slower for you.

Generally, Orlistat will not do anything if you take it without eating. This is because Orlistat stops dietary fat absorption so if you take Orlistat without eating, it will not work. Likewise, Orlistat will not work if you take it with a meal that does not contain any fats.

No, Orlistat is not like Ozempic as they’re different medications used to treat different conditions.

• Ozempic is a GLP-1 medication licensed to treat people with type 2 diabetes
• Orlistat is a weight loss medication licensed to treat people with obesity or who are overweight

Do not use Orlistat in place for Ozempic or vice versa.

It’s important to eat a calorie-controlled diet complete with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and carbohydrates on Orlistat. This will help support safe weight loss, reduce treatment-related side effects, and improve your overall wellbeing. 

Some foods high in fat you may want to avoid on Orlistat include:

• Fried foods, such as chips, crisps, fried eggs and battered foods
• Processed meats, such as sausages and bacon
• Full-fat dairy, including cream cheese and yoghurt
• Desserts and baked goods, such as cakes, tarts and cookies
• Oil-based dressings and sauces, such as mayonnaise

While it’s recommended to reduce your total fat intake, you should not cut fats out of your diet completely as they’re still an essential energy source for your body. Aim to get around 30% of your daily calories from fat, spread evenly across three meals.

As Orlistat reduces fat absorption, it can also affect the absorption of some vitamins, such as vitamin A, D, E and K. This is because your body uses fat to absorb them. Your prescriber may recommend a nightly multivitamin tablet to make sure you’re getting the recommended daily amount.