Orlistat works differently to Wegovy/Mounjaro. It reduces absorption of some dietary fat in the gut. It isn’t an injection and has different side effect patterns and suitability criteria. Orlistat (also available as the branded treatment Xenical) is a treatment that comes in the form of capsules. It can help support weight loss when taken alongside healthy eating and lifestyle choices. Orlistat reduces the amount of fat absorbed by your body - causing it to pass fat through the bowel. It does this by attaching to an enzyme called lipase and stopping the fat being broken down. It instead leaves in the stool. Orlistat should be used alongside a reduced calorie diet (with no more than 30% of your calories from fat) and increased exercise. This will also help you to minimise any unpleasant side effects.

Orlistat might affect the absorption of other medicines. If you experience severe diarrhoea on orlistat or Xenical and you’re taking an oral contraceptive, your contraceptive pill may be less effective. Make sure to use an alternative contraception as well if this is the case. We'll have a discussion with you ahead of prescibing to make sure you understand the side effects and run through our criteria.