Highly effective when taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise, Orlistat tablets help you form better eating habits and achieve sustainable weight loss.
Price from
£ 21.99
Orlistat 120 mg tablets are a trusted first-line weight loss treatment that contain the active ingredient of the same name. They work locally within your digestive system to block the absorption of dietary fat, making them a popular alternative to medications that affect your mood and hunger sensations.
Taking Orlistat capsules can help you achieve sustainable weight loss steadily, rather than resorting to short-term diets. Their mechanism of action encourages the development of healthier eating habits, as consuming high-fat meals while using the medication can lead to side effects.
We’re pleased to offer Orlistat diet pills at the following prices:
Dispensed from a Registered UK PharmacyYou can buy Orlistat weight loss tablets after obtaining a prescription from a medical professional, such as a clinician. This can be done following an in-person consultation or via a reputable online provider like Weight Loss Journey.
Our consultation service can be accessed at any time from the comfort of your own home, so there’s no need to make face-to-face appointments. Simply complete our brief medical questionnaire, and our team can take care of the rest.
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Orlistat is a weight loss medication belonging to a class of drugs called lipase inhibitors. The treatment helps people lose weight by blocking the absorption of some dietary fats, thereby significantly reducing calorie intake when used in conjunction with a low-fat diet and exercise plan.
Unlike some treatments which aid weight loss by mimicking naturally occurring hormones, Orlistat works solely within the digestive system. The drug is also the active ingredient in Alli (which contains a 60 mg dose of orlistat) and Xenical (which comes in 120 mg tablets).
Orlistat promotes weight loss by reducing the amount of fat the body absorbs from food. It achieves this by inhibiting the activity of fat-digesting enzymes, known as lipases, in the stomach and small intestine.
Under normal conditions, lipase enzymes break large fat molecules (triglycerides) into smaller molecules (fatty acids and monoglycerides), which can cross the intestinal wall and enter the bloodstream. Orlistat prevents the digestion of many large fat molecules, and because the body cannot absorb them, they pass through the digestive tract and exit the body in bowel movements.
A 120 mg dose of orlistat blocks the absorption of approximately 30% of dietary fat. This itself can lead to a significant calorie reduction and modest weight loss, but orlistat works best when used as part of a holistic weight-loss plan that includes diet and exercise.
Orlistat significantly reduces the body’s capacity to absorb dietary fats, making it easier for users to reduce their calorie intake. This is highly effective for weight loss, and one meta-analysis found that 57% of people using orlistat lost 5-10% of their body weight after one year of treatment.
Other studies have found that taking 60 mg of orlistat effectively reduced both body weight and waist circumference of users after 24 weeks of treatment. Orlistat treatment was also associated with a reduction in visceral adipose tissue (i.e., the fat surrounding internal organs). Having excess visceral fat can increase your risk of serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease. Therefore, orlistat may help to improve people’s long-term health outcomes by addressing this risk factor.
Orlistat can increase weight reduction by around 3% more than diet alone, and one meta-analysis reported that people using orlistat lost an average of 2.89 kg more than those taking a placebo. Although orlistat alone can promote modest weight loss, it is most effective when used in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
Orlistat typically begins to affect how your body digests fat within one to two days of starting treatment. If you haven’t lost at least 5% of your body weight after three months of treatment, speak to your prescribing clinician. They may recommend a different type of weight loss medication.
Studies have shown that consistently taking Orlistat diet pills alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise can result in a 1-2kg drop in weight within the first month. It’s important to note, however, that everyone’s journey is different, so you may find that your results vary. This is perfectly normal, and there’s no need to worry.
The potential to lose 5% to 10% of your total body weight after one year.
This calculator is provided for illustrative purposes only, and the results are not guaranteed. Everyone’s weight loss journey is unique.
The Beginning
The 4-year XENDOS trial revealed that 60% of orlistat patients lost at least 5% of their baseline body weight after 12 weeks. This is compared to 35% on placebo.
Making Progress
A 24-week study found that taking orlistat 3 times a day resulted in a weight loss of 4.65kg and a 4.84cm drop in waist circumference. Cholesterol levels also fell by 10.68mg.
Real Results
After one year, clinical trials have shown an average weight loss of 8.5% of initial body weight. Some 28% of orlistat users experienced a loss of at least 10% during this time.
