Orlistat (Generic Xenical) at Curely

Name: Orlistat (Generic Xenical)
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Orlistat (Generic Xenical)

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What Is Orlistat and What Is It Used for?
Orlistat is a generic brand of medicine used to treat obesity; this is where you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over. Orlistat can also be prescribed when your BMI is 28 or over, and there are other risk factors present, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Orlistat helps your body to lose weight by preventing up to one-third of dietary fat from being absorbed by the body. By using Orlistat, you could stand to lose up to 5% of your body weight in the first 3 months of treatment.
Orlistat is the only prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK to aid weight loss, making it a safe alternative to buying unregulated treatments online. However, the treatment should only ever be used in conjunction with a low-fat, low-calorie diet and an active lifestyle.
How Does Orlistat Work?
Orlistat helps you lose weight by blocking the enzymes in your gut that digest fat. Nearly a third of the fat you eat is blocked by Orlistat, and any undigested fat is passed through your stools instead of absorbed into your body.
We understand that achieving your weight loss goals is a holistic process. That's why we recommend combining Orlistat with a balanced, low-fat diet and regular exercise for the most effective results. If you're having a meal without dietary fat, there's no need to take Orlistat at that time. We understand that every meal is different, and we want to ensure that you're using Orlistat when it can be most effective for you.

Type of medicine	Lipase inhibitor
Works by	Prevents the absorption of dietary fat into the body.
Active ingredient	Orlistat
Effective within	1 - 3 months
Pack size	84 Capsules
Strength	120mg
Generic	Yes
Use with alcohol	In moderation

If you do experience side effects from Orlistat they may include:
- Oily, fatty, or liquid stools
- Bloating or wind
- Abdominal pains
- Urgent need to open the bowels
- These side effects are most common at the start of treatment and are most likely to occur after eating a high-fat meal.
We understand that experiencing side effects can be concerning. If you do notice some of these symptoms, please know that you're not alone, and we recommend consulting your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Important: By restricting your intake of dietary fat to less than 15g per main meal you will decrease the chances of these side effects.
Other less common side effects when taking Orlistat may include:
- Irregularity of menstrual cycle
- Incontinence (stools)
- Rectal pain/discomfort
- Soft stools
- Tooth/gum disorder
- Tiredness
How to Take Orlistat
Orlistat may be taken up to 3 times daily, 7 days a week. You may choose to take Orlistat with your meal or up to one hour after you've eaten.
For a meal containing between 1g and 15g of fat, you may take an Orlistat capsule with your food or up to 1 hour after eating. This will help to block up to one-third of the fat you consume whilst limiting any potential side effects.
Do not take Orlistat weight loss supplements if:
- You eat a fat-free meal (there will be no fat for Orlistat to work on)
- You skip a meal
- You eat a high-fat meal, as this will increase the potential gastrointestinal side effects
Losing Weight With Orlistat
While Orlistat may help you to lose weight, it shouldn’t be seen as a miracle treatment. To get the best results from Orlistat, you should:
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, and avoid high-fat junk food.
- Exercise regularly — it’s recommended to engage in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
- Be aware that Orlistat blocks some dietary fats from being absorbed. As a result, some fat-soluble vitamins may not be absorbed properly. For this reason, we recommend everybody who takes this medication also take multivitamins.
- Understand that weight gain is a natural part of life — as we age, we gain weight more easily, so as long as you’re maintaining a BMI between 18.5 to 24.9, there’s little need to take excessive weight loss measures or use weight loss supplements.
Patient information leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2592.pdf

Frequently asked questions

What is Orlistat and how does it aid weight loss?
Orlistat is a generic weight loss medication that blocks the absorption of dietary fat by about one-third, helping you lose weight. It's suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 28 or higher with other risk factors.
How does Orlistat compare to Xenical?
Orlistat contains the same active ingredient as Xenical but is available as a generic medication. Both work by blocking fat absorption in the gut, promoting weight loss when combined with a low-fat diet and exercise.
What are the common side effects of Orlistat?
Common side effects include abdominal pains, bloating, urgent bowel movements, and oily stools, especially after high-fat meals. Limiting fat intake to less than 15g per main meal can help reduce these side effects.
How often should Orlistat be taken, and when?
Orlistat can be taken up to three times daily with meals containing fat or up to one hour after eating. It's essential to avoid skipping doses and to maintain a consistent dosing schedule for optimal results.
Can Orlistat be used with alcohol?
Orlistat can be used with alcohol in moderation. However, it's crucial to follow a healthy lifestyle, including limiting alcohol intake, while taking Orlistat for weight loss.
Is Orlistat available as a branded medication?
No, Orlistat is the generic version of Xenical, containing the same active ingredient. It's a prescription-only medicine used for weight loss.
Where can I find more information about Orlistat?
For comprehensive information on Orlistat, including usage instructions and precautions, refer to the patient information leaflet provided or consult with a healthcare professional.