You can buy Orlistat (Xenical/Alli) as an over-the-counter alternative to Wegovy in the UK.
However, Orlistat is a very different type of weight-loss medication, and research suggests it’s not as effective as Wegovy in supporting weight loss.
Wegovy and Orlistat are weight-loss medications approved for use in the UK. However, they are different medications with distinct dosing schedules, costs, and mechanisms of action on the body.
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor. Lipases are gut enzymes that break down fat from food, enabling the gut to transport fat into the body to be burnt for energy or stored in our fat cells for later use.
Orlistat blocks lipases, preventing some of the dietary fat from our meals from being digested. This leads to fewer calories being absorbed, which can support weight loss.
Orlistat is a prescription medication produced by two pharmaceutical companies in the UK:
Wegovy is a weight-loss jab manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It’s a weekly weight-loss injection with semaglutide as the active ingredient.
Semaglutide is a that helps reduce hunger and appetite, allowing you to eat fewer calories, lose weight, and manage your blood sugar levels.
Wegovy is approved in the UK for individuals living with obesity to help them eat fewer calories and lose weight.
The over-the-counter version of Orlistat will cost around £18 a month, so it’s a very affordable medication.
In comparison, buying Wegovy and the injectable pens required for four weeks from Second Nature will cost £229 a month, rising to £299.
Orlistat is an affordable medication that is generally well-tolerated. However, it’s less effective than Wegovy. Wegovy is twice as effective as Orlistat for weight loss after one year.
So, if you’re looking for the most affordable weight-loss pill you can purchase over the counter, then Orlistat could be an option.
However, if you have a higher budget and are looking for the most effective weight-loss injection in the UK, semaglutide is a better choice.
Semaglutide is designed as an additional tool for weight management and, in most cases, shouldn’t be considered a lifelong medication.
Instead, it should be used to help you kickstart your weight loss and healthy journey while you commit to living a healthier lifestyle.
Ideally, we’d be able to lose weight without medication and lifestyle changes would be enough to support weight loss in the long term.
We’d generally recommend trying Second Nature’s before considering a weight-loss jab.
Changing your habits is the most sustainable way to achieve long-term weight loss, and it’s also less expensive.
At Second Nature, we’ve been trusted by the NHS since 2017 to support people with type 2 diabetes and obesity to lose weight, manage their blood sugar levels, and lead healthier lifestyles for the long term.
In 2022, the NHS in the BMJ that compared the weight loss outcomes of five providers in the National Diabetes Prevention Programme.
Second Nature was more than twice as effective at supporting weight loss than the other four providers.
However, if you’ve decided to try semaglutide (when it’s available) but need support in making positive changes to your lifestyle, Second Nature could be an option for you. But it’s worth noting that we have strict eligibility criteria.
Second Nature has (among the most than any pharmacy could supply) - 40% of people who give their first consultation can now lose their weight.We areastonnRead MoreOrlistat capsules are used to treat obesity and help you feel fuller for up to three-month probationary periods. Orlistat capsules contain Orlistat, which works by reducing appetite and increasing the amount of energy you take in from food. However, the drug orlistat capsules can also be used to reduce the amount of fat that you eat in your meal. It’s important to talk to a doctor before taking orlistat capsules to make sure they’re safe for you to use.
Key Benefits:
Orlistat helps reduce fat absorption.
Effective up to three months for three-month probationary periods.
Reduces energy and promotes healthy weight loss.
The recommended dose is one capsule with a full glass of water or another non-carbonated water with orlistat capsule. Orlistat capsules are also recommended to be taken with or after a meal. A meal is suggested to take one capsule with each main meal. You should also follow a low-calorie diet, as this can help reduce calorie intake.
The capsules should be swallowed with plenty of water, and if you’re taking a meal or an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement, shake the capsule well before use. You should wait at least one hour before taking the capsule. You can also take the capsules with or without food but avoid large meals if the recommended dose is not sufficient.
How to take capsules:
Swallow capsules whole with a full glass of water.
Take the capsule with a full glass of water.
Swallow the capsule with plenty of water after each meal.
You should continue taking capsules for the prescribed length of time. It’s important to take capsules with a full glass of water, and it’s also important to take capsules with a meal or an OTC supplement.
The capsules should be taken with or without a meal, as they contain fat, and they’re not meant to be chewed. If you’re having difficulty in getting orlistat capsules to work, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for advice. They can help you determine if they can do the right thing.
Orlistat capsules can cause side effects. The most common side effects are:
More serious side effects can include:
If you experience any severe side effects, such as:
If you experience any of these serious side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Background:Obesity is common and often life-long. In the United States, approximately 40 million adults are overweight, with more than one third of the population having a BMI of 30 or more. Obesity is a major risk factor for mortality, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. This study was conducted to investigate whether the combination of two prescription drugs, orlistat and metformin, would increase the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease in patients with obesity.
