Orlistat is a leading weight loss tablet approved for weight management. At Colchester Weight Loss Clinic, we specialise in providing Orlistat, supported by expert medical guidance and personalised care plans. Orlistat prices start from £49 per pack.
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Lose up to 10% body weight
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How it works
Your journey to weight loss in three simple steps.
Check your eligibility
Complete our free online assessment. You’ll answer some simple questions about your health to see which weight loss treatment is right for you.
Doctor review
One of our doctors will review your answers to make sure the treatment is safe for you. They’ll pick the best treatment for your health and needs.
Get your treatment
Your treatment will be discreetly delivered right to your door. Colchester Weight Loss Clinic, powered by Medicspot, will give you ongoing weight loss and health support.
Get fast delivery if you live in Wivenhoe, Mile End, Highwoods, Stanway, Greenstead, Old Heath, New Town, Prettygate or Shrub End.
What is Orlistat
Orlistat is a prescription medication designed to assist with weight loss and long-term weight management. Here’s what you should know:
Active ingredient
Orlistat is the active ingredient which works by blocking the fat from your food from being absorbed in your stomach.
How it works
It prevents the enzymes in your digestive system from breaking down fat, which means less is absorbed; so the fat you eat stays in your digestive tract and is passed in your stool (poo).
Administration
Orlistat is taken up to three times a day with each main meal.
Suitability
Suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or 28 or more with weight-related conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
Effectiveness
With regular use, you can expect weight loss of about 5-10% of body weight.
Side effects
Common side effects include the need to go to the toilet more often and more urgently, farting more often, oily or fatty stools, and an oily discharge from your rectum. These are less common if you significantly reduce the fat in your diet.
Only purchase Wegovy from reputable sources to avoid counterfeit medications and ensure you receive genuine, safe treatment.
If you're considering Orlistat for weight management in Colchester, here's how you can buy Orlistat safely:
Choose a reputable supplier
Make sure you choose a provider who ensures that the prescription will be safe and effective for you. At Colchester Weight Loss Clinic , UK based clinicians will undertake a thorough assessment and arrange delivery of the medication to your door.
Have your consultation
Make sure that Orlistat is right for you with a consultation with your NHS GP or at Colchester Weight Loss
Clinic.
Get your prescription
If Orlistat is right for you, your healthcare provider will issue a prescription.
Receive your medication
Receive your medication from the pharmacy that’s partnered with your chosen provider. At Colchester Weight Loss
Clinic we deliver it to your door.
Follow-up
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor your progress, manage side effects and adjust the treatment as needed.
By following these steps, you ensure that you receive Orlistat under safe conditions, supported by proper medical guidance. Remember, purchasing medication from reputable sources is important for your health and weight loss.
Orlistat dosing
Understanding the correct dosing plan for Orlistat is crucial to effectively managing weight and minimising side effects. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide from Colchester Weight Loss Clinic on how to use Orlistat:
When to take Orlistat
Take up to one 120mg capsule of Orlistat with each main meal (up to three times per day). It can be taken immediately before, during, or up to one hour after the meal.
When not to take Orlistat
If you miss a meal or your meal does not contain any fat at all, skip that dose of Orlistat.
Consistency
Consistent use improves the effectiveness of Orlistat.
Low fat diet
A low fat diet will help with your weight loss and reduce the side effects of Orlistat.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to achieve the best results from your Orlistat treatment.
Orlistat sources and references
Here are some additional resources to help you learn more about Orlistat, how it works, and clinical studies related to the drug.
No, Orlistat does not burn existing fat. Instead, it works by blocking the absorption of about a third of the fat from the food you eat. The fat that is not absorbed is then eliminated from your body in your stools.
The effects of Orlistat can start soon after you eat meals containing fat. You may notice changes in bowel habits within 24 to 48 hours after taking Orlistat, including more frequent bowel movements or an urgent need to poo.
Orlistat prevents enzymes called lipases from breaking down fat in your stomach. This unbroken fat cannot be absorbed and is passed out of your body in your stools. This helps to reduce the amount of calories you absorb, contributing to weight loss.
If you take Orlistat without eating, it will have no effect. Orlistat needs to be taken with meals that contain fat to work. If you skip a meal or eat a meal that doesn’t contain fat, you should skip your dose of Orlistat.
To achieve the best results from Orlistat, combine it with a calorie-restricted, low-fat diet and regular physical activity. Make sure you take Orlistat with each main meal containing fat.
Yes, a lower dose of Orlistat, known as Alli, is available over the counter in the UK. The prescription-strength version (120mg) requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
Taking Orlistat and Saxenda together is not commonly recommended.
During the first week of taking Orlistat, you may experience gastrointestinal side effects such as oily or fatty stools, an urgent need to poo, and farting with discharge. These effects are typically temporary and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
Your doctor may prescribe Orlistat if you have a BMI of 28 or higher with associated risk factors or 30 or higher without associated risk factors, and you have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Yes, Orlistat can be prescribed for weight loss by your NHS GP in Colchester under specific conditions such as having a high BMI (28 or above with additional risk factors or 30 and above).