Clinicians prescribe Orlistat 120 mg tablets to patients who are obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) or overweight (BMI >28 kg/m2) who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Our clinicians will review your information and use their considerable expertise to determine whether your chosen medication is suitable for your circumstances. If not, they may suggest an alternative treatment.
Orlistat comes in 120 mg pills that can be taken up to three times per day. You should take orlistat with water, immediately before or during a meal, or within one hour of eating. If you skip a meal or eat something that doesn’t contain any fat, you don’t need to take your orlistat dose.
Ensure you swallow orlistat tablets whole, without breaking them. You should also aim to have at least 30% of your diet come from lean fats, while limiting full-fat dairy, fried foods, and fatty cuts of meat.
The recommended dose of Orlistat 120 mg tablets is three capsules per day to be taken before, during, or shortly after meals that contain fat. A 60 mg version of orlistat (Alli) can also be bought over the counter and follows the same dosage schedule.
It’s important to note that taking Orlistat diet pills with fat-free meals will usually have little to no impact and could cause uncomfortable side effects. This is especially true if your next meal is high in fat.
If you miss an Orlistat dose, simply skip the missed tablet and take a capsule as usual with your next fat-containing meal. There is no reported benefit of taking more than the maximum recommended dose of orlistat.
Orlistat capsules are generally considered safe for up to a year of use. This may be extended if you’re experiencing continued benefits and no side effects. Regular check-ins with your clinicians are needed to monitor progress.
Although Orlistat capsules are generally well tolerated, they could still cause side effects. This is especially true if taken with meals containing excessive amounts of fat. Potential Orlistat side effects include:
Headache
Abdominal pain/discomfort
Oily or fatty stools
Flatulence (wind)
Low blood sugar
Increased need to open bowels
Bloating
Tiredness
Tooth/gum disorder
Rectal pain/discomfort
Incontinence
Soft stools
Allergic reactions
Nausea
Vomiting
Skin blistering
For more information regarding potential Orlistat side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet.
To minimise the impact of Orlistat side effects, it’s recommended to evenly spread your fat intake across meals. You should also try to stay well-hydrated and choose lean protein sources, along with plenty of fibre, to help regulate digestion.
Common Orlistat side effects, such as excess gas and oily stools, usually ease after a few days or weeks if you stick to a low-fat diet. Most issues will clear up quickly once your body has adjusted to the medication.
If you’re wondering where to buy Orlistat 120 mg tablets and the options available to you, Weight Loss Journey can help.
Yes, you can buy Orlistat weight loss capsules online via a reputable company such as Weight Loss Journey. All we need is information about your medical history and other treatments you're taking.
Orlistat 120 mg diet pills are only available following a clinical assessment and the issuance of a prescription. However, you can purchase a lower-strength 60 mg version of orlistat (Alli) over the counter
Although Orlistat is available on the NHS, access is limited. You’ll typically need a higher BMI than you would with an online service, alongside a referral to a weight management service.
Curious about what other weight loss medications are available? Here are just a few:
Yes, Orlistat 120 mg capsules and Xenical are considered the same medication. The only real difference is that one is branded and the other is a generic treatment. Both work in the same way to support weight loss by acting locally in the digestive system to block fat absorption.
Because Orlistat is the generic version of Xenical, it is usually available at a lower price point. This may make it a more cost-effective option.
No, Orlistat does not burn existing fat. This is achieved by eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Instead, Orlistat weight loss capsules prevent the absorption of around 30% of the dietary fat you consume with a meal, making it easier to enter into a calorie deficit.
Such is the importance of a sustainable diet and exercise regimen that clinical trials have shown a healthy lifestyle contributes to over half the weight you could lose while taking Orlistat
Constipation is not a commonly reported side effect of orlistat, so you’re unlikely to experience this symptom during treatment. The medication is more likely to cause diarrhoea and fatty or oily stools, as these side effects are observed in at least 1 in 10 people. In fact, some studies suggest that orlistat may be a viable treatment for severe constipation.
If you experience constipation while using orlistat, discuss this symptom with a healthcare professional.
Orlistat is not suitable for people with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis. People with these health conditions should not use orlistat, as their ability to absorb dietary fat is already impaired. The treatment may also increase the risk of renal failure in people with chronic kidney disease.
