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Orlistat Results: How To Get The Best Results From Orlistat

  • Ibrahim Nakib

    Ibrahim Nakib

    B.Sc. (Hons) MPharm

    Director & Registered Manager
    View Profile

Obesity is a serious global health issue, reducing life expectancy and increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, liver and respiratory diseases. It can also impact mental health.

In England, the percentage of adults aged 18 or over who are overweight or living with obesity rose from 52.9% in 1993 to 64% in 2023.

Several weight loss medications have been developed to address this issue, and the government has launched a £40 million pilot scheme to make obesity medication accessible outside hospital settings. This initiative aims to alleviate pressure on the NHS and reduce waiting lists.

One of these weight loss medications is Orlistat. When combined with dietary changes, exercise and lifestyle modifications, Orlistat effectively supports weight loss results.

This article explores UK Orlistat results and how it works, providing real-life examples to highlight the benefits and challenges experienced by its users.

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is a prescription medication used to help weight loss and treat obesity. It can also minimise the risk of regaining weight already lost.

It is the generic version of the brand weight loss medication Xenical, and its other brand names are Alli and Orlos. While Alli and Orlos can be bought over the counter at a smaller dose of 60 mg, a medical professional must prescribe the 120 mg dose of Orlistat.

Orlistat works by blocking the enzyme lipase, which is essential for breaking down dietary fats. When lipase is blocked, it cannot digest the fat, so about 30% of the fat consumed is not absorbed and is instead passed out with stools.

Orlistat is not automatically prescribed to everyone. Doctors only recommend it to patients who meet specific criteria relating to obesity and weight management. It should not be used alongside other weight loss medication and it is not advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women or those with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis.

Here are the main criteria for prescribing Orlistat:

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Orlistat is usually prescribed if the patient has a BMI of 30 or higher. It may also be prescribed with a BMI of 28 or higher if there are additional health conditions that would benefit from weight loss, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Lifestyle Changes

Before prescribing Orlistat, doctors want to see an attempt has been made to lose weight through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes.

Weight Loss Goals

Orlistat should help the patient achieve at least a 5% reduction in body weight. If this goal is not met, the medication is typically stopped as it is unlikely to be effective in the long run.

Monitoring and Duration

Regular monitoring is essential to assess Orlistat’s effectiveness, manage any side effects and decide whether it should be continued for longer than 12 months.

Real-world Examples and Case Studies of Orlistat Results in the UK

Orlistat can be effective for weight loss when used correctly, with many positive customer reviews. The best results are achieved when Orlistat is combined with other lifestyle changes, such as diet and regular exercise.
However, there can be some unpleasant side effects, the most common of which include oily stools and stool discharge.

Lisa gave 5 stars for both quality and value for money and reported:

‘Very good kick start to help you get on a new healthy lifestyle, when [you] start seeing results [you] want to keep it up.’

Valerie gave it 4 stars and said:

‘Not sure if this is working for me yet, although I’ve lost maybe a couple of pounds. Will probably give it a bit longer. Not really been affected much by any side effects.’

Ally gave 5 stars and stated:

‘Been using this about a month and have lost 7 1b. Well worth the money.’

Orlistat Results After One Week

Some users started noticing changes within the first few days to a week after taking Orlistat, but initial weight loss is usually minimal as the body adjusts to the medication.

One-week Orlistat results vary widely, with weight loss ranging from 1lb up to 10lb. Most agree that the medication is more effective when combined with a low-fat diet and regular exercise.

Several users have noted additional health benefits such as reduced appetite. This is particularly beneficial for those with conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Despite the benefits, users also reported gastrointestinal side effects. Common issues included oily stools, frequent bowel movements and occasional stomach discomfort.

Rachel reported:

‘In the first week, I have lost 4.1 kg, which I am more than happy about. I'm hoping I can continue at a similar pace. It's been great for me so far, no accidents, no headaches, or stomach cramps. I would say drink plenty of water though, as I have been more thirsty than usual, but not excessively.’

Orlistat Results After Two Weeks

Again, Orlistat results after two weeks vary with some experiencing modest weight loss, while others see significant results. On average, weight loss ranges between 2lb to 7lb. Many users have noticed additional health benefits as well as some challenges.

One positive effect is the shift towards healthier eating habits. Due to the unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects caused by high-fat diets, users tend to opt for more nutritious food choices. Increased energy levels and enhanced motivation are also reported.

For some, the side effects were severe enough to discontinue the medication, highlighting the need for a balanced, low-fat diet to minimise these reactions.

Anett reports:

‘I’ve started to use Orlistat a couple of weeks ago, and already lost 2kg. One thing you need to keep in mind is that you have to follow a low-fat diet, otherwise, you’ll get the embarrassing accident mentioned in previous reviews. If you use it as it’s prescribed you don’t have to worry about the side effects.’

Orlistat Results After One Month

When it comes to how much weight you can lose in a month on Orlistat, again, results can vary.
Many users report losing a significant amount of weight after one month of taking Orlistat, with one noting a loss of 16 lbs. Others experienced more modest weight loss at around 4 - 6 lbs but noted their success was as much due to following the medication guidelines as eating a low-fat diet and getting regular exercise.

Other positive changes observed are lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Again, the most common side effects were oily stools and other gastrointestinal issues.

