You can buy Orlistat (Xenical/Alli) as an over-the-counter alternative to Wegovy in the UK.
However, Orlistat is a very different type of weight-loss medication, and research suggests it’s not as effective as Wegovy in supporting weight loss.
Wegovy and Orlistat are weight-loss medications approved for use in the UK. However, they are different medications with distinct dosing schedules, costs, and mechanisms of action on the body.
Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor. Lipases are gut enzymes that break down fat from food, enabling the gut to transport fat into the body to be burnt for energy or stored in our fat cells for later use.
Orlistat blocks lipases, preventing some of the dietary fat from our meals from being digested. This leads to fewer calories being absorbed, which can support weight loss.
Orlistat is a prescription medication produced by two pharmaceutical companies in the UK:
Wegovy is a weight-loss jab manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It’s a weekly weight-loss injection with semaglutide as the active ingredient.
Semaglutide is a that helps reduce hunger and appetite, allowing you to eat fewer calories, lose weight, and manage your blood sugar levels.
Wegovy is approved in the UK for individuals living with obesity to help them eat fewer calories and lose weight.
The over-the-counter version of Orlistat will cost around £18 a month, so it’s a very affordable medication.
In comparison, buying Wegovy and the injectable pens required for four weeks from Second Nature will cost £229 a month, rising to £299.
Orlistat is an affordable medication that is generally well-tolerated. However, it’s less effective than Wegovy. Wegovy is twice as effective as Orlistat for weight loss after one year.
So, if you’re looking for the most affordable weight-loss pill you can purchase over the counter, then Orlistat could be an option.
However, if you have a higher budget and are looking for the most effective weight-loss injection in the UK, semaglutide is a better choice.
Semaglutide is designed as an additional tool for weight management and, in most cases, shouldn’t be considered a lifelong medication.
Instead, it should be used to help you kickstart your weight loss and healthy journey while you commit to living a healthier lifestyle.
Ideally, we’d be able to lose weight without medication and lifestyle changes would be enough to support weight loss in the long term.
We’d generally recommend trying Second Nature’s before considering a weight-loss jab.
Changing your habits is the most sustainable way to achieve long-term weight loss, and it’s also less expensive.
At Second Nature, we’ve been trusted by the NHS since 2017 to support people with type 2 diabetes and obesity to lose weight, manage their blood sugar levels, and lead healthier lifestyles for the long term.
In 2022, the NHS in the BMJ that compared the weight loss outcomes of five providers in the National Diabetes Prevention Programme.
Second Nature was more than twice as effective at supporting weight loss than the other four providers.
However, if you’ve decided to try semaglutide (when it’s available) but need support in making positive changes to your lifestyle, Second Nature could be an option for you. But it’s worth noting that we have strict eligibility criteria.
Second Nature has been clinically help ensured by EliteRxWe have clinical-grade Labsensif approved (the same Europe-based pharmaceutical company that makes Second Nature) in 2023 that are clinically help to support you on a long-term weight-loss journey.
Xenical (Orlistat) is a prescription weight loss drug that can be used as a weight loss aid. It belongs to a class of medications called lipase inhibitors. It works by preventing the absorption of fat in the body.
Xenical is one of the most effective weight loss drugs available in the market. It works by blocking the enzymes responsible for breaking down fat in the body, thus reducing the amount of dietary fat that is absorbed from foods. It is available in generic forms. Xenical (Orlistat) can be bought without a prescription from the manufacturer.
The recommended starting dose of Xenical is 2 to 3 grams (1 to 2.5 to 2.5 ml) per day. The maximum recommended dose is 30 to 60 grams per day. Xenical (Orlistat) should not be used for more than three months at a time. You must take it at the same time every day.
The most common side effects of Xenical (Orlistat) are abdominal pain, gas, oily spotting, constipation, oily spotting, and diarrhea. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult a doctor. If you are using other weight loss aids, please inform your doctor before taking this drug.
You should not use Xenical (Orlistat) if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Do not give this drug to children below 18 years of age.
The most common side effects of Xenical (Orlistat) are oily spotting, constipation, and abdominal pain. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please inform your doctor.
It works by preventing the absorption of fat in the body, thus reducing the amount of dietary fat that is absorbed from foods.
Do not use this drug to children below 18 years of age.
Orlistat has been found to be an effective prescription weight loss pill for individuals with obesity. It works by blocking the absorption of fat in the body, which leads to a reduction in overall caloric intake. Studies have shown that individuals who take Orlistat in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise program lose more weight compared to those who only follow the diet and exercise program. In fact, Orlistat has been found to result in a 5-10% reduction in body weight within one year of use. However, it is important to note that Orlistat is not a miracle drug and should be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the amount of weight loss can vary from individual to individual, and some may see more significant results than others.
Side Effects of Orlistat
Orlistat is a prescription weight loss medication that has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight. However, there are also some potential side effects of taking orlistat. These can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and flatulence, as well as more serious issues like liver injury and pancreatitis. While these side effects are relatively rare, they are still something to be aware of before taking orlistat. It is important to speak with a doctor before starting any weight loss medication, including orlistat, to determine if it is the right choice for individual health goals.
