Orlistat Capsules

Orlistat is the name and active ingredient in the medication used to help weight loss in those adults over the age of 18 with a body mass index (BMI) of 28 or higher. Many types of medicines have been tested to treat obesity however Orlistat has been proven to be the most safe and effective.

Who cannot take Orlistat?

• Under the age of 18
• Pregnant
• If you have had a previous allergy to Orlistat
• Breastfeeding
• Have a BMI less than 28.

Orlistat works by preventing around 33% of the fat from the food you have eaten from being absorbed. It does this by attaching to specific enzymes in your digestive system that breakdown fat preventing them from having their effect. The fat therefore cannot be digested and is eliminated in your stools. This will help you lose weight.

Before commencing the course, a balanced diet and exercise programme should be started and continued throughout the treatment. A usual course of Orlistat lasts around 12 weeks. During this time, you are expected to lose about 5 % of your body weight. However, this will be dependent on lifestyle factors and the changes you make. These include a healthy balanced diet with controlled smaller portions and exercising. By doing so you will see the maximum benefit of Orlistat. A single capsule is taken with water before, during or up to 1 hour after each main meal (A maximum of three capsules per day). If you miss a meal or the meal eaten does not contain enough fat you should not take the Orlistat capsule. Please follow your doctors or pharmacist’s advice before taking this medication.