What is orlistat?
Orlistat (also available as the branded treatment Xenical) is a treatment that comes in the form of capsules. It can help support weight loss when taken alongside healthy eating and lifestyle choices.
Orlistat and Xenical are the same medicine, but Xenical is a branded version. Both treatments contain orlistat 120 mg and work in exactly the same way. Orlistat tends to be significantly cheaper as it doesn’t have the branding.
Our clinicians can prescribe both orlistat and Xenical, as well as other weight loss medicines, so whatever treatment is right for you, we can help. To find out more about the treatments we offer to support weight loss
What is orlistat used for?
Orlistat (or Xenical) 120mg is a prescription treatment that can help you to lose weight when taken as part of a healthy eating plan and exercise.
How does orlistat work?
Orlistat helps with weight loss by reducing the amount of fat absorbed by your body. Instead of storing the fat, this medicine allows your body to pass fat through the bowel and out of your system.
Orlistat does this by attaching to an enzyme found in the digestive system called lipase. It stops lipase from breaking down fat from your meal. This means less fat is digested by your body, leaving through the stools instead.
For maximum effectiveness, orlistat must be used alongside a reduced calorie diet (with no more than 30% of your calories from fat) and increased movement. This will also help you to minimise any unpleasant side effects. read more on orlistat