Amanda says:

‘My doctor told me I have high cholesterol, and that I was a stone overweight. I have been on Orlistat for 4 weeks and have lost 6 pounds. The medication stops you from eating fatty food, and basically, if you do, you stink. I love my new diet. I cook fresh, healthy food. I am very pleased.’

Orlistat Results: Before and After

Orlistat results before and after are overall positive. Many users report substantial weight loss, often losing up to 16 lbs within the first month. Others experienced a steady loss of around 4 lbs per week, especially when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Several users noted improvements in overall health, such as reduced cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The visible changes and weight reduction often provided a boost, motivating users to continue their weight loss plan and adopt healthier lifestyles.

There were some challenges with common side effects, including oily stools, increased bowel movements and an urgent need to go to the toilet. These issues are normally manageable with a low-fat diet.

Scientific Research on How to Get the Best Results From Orlistat

Studies show that Orlistat is most efficient when the patient follows a healthy, balanced, low-fat diet. High-fat meals can lead to unpleasant side effects as mentioned above. Getting plenty of exercise can also help enhance weight loss on Orlistat.

Orlistat reduces the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) so taking supplements is recommended. These vitamins should be taken at least two hours before or after taking Orlistat to ensure proper absorption.

For the best results from Orlistat, take it with each main meal that contains fat. If a meal is missed or contains no fat, it’s advisable to skip the Orlistat dose to avoid unwanted side effects. If you take Orlistat with a meal that contains no fat, it has nothing to bind to and therefore no therapeutic benefit.

How Long Does it Take to See Results from Orlistat?

Orlistat helps you lose weight right from the start. Because of the way Orlistat prevents the body from absorbing the fat you eat, it can take effect just 24 hours after the first dose.

When you take Orlistat three times a day with your meals, you'll likely start noticing changes within just three to five days. Some users start noticing a difference in two to four weeks but this can depend on your metabolism.
In one 12-week trial, participants lost 5-10% of their initial weight. This grew to 10-15% for many of the patients after following the treatment for one year.

Factors Influencing Orlistat Results

As with all medication and weight loss programs, results are varied. Lifestyle, diet and exercise can all affect Orlistat results.

Lifestyle

Taking Orlistat consistently as prescribed is essential. Skipping doses, especially when meals contain fat, can reduce its effectiveness. Regular check-ins with your doctor are especially important for monitoring progress, making any necessary adjustments to dosages and managing any side effects.

Diet

Orlistat works by blocking the absorption of dietary fats. For optimal results, consume no more than 30% of your daily calories from fat. High-fat meals can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects like oily stools and diarrhoea.

A nutritionally balanced diet that includes enough protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals is important. Taking a multivitamin supplement is recommended to prevent deficiencies due to reduced fat absorption.

Reducing your overall calorie intake is key to weight loss. For men, the recommended intake is no more than 2,500 calories per day. For women, it is 2,000 calories. You may need to reduce this further to see results. This will help sustain your weight loss and reduce the likelihood of regaining weight when you stop using Orlistat.

Exercise

Incorporating moderate exercise into your daily routine can help weight loss. Activities such as brisk walking for at least 150 minutes per week are recommended, as well as strength training to help build muscle.

When starting a weight loss program, it might be helpful to look into behavioural therapy. This kind of support can be encouraging as you confront changes in your lifestyle, diet and exercise routine, helping you stay motivated.

What to Do if Orlistat Isn’t Working

Orlistat should help you lose at least 5% of your body weight within a three month time frame. If you don’t lose this amount of weight, it may indicate that Orlistat is not working effectively for you.

It should be noted that a low-fat, reduced-calorie diet is an important part of the effectiveness of Orlistat. Continuing to eat fats and sugars will cancel out the effects of Orlistat, as well as causing side effects.

If you haven’t lost weight after three months of consistent use, you should consult your doctor who will be able to investigate why and suggest alternative strategies. They may offer alternatives such as:

Conclusion: Orlistat and Your Future Weight Loss Goals

Orlistat has proven to be effective for weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Users often see noticeable changes within the first few weeks and significant results after one month of consistent use.

Many users also see improvements in overall health, such as reduced cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.

There are reports of varied experiences, with some seeing dramatic transformations, while others achieve more modest but steady progress. Orlistat weight loss results show how commitment to dietary and exercise routines can enhance the effectiveness of the medication.

If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey, first talk to your doctor to see if Orlistat is right for you. To book an online consultation, or for more information on Orlistat results and other weight loss medications, visit Cloud Pharmacy, where you will find the support you need to achieve your health and wellness goals.

FAQs

Does Orlistat remove existing fat?

Orlistat primarily works by preventing the absorption of dietary fat rather than removing existing body fat.

Sources

AUTHORED BY

Ibrahim Nakib

B.Sc. (Hons) MPharm

Director & Registered Manager

Ibrahim Nakib

Ibrahim co-founded Cloud Pharmacy, stemming from a desire to revolutionise healthcare accessibility in the UK. This vision was conceptualised in 2013 to provide patient-centred care across the country.

REVIEWED BY

Nazmul Kadir

MPharm, PgDip

Director & Superintendent Pharmacist

Nazmul Kadir

Nazmul brings over 11 years of experience to his role as Superintendent Pharmacist & Director. A University of Strathclyde alumnus, he has a strong background in pharmacy, previously working as a pharmacist at Boots before co-founding Cloud Pharmacy with Ibrahim.

Review Date2 September 2024
Next Review2 September 2026
Published on2 September 2024
Last Update2 September 2024
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