Objective:To compare the effect of the combination of orlistat and metformin on mortality and cardiovascular disease in patients with obesity.
Methods:This was a randomized, controlled trial. The primary endpoint was the incidence of death, which was calculated using the following formula:
Mean Mortality at Time 2 (m) (%)
Secondary Outcome:The incidence of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke was compared between groups by using log-rank test. The secondary endpoints included the composite outcome, including the composite of the following: change from baseline in the International Classification of Diseases and Related Disorders (ICD-9/10) code or score of at least 1 of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Global Assessment Question (GAS) score, and the International Index of Body Temperature (IIBT) score.
Results:In the total population of 1,639 patients, the average weight loss was -0.5 mg/kg, with an average weight loss of -0.3 mg/kg and an average weight loss of -0.8 mg/kg, respectively. Patients taking metformin at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day had a lower incidence of death, heart attack, and stroke compared with those on placebo.
Conclusions:The combination of orlistat and metformin was associated with a significantly higher incidence of cardiovascular death, heart attack, and stroke. We conclude that the combination of two prescription drugs, orlistat and metformin, can be considered as an appropriate treatment for patients with obesity.
CitationShen, J., et al. (2017) Combination of two prescription drugs, orlistat and metformin for weight loss.J Clin Med.86: 563-580. DOI:bioinformatics.10.2384/JCML.2017.0079
1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.doi:
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information.10.1355/2018.2017.5.5.63.
3.10.1355/2018.5.5.63.
Song, Y. H. and Kim, J. M. (2015)Diabetes Research,11, 1395-1415. doi:10.1355/2017.5.5.63.1. Epub 2017, PubMed1510.2377/1415-8378.https://doi.org/10.2377/1415-8378.4.10.1355/2018.5.5.63.1.19
5.23
6.
Product Details
The Orlistat 120mg Capsule is a weight loss medication that works by reducing fat absorption from the intestines. This mechanism can help people with type 2 diabetes manage the associated weight loss. If you have diabetes, you may have been overweight. If so, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking the medication. You may be able to reduce the weight you are already carrying by more than one degree in a year. If you are a bodybuilder and are not overweight, then the medication can help you achieve a healthy weight and reduce your chances of becoming overweight. In addition, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication. The medication should not be used for weight loss without consulting with a doctor or other health care professional. It is also important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new weight loss medication.
Indications for Use
Orlistat 120mg Capsules are used to lower the amount of fat absorbed from the intestines in people who have a diagnosis of bowel cancer. The drug is a type of medication known as a lipase inhibitor. It is a drug that belongs to the group of drugs called lipase inhibitors. The recommended dose of Orlistat 120mg Capsules is 120 mg taken once a day. For a full list of recommended dosing regimens, consult the manufacturer's patient information leaflet or the manufacturer's website.
Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects of Orlistat include oily discharge, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, gas, abdominal pain, abdominal pain and diarrhea. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe or persistent side effects, such as chest pain, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention. If any of these symptoms worsen or become worse, consult your healthcare provider right away. Orlistat can also lead to liver problems or liver failure, which can affect the ability of the liver to metabolize the drug effectively. It is essential to inform your healthcare provider if you are taking or have recently taken any other medications.
Precautions and Warnings
If you are a bodybuilder or are taking any of the following medications, you should be aware of the following precautions and warnings: you should not use Orlistat 120mg Capsules if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medication. Inform your healthcare provider about all other drugs you use, including vitamins, herbs, and supplements. You must not use Orlistat if you have or have had a history of peptic ulcers, heart failure, or hypertension, as this may result in the use of the medication. You should not use Orlistat if you are taking or have recently taken any other medications, including, antidepressants, antifungals,, antacids,, calcium-channel blockers, antibiotics, or other medicines that contain magnesium, calcium, or iron. Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you use, including vitamin, herbal, or vitamin supplements that are contraindicated, and/or other medications you are taking.
Storage
You should store the capsules in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Precautions
All Orlistat 120mg Capsules are to be stored at room temperature, and they should be kept out of children's reach. It is also important to keep them out of reach of children and pets. In case you have accidentally taken or have recently taken any other medication, do not consume it. The recommended dose of Orlistat 120mg Capsules is one capsule a day. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects or are taking any medications that are contraindicated, contact your healthcare provider right away. It is also important to read the medication guide before starting the medication, and to keep any information on-the-spot safe.
Show moreShow lessThe information provided above is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the information provided herein for specific advice regarding your medical condition, medical treatment, or treatment goals.
Show lessYou should also be aware that the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is intended as a guide only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice by your doctor. You should not rely upon any information contained herein for any health, medical, or other treatment but should consult your licensed medical professional or your doctor.
Stade de France Pharmacy