There’s no difference between Orlistat and Xenical. They’re both an oral weight loss drug containing 120mg of orlistat. Orlistat is simply the generic version, whereas Xenical is the branded version.

Yes, Xenical is clinically proven to support weight loss when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and physical activity. Clinical trials show patients lost an average 6.1kg of weight after a year of Xenical treatment, compared to an average 2.4kg weight loss in patients who did not take Xenical.

No, Xenical does not reduce appetite as it’s a type of drug called a lipase inhibitor. Lipase inhibitors do not affect hunger or appetite. Instead, they work locally in the gut to stop enzymes (called lipase) from digesting fat you’ve eaten in a meal, supporting weight loss. 

Other weight loss medications are able to reduce appetite and help control feelings of hunger, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy.

Xenical is a lipase inhibitor, which stops digestive enzymes in your gut (called lipases) from breaking down dietary fat. The undigested fat passes out of your body through bowel movements. Dietary fat is any food you eat containing fat. 

Xenical stops around a third of the fat you eat from being digested and absorbed. When paired with a controlled calorie diet and more exercise, it can support up to 6.1kg of weight loss in a year.

To help Xenical work effectively, you should take one Xenical capsule just before, during, or up to one hour after a meal containing fats. If your meal does not contain any fat, such as oil-based sauces or dairy, you do not need to take a Xenical with it. It’s a good idea to check the nutrition label if possible. 

You can take Xenical up to three times a day with a main meal. If you take more than this, speak to your prescriber for medical advice. 

If you forget to take a Xenical capsule 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 much Xenical costs depends on the length of your treatment course. At My Chemist Plus, a single pack of 84 capsules (a 28-day supply) costs £XX. For longer treatment plans, there are also multi-pack options available starting from £XX. 

Please note, you can only order Xenical online in the UK after a medical consultation with a certified prescriber to ensure treatment is suitable for you. 

My Chemist Plus is certified and regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and all of our prescribers have years of specialist prescribing experience. Complete our online health assessment form to start your consultation today.

Yes, Xenical is a prescription-only weight loss medication. You must complete a medical assessment with a UK-registered prescriber to make sure Xenical is safe and appropriate for you. 

Fill out a simple health questionnaire to start your consultation for a Xenical prescription with an experienced prescriber at My Chemist Plus.

When paired with a lower-fat, reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise, clinical studies show the key benefits of Xenical include:

• Less dietary fat absorption: Xenical stops your gut from absorbing roughly 30% of the fat you eat
• Greater weight loss: May help you lose more weight than diet and exercise alone, with clinical trials showing more patients lost 5% or more of their starting body weight after 12 weeks than the placebo group
• Better overall health: Weight loss from Xenical can also have a positive knock-on effect on your health, including lowering total cholesterol levels and reducing waist circumference

If you accidentally take a double dose of Xenical, it’s unlikely to cause issues. But, it’s a good idea to speak to your prescriber or call 111 for medical advice.

It’s difficult to say which treatment is better for weight loss as the right choice for you depends on your health history, dietary and lifestyle habits, and treatment goals. 

• Xenical (orlistat 120mg): An oral capsule taken up to three times a day with meals containing fats. It works locally in the gut to prevent around 30% of dietary fat absorption without affecting hunger or appetite hormones.

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A weekly injection that acts on GLP-1 and GIP hormone receptors in the body to reduce appetite, slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness.

While clinical trials show Mounjaro produces higher overall weight loss, some people may prefer Xenical as a non-injectable alternative or may tolerate the side effects better. Both treatments come with their own risks and benefits that are important to consider. 

At My Chemist Plus, our prescribers have decades of prescribing experience. We can review your medical details, lifestyle and treatment goals to recommend the most appropriate option for you. Simply fill out our health form to start your consultation.