Orlistat

Orlistat

£39.99

Orlistat is a clinically proven licensed fat blocker which aids in weight loss. It works by reducing the amount of dietary fat your body absorbs, helping to lower overall calorie intake and support healthy weight loss.

✔ Blocks up to 25% of dietary fat absorption
✔ Proven in clinical studies to support weight reduction
✔ Works alongside a low-fat diet
✔ Taken three times daily with main meals
✔ Reviewed and approved by our expert pharmacy team
✔ Discreet UK-wide delivery available

Once you complete your health assessment, our pharmacy experts will review your answers to determine if Orlistat is right for you. If approved, we’ll dispatch your treatment in secure packaging with ongoing access to our private weight loss support service at Star Pharmacy.

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor that reduces the absorption of fat from your diet. It works by blocking enzymes that break down dietary fat. As it targets fat digestion, it is a reliable option for individuals looking for tablet-based weight loss medications.

How does Orlistat work?

Orlistat 120mg offers enhanced fat-blocking effectiveness under medical supervision:
  • Reducing fat absorption in the stomach and small intestine
  • Supports sustainable weight loss by lowering calorie intake
  • Encourages healthy food choices to minimise side effects
When combined with a balanced, reduced‑calorie diet and regular physical activity, Orlistat users typically achieve an extra 3 to 5 percent weight reduction over one year compared with diet alone.

How does Orlistat work best for you?

For best results, combine Orlistat with:
  • Reduced calorie intake
  • Regular physical activity
  • Ongoing weight monitoring

Orlistat 120mg is suitable for adults:

  • Aged 18 and over
  • BMI of 30 or above
  • BMI 28 and above with at least one weight‑related condition (for example, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol)
  • Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Before using Orlistat, it’s important to understand when it may not be suitable and what precautions to take to ensure safe and effective use.

Who should not take Orlistat?

You should not take Orlistat if you:

  • Have chronic malabsorption syndrome (a condition that interferes with the absorption of food nutrients).
  • Have cholestasis (a liver condition where bile flow is reduced or blocked).
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Are allergic to orlistat or any other ingredient in the capsules.

Always consult your pharmacist or doctor before starting Orlistat, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions

Use with Caution

Speak to a healthcare professional before taking Orlistat if you:

  • Have a history of kidney stones.
  • Are taking medications for diabetes, as weight loss may improve glycaemic control, and your medication doses may need adjustment.
  • Are being treated for thyroid disease, as Orlistat may affect thyroid hormone absorption.
  • Are taking medications for epilepsy, since weight loss or possible reduced absorption of anti-epileptic drugs may affect seizure control.
  • Have a history of eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.

Dietary Guidelines for Best Results

  • Calorie control

Aim for a daily calorie deficit (typically 500 kcal below maintenance level). Use a food diary or an app to log your meals.

  • Limit dietary fat

Keep total fat to around 25–30% of your daily calories. For example, on a 2,000 kcal diet that is 55–65 g of fat per day, spread evenly across meals (18–22 g fat per meal).

  • Balanced nutrition

Each meal should include lean protein (chicken, fish, beans), whole‑grain carbohydrates (brown rice, oats) and plenty of vegetables to boost fibre and satiety.

Physical Activity and Lifestyle Changes 

  • Exercise frequency

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate‑intensity activity per week, for example, brisk walking or cycling.

  • Daily movement

Incorporate 10‑minute activity breaks, such as taking the stairs or a short walk after meals, to enhance overall energy expenditure.

How to Take the Capsule

  • Swallow whole

Do not chew, crush or break the capsule.

  • Use water

Take each capsule with at least half a glass (100 ml) of plain water to ensure it passes easily into your stomach.

  • If you vomit within one hour

Skip that dose and resume your normal schedule with the next meal; do not take an extra capsule to make up for the lost one.

Dosage Schedule and Timing

  • Standard dose

Take one 120 mg Orlistat capsule three times per day with, or up to one hour after, each main meal that contains fat.

  • Skipping a dose

If a meal contains no fat, skip that dose; do not take Orlistat “just in case.” Since Orlistat only blocks fat digestion, taking it with a fat‑free meal offers no benefit and may increase the risk of side effects.

  • Maximum daily dose

Do not exceed three capsules within any 24 hours.

Active Ingredient

Each capsule of Orlistat contains 120mg of orlistat.

Orlistat works locally in your gut to block the absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting the enzyme lipase. This undigested fat is then excreted naturally through your stool, reducing your overall calorie intake and supporting weight loss when combined with a low-fat diet.

Inactive Ingredients

  • Sodium starch glycolate

Helps the capsule dissolve properly, allowing for better absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

  • Povidone

Used as a binder to hold the ingredients together and improve capsule consistency.