Cost of Orlistat
Orlistat, as a prescription weight loss pill, can be costly depending on where it is purchased. The branded version, Xenical, can cost around $200 for a one-month supply, while the generic version can cost around $60 to $70 for the same amount. The cost may not be covered by insurance since weight loss drugs are not always considered medically necessary. However, some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost. Additionally, there are online pharmacies that offer discounts on Orlistat, but caution should be exercised when buying from these sources. Overall, the cost of Orlistat can be a barrier for some individuals seeking weight loss treatment, but it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the cost and explore other options if necessary.
Availability of Orlistat
Orlistat, as a prescription weight loss medication, is available in many countries, including the United States, through a doctor's prescription. However, it is not available over the counter in all countries. In some places, such as the UK, Orlistat is available over the counter in a lower dose form known as Alli. This allows for greater accessibility for individuals seeking to use Orlistat for weight loss. Ultimately, the availability of Orlistat will depend on the regulations set by each individual country or region.
Alternatives to Orlistat
Alternatives to Orlistat: There are several alternatives to Orlistat that are available. One of them is Phentermine which is FDA approved and has been shown to help with weight loss. Another alternative is Belviq which is a prescription medication that works by decreasing appetite. Finally, there is Contrave which is a combination of bupropion and naltrexone that has been shown to help individuals lose weight. However, it's important to note that all of these alternatives may have potential side effects and should only be taken under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional.
Personal Considerations for Using Orlistat
Alternatives to Orlistat: There are numerous over-the-counter and prescription weight loss drugs available as an alternative to Orlistat. Some prescription drugs like Phentermine and Liraglutide, work by suppressing appetite, while others such as Contrave combines two drugs to help with weight loss. In addition, Saxenda, another prescription medication, helps break down fat within the body. Over-the-counter options include popular supplements like Green tea extract, caffeine, and Garcinia Cambogia, which have all been shown to aid in weight loss. However, it's important to keep in mind that all of these alternatives may have side effects and should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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What is the best option for a patient?Alternatives to Orlistat: There are various other FDA-approved FDA-approved dietary and exercise medications to avoid in the USA, UK, and Canada.
Orlistat is used to treat obesity and help in weight loss. Orlistat is to be used along with a low-calorie diet and regular physical exercise. Obesity is a common condition associated with excessive body fat, which in turn increases the risk of other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, and heart disease. Intake of more calories than you burn by exercise or daily activities results in obesity.
Orlistat contains Orlistat, which works in the small intestine and stomach and prevents the action of enzymes that break down fat, which is absorbed by the body. Orlistat decreases the absorption of fat from the food you eat. Thus, fat passes through the gut and is excreted in the faeces, which makes the body unable to use fat as a source of energy or convert it into fat tissue. Thereby, Orlistat helps in weight loss.
Take Orlistat as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Orlistat for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you based on your medical condition. Some people may experience soft stools, sudden bowel motions, flatulence (gas) with or without oily spotting, oily or fatty stools, stomach pain, stool incontinence (involuntary leakage of stools), and runny or liquid stools. Most of these side effects of Orlistat do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Orlistat or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Avoid taking Orlistat if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy, as it may cause fetal harm. It is not known whether Orlistat is excreted in human milk. Therefore, please consult a doctor if you are a breastfeeding woman. Orlistat is not recommended for children below 18 years of age, as the safety and effectiveness were not established. You are advised to take a multivitamin containing fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K at bedtime as Orlistat may reduce the absorption of certain vitamins in the body.
Contains Orlistat - CapsuleOrlistat works by blocking the enzyme which is required by the body to absorb fat from food. Orlistat stops the enzyme from breaking up a large amount of fat absorbed by the body, thus providing a list of ingredients for a healthy weight. The active ingredient is Orlistat, which contains phenylene derivative of cetostearyl alcohol of groups (2) and (4).
The dosage of Orlistat should be based on the individual’s weight, age, type and degree of obesity, and on their blood pressure, cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes. The usual recommended dose of Orlistat is 5 mg three times a day, which can be taken at any time from 1 to 6 hours before a meal. However, some people may experience soft stools, weight loss of around 50% of a meal, sudden bowel motions, flatulence (gas) with or without oily spotting, flatulence (stuffy or fatty), and runny or liquid stools. If you are allergic to Orlistat or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, please tell your doctor. Some people may experience flatulence (gas) with or without oily spotting, flatulence (stuffy or fatty), and runny or liquid stools. Please consult a doctor.
orlistat-non-prescription-This medicine is used to treat obesity and help in weight loss. Intake of more calories than you are used to or planning to consume can cause obesity to become excessive and lead to health problems. Therefore, if you are overweight, eating a low-fat diet and exercising can help reduce your fat intake. Orlistat works by blocking the enzyme produced by the body in order to prevent the breakdown of fat in the body, thereby converting fat-containing foods to energy. When the body does not absorb fat properly, it produces excessive amounts of energy as a result of which the heart is at a constant risk.
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