It’s therefore important to discuss your medical history with a licensed clinician before taking orlistat. If you are at risk of serious health complications, they may recommend that you try a different type of weight loss treatment.
Orlistat can interact with a variety of other medications, including:
Ciclosporin (an immunosuppressant medication given to people who have had an organ transplant)
Acarbose (an anti-diabetes drug that lowers blood sugar)
Oral anticoagulants (medications that prevent blood clots)
Amiodarone (used to treat heart arrhythmias)
Antiepileptic drugs (also known as anti-seizure medications)
Fat-soluble vitamins (orlistat may impair the absorption of vitamins A, D, E, and K)
Tell your prescribing clinician about any other medications you are taking before starting orlistat treatment.
Yes, Orlistat is considered a safe, long-term solution for weight loss. This is provided the medication is taken under the supervision of a licensed medical professional, such as a clinician. You should also use the treatment as part of a long-term weight management strategy and regularly check in with your clinician to monitor progress.
Doctors don’t know how orlistat may affect unborn babies, so they do not recommend this medication during pregnancy. It is also unknown whether orlistat is secreted into breastmilk. Therefore, you should not take orlistat if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you have any questions about the use of orlistat or other weight loss medications during pregnancy, reach out to a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Yes, you can drink alcohol on Orlistat, but it’s important to do this in moderation. Although there is no interaction between Orlisat and alcohol, the latter is a large source of calories and could derail your weight loss progress if consumed excessively. You should always be aware of and limit your intake of empty calories wherever possible.
No, it’s not usually recommended to take Orlistat with Mounjaro, as combining them could increase the severity of side effects, lead to vitamin deficiencies, and impact the absorption of other medications. It may also result in an enhanced risk of hypoglycemia by raising insulin sensitivity.
If you’re not sure which weight loss medication is most suitable for you, our experienced clinicians can help. Just complete our brief medical questionnaire, and they will review your information to determine the best course of action.
No, it is not recommended to take Wegovy and Orlistat together. Combining both treatments could exacerbate gastrointestinal side effects and impact the absorption of other medications. There is also the potential for nutritional deficiencies and an increased insulin sensitivity that may result in hypoglycemia in extreme cases.
Our licensed clinicians are available to advise on whether Wegovy or Orlistat is most suitable for your circumstances. Just fill in our online questionnaire, and they’ll take care of the rest.
Orlistat diet pills should be stored in their original packaging, away from moisture and direct sunlight. Do not expose the medication to temperatures above 25°C, and ensure that you don’t take it beyond the expiry date listed on the box. Always keep the tablets out of the sight and reach of children and animals.
Yes, you can change to Orlistat from other weight loss medications. This is true for both tablets and injections. It’s essential that you consult a specialist clinician before making any changes to your treatment, so you can be completely confident that any new regimen is safe and suitable for your situation
There are several alternatives to Orlistat for weight loss, each with distinct characteristics or mechanisms of action. Weight Loss Journey offers a wide variety of medications so that you can find the best one for your circumstances. Our treatments include:
Mounjaro: A once-weekly injection administered under the skin. Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and could result in a weight loss of 22.5%.
Wegovy: Also taken once per week, Wegovy has semaglutide as its active ingredient. It can lead to a weight loss of 17% when taken alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Nevolat: Previously available under the brand name Saxenda, Nevolat contains liraglutide and is administered once per day. It may result in a 15% drop in weight.
Xenical: The branded version of Orlistat, Xenical works in the same way and can achieve a similar amount of weight loss.
Alli: An over-the-counter version of Orlistat that contains 60 mg of its active ingredient. Studies have shown that Alli can lead to a 5% weight reduction after 16 weeks.
Mysimba: Originally licensed to combat addiction, Mysimba is also an effective treatment for weight loss. Containing the ingredients naltrexone and bupropion, the treatment can lead to an 8.1% weight loss after 56 weeks.
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about Orlistat, how it works, and clinical studies related to the drug.
MedlinePlus (2024)
UK Government (2014)
FDA (1999)
Wiley (2012)
PubMed (2007)
EMC (2023)
NIH (2024)
EMC (2022)
PubMed (1998)
ResearchGate (2005)
NICE (2025)
