Orlistat 120mg Weight-Loss Capsules

Description

Get to know Orlistat weight loss medication

Orlistat can be an effective weight treatment alongside a calorie-controlled diet and increased physical activity. The average weight loss with 12 months of treatment is up to 10%. It comes as a capsule.

• Take one capsule 3 times a day (with each main meal)
• Reduce dietary fat absorption by up to a third
• From £34.98 for a monthly supply

Orlistat 120mg key facts

Orlistat 120mg capsules are licenced in the UK for weight loss and are most effective when used as part of a holistic healthy living approach. Taken 3 times a day (with each main meal), they’re available on prescription in packs of 84, 168 and 252 capsules.

The active ingredient is Orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, which binds the fat in your food and reduces how much is absorbed by the body. Because of this process, it’s recommended to take a daily multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E, and K at least 2 hours before or after taking Orlistat.

Remember, always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.

How does Orlistat work for weight loss?

Orlistat works in the body by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs from the food you eat.

This happens in your digestive system by inhibiting pancreatic and gastric lipases – the enzymes that break down fat. By binding to the fat in your food, Orlistat blocks these enzymes and prevents around 30% of the fat you consume from being absorbed by your body. This unabsorbed fat is then eliminated when you go to the toilet through your bowel movements.

It’s important to note that Orlistat doesn’t have any effect on existing fat cells and only works on the fat contained in the food you eat whilst taking the medication. However, because of reduced fat absorption, your body can use already stored fat for its energy needs, contributing to overall weight loss.

Studies have also shown that patients who made positive changes to their diet, lifestyle and activity levels experienced less weight gain once they stopped treatment.

Am I eligible for Orlistat 120mg?

Orlistat 120mg capsules are only available via prescription in the UK. You might be suitable if the criteria below apply to you, the doctor will complete a clinical review of your completed online assessment and let you know.

•  Adults aged 18 or over
•  Those with a BMI of 30 or higher
•  Those with a BMI of 28 or higher and a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

Remember, completing an online assessment or meeting the initial eligibility criteria doesn’t guarantee you’re suitable for treatment.

Use this NHS tool to calculate your BMI.

Weight loss results using Orlistat

Several studies have demonstrated the potential weight loss results achievable whilst using Orlistat as part of a holistic weight loss plan.

The first 2 weeks

Once you start taking Orlistat, it gets to work fast and will start binding the fat from your food intake within 1-2 days. You may also start to notice weight loss results within 2 weeks of starting treatment.

The first 3 months

Most people can expect to lose up to 5% of their starting body weight during the first 3 months of treatment. If your weight loss is slower than this, let us know.

Months 6-12

After 6-12 months of treatment, the average weight loss supported by Orlistat to be expected is around 10% or more. Individual weight loss will depend on a range of factors, including changes to diet, lifestyle and exercise.

Special dietary instructions

Because Orlistat works by binding to – and then expelling via bowel movements – up to 30% of the fat in the foods that you eat, you should reduce your fat intake to 30% of your total calorie intake.

Distributing your fat intake evenly across your 3 main meals can also help reduce digestive side effects. Consuming meals with very high fat content while taking Orlistat can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects.

How to use Orlistat 120mg Weight Loss Capsules

Orlistat 120mg capsules are a prescription-only medication and should always be taken as directed. You should always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication.

How to take Orlistat

The usual recommended dose of Orlistat 120mg is one capsule 3 times a day before, during or up to one hour after each main meal. This means you will usually take one capsule with breakfast, one capsule with lunch and one capsule with dinner.

The capsule should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Alongside treatment, aim for a well-balanced diet where fewer than 30% of calories come from fats. Avoid foods containing fat such as savoury snacks, chocolate and biscuits between meals.

How long does Orlistat take to work?

Orlistat capsules normally take 24-48 hours to start working.

If you take Orlistat as directed, you can expect to see weight loss results within a few weeks of starting treatment.

How long does Orlistat stay in your system?

The presence of Orlistat in your system is influenced by your digestive tract and bowel transit time, usually lasting for 12 – 72 hours. Various sources have indicated that after discontinuing Orlistat, faecal fat levels return to their pre-Orlistat levels within 48 – 72 hours.

Side effects of Orlistat 120mg Weight Loss Capsules

Below we’ve listed some of the ‘Very common’ and ‘Common’ side effects of Orlistat 120mg capsules. You should always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication. A copy of this will also be in the medication packaging or box.

Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Abdominal pain/discomfort
• Oily or fatty stools
• liquid stools
• Increased elimination of stools
• Urgent or increased need to open the bowels
• Flatulence (wind)
• Flatulence (wind) with discharge
• Oily discharge
• Influenza (‘flu’)
• Low blood sugar levels

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)

• Lower respiratory tract infection
• Rectal pain/discomfort
• Soft stools
• Urinary tract infection
• Irregularity of menstrual cycle
• Tiredness
• Inability to control your bowel movements
• Bloating
• Tooth/gum disorder
• Anxiety