Orlistat for Weight Loss in Wolverhampton
Orlistat is a licensed weight loss medicine that reduces the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body. Our Wolverhampton-based medical weight management service supports patients from across the West Midlands, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley, Sandwell, West Bromwich, Solihull and surrounding areas.
How Does Orlistat Help with Weight Loss?
Orlistat works in the digestive system by blocking enzymes called gastric and pancreatic lipases. These enzymes normally break down dietary fat so that it can be absorbed by the body. By blocking these enzymes, some of the fat you eat is not absorbed and instead passes through the digestive system. When combined with an appropriate reduced-calorie diet, this can help support weight loss.
Who May Be Suitable for Orlistat?
Orlistat 120 mg is licensed for adults with obesity who have a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above. It may also be considered for adults who have a BMI of 28 kg/m² or above when additional weight-related risk factors are present.
Suitability is not determined by BMI alone. Before prescribing, we carry out a clinical assessment that considers your medical history, current medicines, weight, lifestyle and other relevant health factors.
How Is Orlistat Taken?
The usual licensed dose is one 120 mg capsule taken with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after each main meal.
If a meal is missed or contains no fat, the Orlistat dose for that meal should be omitted.
Orlistat should be used alongside a nutritionally balanced, mildly reduced-calorie diet in which dietary fat is distributed across the main meals.
How Effective Is Orlistat?
Clinical studies show that Orlistat can provide additional weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie diet.
In pooled two-year studies, 37% of people receiving Orlistat achieved at least 5% weight loss after 12 weeks, compared with 19% receiving placebo. After one year, 20% of people taking Orlistat 120 mg had lost at least 10% of their starting body weight, compared with 8% receiving placebo.
Individual results vary, and medication should form part of a wider weight management programme.
The 12-Week Treatment Review
Response to treatment is important.
The licensed prescribing information states that Orlistat treatment should be stopped after 12 weeks if at least 5% of the person's starting body weight has not been lost.
We therefore monitor progress and review whether continuing treatment remains appropriate.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Orlistat?
Because Orlistat reduces the absorption of dietary fat, its most common side effects affect the digestive system.
These can include oily or fatty stools, increased bowel movements, wind, abdominal discomfort, loose stools, an urgent need to open the bowels and oily discharge.
These effects can be more likely when meals contain a high amount of fat. Following the dietary advice provided alongside treatment can therefore be particularly important.
Does Orlistat Affect Vitamins?
Orlistat can reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K.
A balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables is therefore important. In some circumstances, a multivitamin supplement may be considered. If recommended, it should generally be taken at least two hours after Orlistat or at bedtime.
Who Should Not Take Orlistat?
Orlistat is not suitable for everyone.
Xenical is contraindicated in people with chronic malabsorption syndrome, cholestasis, hypersensitivity to Orlistat or any of the product's ingredients, and during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy, existing medical conditions and your complete medication history will also be considered before treatment is prescribed.
Does Orlistat Interact with Other Medicines?
Yes. Orlistat can interact with certain medicines or affect their absorption.
Particular consideration may be required for people taking medicines such as warfarin or other oral anticoagulants, ciclosporin, levothyroxine, antiepileptic medicines, amiodarone and some medicines used to treat HIV.
This is one reason why a clinical assessment and medication review are important before starting treatment.
Why Have a Clinical Assessment Before Taking Orlistat?
Weight loss medicines are not suitable for everybody.
Our assessment considers your BMI, medical history, current medicines, previous weight management attempts, diet, lifestyle and relevant health risks.
Where clinically appropriate, additional health measurements or investigations may also be considered.
Treatment will only be prescribed when the prescribing clinician considers it clinically appropriate.
Our approach combines medical assessment with nutrition, physical activity and ongoing weight management support rather than relying on medication alone.
Book an Orlistat Weight Loss Assessment
If you would like to find out whether Orlistat may be appropriate for you, you can book a weight management consultation with our prescribing clinician.
Your suitability for treatment will be assessed individually. A consultation does not guarantee that Orlistat or any other weight loss medicine will be prescribed.