  • Talc

Natural mineral used to prevent ingredients from clumping together and ensure smooth capsule filling.

  • Titanium dioxide

A white pigment used in the capsule shell for colouring and light protection.

  • Indigo carmine (E132)

A blue colourant is used in the capsule shell.

  • Gelatin

Used to form the outer shell of the capsule, making it easy to swallow.

Note: Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) that comes with your medication. For tailored weight loss advice, dietary guidance, and professional support, speak to our expert team at Star Pharmacy. We’re here to ensure you use Orlistat safely and effectively as part of your personalised weight management plan.

Common side effects

  • Oily or fatty stools (steatorrhea)

Unabsorbed fat is excreted in the faeces, producing greasy, pale or floating stools. It can be managed by:

  • Limit dietary fat to no more than 30% of total daily calories.
  • Distribute fat evenly across meals.
  • Frequent bowel movements

Increased stool frequency or urgency, sometimes immediately after eating. It can be managed by:

  • Plan meal timing
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort

Cramping, bloating or gas due to unabsorbed fat in the colon. Can be managed by:

  • Low‑fat meals
  • Gentle exercise (e.g. walking) may help relieve gas and bloating.
  • Apply a warm compress to the belly if cramping persists.
  • Rectal leakage or oil spotting

Passage of small amounts of oily discharge, especially when dietary fat is too high. Can be managed by:

  • Adhering strictly to the recommended low‑fat diet.

Less common side effects

  • Headache

Mild to moderate head pain that may accompany GI upset or dehydration.

  • Management: Ensure regular fluid intake; simple analgesics such as paracetamol can be used if needed.
  • Anxiety or mood changes

Occasional feelings of nervousness, restlessness or low mood.

  • Management:Practice stress‑reduction techniques (deep breathing, meditation). Discuss persistent symptoms with your healthcare provider.
  • Menstrual changes

Alterations in cycle regularity or flow, possibly linked to rapid weight loss or dietary changes.

  • Management: Track your cycle; if irregularities persist beyond two cycles, consult your healthcare provider.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Although rare, these events require urgent medical attention:

  • Severe abdominal pain

Could indicate acute pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.

  • Signs of malnutrition

Persistent fatigue, easy bruising or excessive bleeding may signal vitamin K deficiency.

  • Allergic reactions

Hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.

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FAQs

How to use weight loss injections?

They’re usually taken once a week using a simple pre-filled pen. You inject it yourself, following the step-by-step guidance from our healthcare provider.

Yes, when prescribed and monitored by our professionals at Star Pharmacy. Some people may experience temporary side effects like nausea, headaches, or mild digestive changes.

Each pen contains four doses, so it will last for around one month when used weekly.

Generally for adults with a BMI of 30+, or 27+ if you have weight-related conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Your eligibility will be confirmed in a consultation.

Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and mild headaches. These effects are usually temporary and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Use the formula: weight (kg) ÷ height (m²), or check with any online BMI calculator for quick results.

Prescription based weight loss injections called a GLP-1 injection help you reduce appetite and help control hunger, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off.

Orlistat is a prescription weight loss medication that blocks fat from being absorbed. When Orlistat is combined with a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet, it supports gradual and sustained weight loss.

Yes. Orlistat 120mg is available in the UK with a prescription only. At Star Pharmacy, we provide Orlistat 120mg privately after a brief health consultation with our expert team.

Orlistat is suitable for adults aged 18 or older with a BMI of 30+, or 28+ with conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes. Contact us if you need more guidance from our healthcare professional.

Take one 120mg capsule 3 times with each main meal that contains fat. Swallow the capsule whole with water and skip the dose if your meal contains no fat.

Avoid high-fat meals and fried or greasy foods. Eating too much fat can cause unpleasant side effects like oily stools, gas, and urgency. Aim for meals where no more than 30% of the calories come from fat to reduce these effects.

The most common side effects include oily or fatty stools, stomach cramps, and frequent bowel movements.

With consistent use of Orlistat along with a suitable diet, users may lose around 5–10% of their body weight over several months.

Orlistat is available on the NHS only for people who meet specific weight and health criteria, typically through GP or weight management referrals. However, many people choose to access Orlistat privately for faster availability and personalised support through pharmacies like Star Pharmacy.

Some medications may interact with Orlistat, including ciclosporin, warfarin, thyroid medicines, and certain epilepsy drugs. Always inform your prescriber about any other medicines or supplements you are taking before starting Orlistat to avoid any potential medication interactions.

If you stop taking Orlistat, your body will return to absorbing all dietary fat, and you may regain weight.