preview
    From £159.99
    • Effectiveness: Avg. ~15% weight loss*
    • Dose: One weekly single dose (One pen per month)
    • Contains Semaglutide
    preview
    From £98.39
    • Effectiveness: Avg. ~10% weight loss*
    • Dose: One daily single dose (4 pens per month)
    • Contains Liraglutide
    preview
    From £34.97
    • Effectiveness: Helps you to lose up to 50% more weight than dieting alone*
    • Reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs
    • Used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and exercise
    Weight Loss
    Updated at: October 23, 20245 min read

    How Fast Can You Lose Weight On Orlistat?

    You should see some weight loss within 2 weeks after you start taking Orlistat. There are hundreds, if not thousands of different types of diet pills offered for sale online. However, there is only one prescription-strength medication that is authorized by the NHS to treat obesity. That pill is Orlistat.

    Orlistat is the generic name of the medication, it also goes by the brand names Xenical and Alli. We will take a close look at this medicine today and answer many questions you may have about it.

    The first question most people would naturally ask is "how fast can I lose weight if I use Orlistat?" Let us make the assumption that they are taking it properly with the correct diet and exercise that is prescribed along with the medication. You should start seeing some results within two weeks of taking Orlistat. Be certain to tell your doctor if your weight stays the same or increases after two weeks of properly taking Orlistat.

    How much weight can I lose on Orlistat?

    We have another blog post that is dedicated to how much weight you can lose on Orlistat. In summary, many people are able to lose between 10% and 20% of their body fat within the first six months. Read our article on losing weight with Orlistat for more information.

    What type of diet drug is Orlistat?

    Orlistat is in a class of diet pill medication called "lipase inhibitors". What does that mean? This medication inhibits the absorption of fat in your intestines. The fat that would otherwise be absorbed by the body is then removed as it is passed along through the stool. Orlistat blocks a large amount (approximately 30%) of the fat in your meal from being digested.

    How does Orlistat help you lose weight?

    Orlistat promotes weight loss by decreasing the amount of fat your intestines can absorb. This is accomplished as Orlistat inhibits the work of lipase. Lipase is an enzyme in your intestines that breaks down fat so it can be absorbed by the body. This fat that is not absorbed is then passed on through bowl movements.

    Doctor consulting an overweight patient about their weight loss journey

    Does Orlistat reduce appetite?

    Orlistat does not work by reducing appetite. Instead, it works by preventing your body from absorbing fats found in what you eat. While you would still attempt to eat a calorie-reduced meal, Orlistat would assist in weight loss by preventing up to 30% of the fat in your meal from being absorbed.

    What happens if you take Orlistat without eating?

    There is no benefit offered by Orlistat if you are not consuming a meal that has a portion of its calories in fat. Orlistat works by preventing your body from absorbing fat. If there is no fat being consumed, taking Orlistat serves no purpose.

    What is Xenical?

    Xenical is the brand name of Orlistat. It is essentially the same drug as Orlistat. We sell both Orlistat and Xenical here at UK Meds.

    What is the best time to take Orlistat?

    Normally, you would take Orlistat three times a day (once with each major meal that you eat). The meal should have some fat in it. You can take Orlistat with the meal, or up to an hour after eating the meal. If you skip a meal, or eat a meal that contains no fat, you should skip your dose of Orlistat.

    Does Orlistat help you lose belly fat?

    While Orlistat does help you lose weight, the weight loss will not be restricted to a certain area of your body. Everyone loses weight differently. It will depend on your body's makeup as to which area will begin to lose weight first. Typically, you would slowly begin to lose weight from many areas of your body at once

    An overweight lady researching weight loss treatments

    What is the best prescription weight loss medication?

    In the UK, the best prescription strength weight loss medication is Orlistat. In fact, Orlistat is the only medication that is authorized by the NHS to treat obesity. Orlistat is the best, and only, prescription-based weight loss medication in the UK.

    Can Orlistat cause kidney damage?

    Keep in mind that Orlistat is prescribed for obesity, and obesity can cause kidney damage. Orlistat not only treats obesity, but it can also protect against type 2 diabetes in around 37% of cases. Orlistat is prescribed for people who have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). However, a small number of individuals may precipitate oxalate nephropathy and renal stone disease when taking Orlistat. If this is a concern, be certain to discuss it with your doctor.

    Can you take Orlistat with Metformin?

    Generally, Metformin is the first drug prescribed to people who have type 2 diabetes. Likewise, people who have type 2 diabetes usually wish to lose weight, which can be treated with Orlistat. This begs the question, can you take Orlistat and Metformin at the same time? Another related question is, "Can you take Orlistat if you have type 2 diabetes"? The answer is yes, you can take both Orlistat and Metformin if your doctor will prescribe both for you. There are no warnings against taking these drugs together.

    Your doctor may adjust your prescription of Metformin (to a smaller dose) as Orlistat allows some people to take less diabetes medication. You may need frequent monitoring of your type 2 diabetes to discover how your body reacts to taking Orlistat and Metformin simultaneously.

    Related Products

    preview
    From £159.99
    • Effectiveness: Avg. ~15% weight loss*
    • Dose: One weekly single dose (One pen per month)
    • Contains Semaglutide
    preview
    From £98.39
    • Effectiveness: Avg. ~10% weight loss*
    • Dose: One daily single dose (4 pens per month)
    • Contains Liraglutide
    preview
    From £34.97
    • Effectiveness: Helps you to lose up to 50% more weight than dieting alone*
    • Reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs
    • Used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and exercise

    Related Products

    preview
    From £159.99
    • Effectiveness: Avg. ~15% weight loss*
    • Dose: One weekly single dose (One pen per month)
    • Contains Semaglutide
    preview
    From £98.39
    • Effectiveness: Avg. ~10% weight loss*
    • Dose: One daily single dose (4 pens per month)
    • Contains Liraglutide
    preview
    From £34.97
    • Effectiveness: Helps you to lose up to 50% more weight than dieting alone*
    • Reduces the amount of fat your body absorbs
    • Used alongside a calorie-controlled diet and exercise

    Blog author

    Scott Weaver

    Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.

    Here to help you

    Our Customer Service is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999. Visit our help section