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    Wellbeing
    Updated at: November 21, 20247 min read

    How Much Weight Can You Lose on Orlistat?

    Both doctors and health experts attest to the efficiency of Orlistat. It is said that when used appropriately, and when coupled with the right diet and healthy lifestyle, Orlistat is able to help people lose around 10-20% or more of their body weight in as little as three to six months. In short, when asking does Orlistat work for losing weight? The answer is YES. But, how much weight can you actually lose when taking Orlistat, and is it as effective as other weight loss methods?

    Key Takeaways

    Orlistat Effectively Supports Weight Loss When Combined with a Healthy Lifestyle

    When used correctly with a balanced diet and regular exercise, Orlistat can help individuals lose up to 10-20% of their body weight within three to six months. It works by blocking the absorption of around 30% of dietary fat.

    Proper Use and Eligibility

    Orlistat is generally prescribed for adults with a BMI of 27 or above, especially those with weight-related health issues. It should be taken with meals that contain fat, but skipped if the meal has no fat content. The medication only works effectively when paired with a low-calorie, low-fat diet.

    Common Side Effects and Tips to Minimise Them

    Some users experience digestive side effects like increased bowel movements or oily discharge, which usually lessen over time. Sticking to a diet with controlled fat intake (around 20-30% of meal calories) can help manage these side effects.

    What is Orlistat?

    Orlistat is an anti-obesity drug manufactured in Switzerland by La Roche Ltd. In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration approved low dosage Orlistat, allowing it to be sold. For treating weight loss, the dosage is one 120mg capsule taken with water with each main meal that has high-fat content. Orlistat can be taken three times a day, or at least one hour after a fatty meal.

    Orlistat is a clinically proven medication that is used for weight loss for people struggling with obesity and weight issues. For a patient to be given Orlistat, they must have a BMI score of at least 27 or more, they will then be eligible to use the medication. When used properly in conjunction with the right diet, lifestyle, and exercise; anyone can get the results they are looking for from Orlistat.

    Is Orlistat 100% effective for weight loss?

    The short answer to this is, yes. Orlistat is scientifically proven to facilitate weight loss. There have been many medical trials that have revealed that people who were given Orlistat, and who have also made healthy lifestyle changes such as a restricted-calorie diet and exercise, lose approximately four to six pounds of fat. As well as this weight loss, Orlistat has also been found to drastically decrease the chances of diabetes among obese people.

    How do you use Orlistat?

    Orlistat is to be used alongside a doctor-prescribed low-calorie diet program in order to receive effective weight loss. Orlistat is widely used by overweight and obese patients as a means of treating any weight-related medical condition. Losing weight can reduce the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and many more weight-related health conditions.

    You should always read the product information label when you are using orlistat without a prescription so you are fully informed. You should only take the medication as directed by your doctor. Take the pill orally with water when you eat a meal that has high-fat content, or within one hour after any meal. You can also take Orlistat up to three times a day. If you do miss a meal, or if you consume a meal with no fat content, you can skip a dose of Orlistat. It is important that you never increase your Orlistat intake, or that you never use the drug for longer than advised by your medical doctor.If you experience weight loss within two weeks of starting the regimen then you should inform your doctor so that they can best advise you for steps moving forward. Also, inform your doctor if your condition does not in any way improve, or if it becomes worse.

    How do you get the best results when using Orlistat?

    Orlistat is a weight loss medication that can be taken by individuals with a body mass index or BMI score of 27 or above. Orlistat works best when coupled with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a healthy lifestyle.

    The human body is able to absorb fat in its simplest form in order to boost digestion. But, fat that is not digested gets deposited in various parts of the body. A person will then gain weight as the storage of fat in the body increases.A lot of weight loss medication has impossible claims on their efficacy. Some medications will even let you eat small amounts to achieve desired weight loss. When you use Orlistat as your chosen weight loss treatment you will not be allowed to feel starved or deprived of what you actually want. Orlistat simply works by preventing 30% of fat from being digested into the body. To achieve the full weight loss benefits of Orlistat it is encouraged to have a nutritious diet, an active lifestyle, and regular exercise.

    What should you know if you’re taking Orlistat?

    If you are taking Orlistat, you should always take medication strictly as prescribed by your medical doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. You should never share it with anyone even if he or she has symptoms similar to yours. You can take Orlistat orally with water approximately three times a day with every main meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner). You should take Orlistat with any meal that has a fat content that is no more than 30% of the calories for that particular meal. 

    You can take Orlistat with or without a meal, provided you take it at least one hour after having eaten. If you skip a meal, or if you have consumed a meal that has no fat content, do not take the prescribed drug dose for that specific meal.

    When is it okay to take Orlistat?

    To know if you are eligible to take Orlistat, you should make sure to check your body mass index. If you have a BMI score of 27 or above, you can start using the medication for effective weight loss. Orlistat is a clinically proven medication that helps weight loss among obese or overweight people. Orlistat however is not a magic potion and is by no means a ‘cure’ for obesity. When used properly with the right diet, lifestyle, and exercise, anyone can get the results that they want with Orlistat.

     

    What are the side effects of Orlistat?

    Like any medication, Orlistat can cause some side effects. Some users have reported an experience of unpleasant gastrointestinal sensations after having taken Orlistat. Frequent feelings of a moving bowel and a yellowish discharge on underwear are common. These side effects will lessen the more you use Orlistat. For other side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet of the product. To help minimise these side effects, ensure that you have a diet with at least 20-30% of the calories consumed being from fatty foods. Orlistat is medically safe to be used in the long term. Medical experts suggest that the drug should only be used as per a doctor’s advice. Orlistat may be repurposed for some other medical conditions such as an underactive thyroid, pancreatitis, liver or kidney problems, diabetes, gallbladder problems, and nutrient absorption problems. Orlistat should never be given to children under 12 years old and should also be kept out of children’s reach.

    Sources

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    Blog author

    Scott Weaver

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

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