Orlistat 120mg

Price range: £21.99 through £109.99

Orlistat 120mg Capsules are a prescription medication for weight loss in adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 28 with risk factors. They work by reducing fat absorption in the digestive system, supporting weight loss efforts when combined with a low-fat diet

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Orlistat 120mg Capsules help adults lose weight by reducing fat absorption from meals. They are typically prescribed to individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 28 if weight-related health risks are present, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. This medication works best when combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular physical activity.

Each capsule contains 120mg of Orlistat, a medicine known as a lipase inhibitor. When taken with a meal that contains fat, it prevents around 30% of the fat from being digested and absorbed. Instead, the undigested fat passes naturally through the bowel.

How It Works

Orlistat blocks the digestive enzymes that break down fat in your food. Without these enzymes, fat molecules remain too large to be absorbed by the body. This fat is then eliminated through your stool. As a result, your body absorbs fewer calories, which supports gradual and effective weight loss.

Why Choose Orlistat

Orlistat provides clinically proven support for those who find it difficult to lose weight through diet alone. Unlike appetite suppressants, it works locally in the gut without affecting your brain or nervous system. Most patients appreciate its straightforward method of action and prefer the control it offers over dietary fat.

Doctors often recommend Orlistat as part of a supervised weight management plan. When used correctly, it can improve other health markers, including blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Important Note

Orlistat 120mg is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK.
A licensed healthcare professional must assess your suitability and supervise your treatment. Always follow the directions provided, and report any side effects to your prescriber or pharmacist.

Directions

  • Dosage: Take one 120mg capsule three times a day.
  • How to Take: Swallow the capsule whole with water immediately before, during, or up to one hour after each main meal containing fat.
  • Key Reminders: If a meal is missed or contains no fat, skip that dose. Do not take more than three capsules per day.

Used For

  • Obesity (BMI ≥30)
  • Overweight individuals (BMI ≥28) with associated risk factors such as:
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Hypertension
    • Dyslipidemia

How Does It Work?

Orlistat inhibits gastrointestinal lipases, enzymes that break down dietary fat into absorbable forms. By blocking these enzymes, Orlistat reduces fat absorption by approximately 30%. The unabsorbed fat is then excreted, leading to a decrease in calorie intake and supporting weight loss

Ingredients

  • Active Ingredient: Orlistat 120mg
  • Inactive Ingredients: Microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, povidone, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171), indigo carmine (E132), and other excipients.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

  • Oily or fatty stools
  • Flatulence with discharge
  • Urgent or increased bowel movements
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort

Serious Side Effects:

  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
  • Severe liver injury (rare)
  • Oxalate nephropathy leading to kidney stones (rare)

If you experience any severe side effects, discontinue use and consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Who Should Avoid

  • Individuals with chronic malabsorption syndrome
  • Patients with cholestasis (a liver condition)
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding women
  • Those with hypersensitivity to Orlistat or any of its components

Storage Instructions

  • Store below 25°C.
  • Keep in the original packaging to protect from moisture.
  • Keep out of sight and reach of children.
  • It blocks enzymes that digest fat, so a portion of fat passes through the body undigested.
  • Orlistat 120mg is used to help people lose weight by blocking some of the fat absorbed from meals.
  • Yes, Orlistat 120mg is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.
  • Only take it with meals that contain fat. Skip a dose if your meal has no fat.
  • No — it must be used alongside a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet to be effective.