Orlistat combined with diet and exercise can help you lose about 5% to 10% of your body weight within a year. The effectiveness can vary based on your diet, exercise, and adherence to the medication.
Orlistat starts working quickly within the first few weeks. You might begin to notice weight loss and changes in your body composition as early as 2 to 3 weeks after starting the treatment.
Yes, Orlistat is available in the UK both over-the-counter (as Alli) and as a prescription weight loss pill (Xenical).
Orlistat can be purchased at pharmacies across in Colchester and through online health services that provide prescriptions after an online consultation.
Orlistat is safe for most people when used as directed. However, it can cause side effects, mainly related to digestion. Always discuss potential risks with your healthcare provider before starting Orlistat.
Orlistat is marketed under several brand names, including Alli and Xenical, by different pharmaceutical companies.
Alli contains Orlistat but at a lower dose (60mg) than the prescription version (120mg) and is available over the counter.
Yes, Xenical is the brand name for prescription-strength (120mg) Orlistat. Generic Orlistat is manufactured by multiple pharmaceutical companies around the world. When a drug’s patent expires, other manufacturers are allowed to produce and sell generic versions of the drug, which must meet the same standards of quality, safety, and efficacy as the original branded product. These companies produce Orlistat under the generic name or under different brand names, often at a lower cost compared to the branded versions like Xenical.
Comparing Orlistat and Mounjaro directly is challenging as they have different mechanisms of action and are used for slightly different purposes. Orlistat blocks the absorption of fats from your diet, helping reduce caloric intake, while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) works by enhancing insulin secretion and mimicking hormones involved in appetite regulation. Mounjaro tends to show higher efficacy in clinical trials in terms of percentage of body weight loss compared to Orlistat. The choice between the two should be based on your health conditions, treatment goals, and a healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Like Mounjaro, Wegovy (semaglutide) operates differently from Orlistat. Wegovy acts on the brain to reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness. It has been shown to produce significant weight loss results, often higher than those associated with Orlistat. Whether Orlistat or Wegovy is better will depend on individual factors including your medical history, how well you tolerate the medications, and your specific weight loss objectives. A healthcare provider can provide guidance on which medication might be more suitable for you.
Saxenda (liraglutide) also works on appetite regulation but is administered via injection, compared to Orlistat’s oral weight loss pill. In terms of effectiveness, Saxenda often results in higher overall weight loss than Orlistat. However, choosing between Saxenda and Orlistat will depend on personal preferences regarding administration method, side effect profiles, and your individual response to treatment. Some people might prefer Orlistat for its convenience as a pill, while others might find Saxenda’s weight loss efficacy more preferable.
Switching from Orlistat to Mounjaro is possible and may be recommended if you’re not achieving your desired weight loss results with Orlistat or if Mounjaro is deemed more suitable due to its potential for greater weight loss reduction. However, such a switch should always be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider. They will assess your overall health, the effectiveness of your current treatment, and any potential risks or benefits associated with switching medications.
Obesity, being overweight mental health problems, such as depression and eating disorders, can negatively affect each other, making it harder to manage your weight. It’s important to recognise the link between your mental health and your weight so you can seek help if you need it.
Talking therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effective for tackling the psychological challenges associated with eating disorders and obesity. It focuses on changing the way you think and behave, helping to break the cycle of negative thoughts and actions that can impact eating habits and body image.
To find a CBT therapist via the NHS, you can refer yourself or speak to your GP, who can refer you to talking therapies in Colchester.
Why it’s important
By addressing mental health alongside physical health, you have a much better chance of succeeding with Orlistat, improving your overall wellbeing and quality of life. If you find yourself in need of urgent mental health support, contact your local mental health helpline provided by the NHS. These resources can provide immediate care and support in times of need, ensuring that no one has to face their challenges alone.
Keeping active
Exercise doesn’t just burn calories. By triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, exercise has been shown to help combat depression and anxiety.
There’s plenty of ways to stay active in Colchester, from local gyms and fitness classes to parks and recreational facilities.
Support in Colchester
In Colchester, Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive mental health support for Orlistat patients. They can help with eating disorders and weight-related mental health issues.
Discuss your mental health with your GP in Colchester who can refer you to a specialist. You may also be able to refer yourself directly without a referral, but you will need to be registered with a GP to get talking therapies on the NHS. You can find a GP in Colchester on the NHS website.
Related weight loss treatments
You may be interested in these other available weight loss treatments from Colchester Weight Loss Clinic.
This page was last medically reviewed by Dr Adam Abbs on 8 Jan 2025.
Colchester Weight Loss Clinic is committed to providing you with the most objective, trustworthy
and accurate health information.
Our content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and guidelines.
Dr Adam Abbs
MBBS FRCGP PGCCE FHEA
Dr Adam Abbs is an NHS-trained GP with a keen focus on digital health, AI in healthcare, and personalised medicine, including weight loss. He is a leader in creating new ways to provide safe and easy-to-access healthcare through remote care. Dr Abbs is also a skilled medical writer and wrote the RCGP-accredited Remote Consultation Handbook in 2020, and shares his weight loss expertise on his blog Gastric Guru.
