Orlistat 120mg Capsules

Unlike appetite-suppressing weight loss medicines, Orlistat works locally in the gut rather than directly affecting the brain. It helps reduce calorie intake by preventing the absorption of a proportion of the fat consumed in meals.

At The Kingston Pharmacy, Orlistat 120mg Capsules are supplied as part of our clinician-led weight loss service following a suitability assessment by our clinicians.

Available Strengths

• 120mg capsules

The usual recommended dose is one 120mg capsule taken with each main meal containing fat, up to three times daily.

Our clinicians will determine whether Orlistat is suitable for you and provide guidance on how to take it safely and effectively.

How Does Orlistat Work?

Orlistat works by blocking the action of enzymes called lipases in the digestive system. These enzymes normally break down dietary fat so it can be absorbed into the body.

By reducing fat absorption, approximately one-third of the fat consumed in a meal passes through the body undigested. This can help reduce overall calorie intake and support weight loss when combined with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.

When used alongside healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, Orlistat can support sustainable weight management and long-term lifestyle changes.

Treatment may help to:

• Support weight loss
• Reduce calorie absorption from dietary fat
• Encourage healthier eating habits
• Support long-term weight management
• Complement diet and exercise programmes

For best results, treatment should be used alongside a balanced, reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Who May Be Suitable for Orlistat 120mg Capsules?

You may be suitable for treatment if you:

• Are aged 18 years or over
• Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30+ or 28+ with eligible weight-related health conditions
• Are looking for additional support with weight management
• Have found it difficult to achieve sufficient weight loss through lifestyle changes alone

All patients must complete a clinical assessment before treatment can be prescribed.

How to Use Orlistat 120mg Capsules

Orlistat capsules should be taken with water immediately before, during, or up to one hour after a main meal containing fat.

The usual dose is one capsule three times daily with breakfast, lunch and dinner. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, the dose should be omitted.

Following a lower-fat diet can help improve treatment effectiveness and reduce the likelihood of digestive side effects.

Always follow the instructions provided by your clinician and take the medication exactly as prescribed.

Potential Benefits

When prescribed appropriately as part of a comprehensive weight management programme, Orlistat may:

• Support clinically meaningful weight loss
• Reduce absorption of dietary fat
• Help reinforce healthier eating habits
• Provide a non-injectable treatment option
• Support long-term weight management goals
• Offer ongoing clinician supervision and monitoring

Possible Side Effects

Like all medicines, Orlistat can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Oily or fatty stools
• Increased bowel movements
• Urgent need to open the bowels
• Flatulence (wind)
• Abdominal discomfort
• Oily spotting from the rectum
• Loose stools

These effects are usually related to the amount of fat consumed in the diet and may improve when following a lower-fat eating plan.

Always read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare professional if you experience persistent or concerning symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly will I see results?

Weight loss results vary between individuals. Many patients begin to notice changes within the first few weeks when treatment is combined with dietary and lifestyle changes.

Do I need to follow a diet while taking Orlistat?

Yes. Orlistat works best when used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and regular physical activity.

Can I exercise while taking Orlistat?

Yes. Physical activity is encouraged as part of a healthy weight management programme.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose and your meal contained fat, you may take the capsule within one hour of eating. If more than one hour has passed, skip the missed dose and continue as normal. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.

Do I need a GP prescription?

No. Orlistat 120mg Capsules are a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) but it doesn’t require an GP prescription. At the Kingston pharmacy it  can be supplied following assessment by one of our qualified prescribing clinicians

Our Weight Loss Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led weight loss service designed to support you throughout your weight loss journey.

Before treatment can be prescribed, you will complete a confidential online consultation covering your:

• Current weight and height
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Previous weight loss attempts
• Weight management goals

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our qualified prescribing clinicians, who will assess whether treatment is safe and appropriate for you. If suitable, a personalised treatment plan will be created based on your individual needs and treatment goals.

Flexible Delivery and Collection Options

Once your prescription has been approved, you can choose the option that works best for you:

• Free in-store collection from The Kingston Pharmacy at a time convenient to you.
• Secure home delivery directly to your chosen address, ensuring your medication arrives safely and discreetly.

We aim to make accessing treatment as simple and convenient as possible, allowing you to focus on achieving your weight loss goals.

Ongoing Support Every Step of the Way

Our support doesn’t stop once your medication has been supplied.

As your local community pharmacy, we are committed to providing ongoing guidance throughout your treatment. Whether you have questions about your medication, dosage schedule, side effects, diet, exercise, or your progress, our pharmacy team is here to help.

You can contact us by telephone, email, or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

Regular Reviews and Treatment Monitoring

Weight loss treatment is most effective when combined with ongoing monitoring and lifestyle support. As part of our service, we encourage regular reviews to assess your progress, discuss your experience with treatment, and ensure your medication remains appropriate for you.

Our team can provide advice on:

• Healthy eating and nutrition
• Physical activity and exercise
• Managing side effects
• Treatment adherence and dosing schedules
• Maintaining long-term weight loss
• General treatment support and guidance

Important Information

Orlistat 120mg Capsules are not suitable for everyone and should only be used under appropriate medical supervision.

Orlistat may not be suitable for patients with certain medical conditions, including chronic malabsorption syndrome, cholestasis, or those taking certain medications. Your clinician will assess your suitability during the consultation process.

Treatment should be combined with healthy dietary changes and increased physical activity. Individual results will vary.

Always use medicines exactly as prescribed.