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Home 
Diets
Diet Supplements
How Does
Orlistat Compare?
BACKGROUND
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PRO
CON
INGREDIENTS
ADMINISTRATION
DIET AND EXERCISE
CONCLUSION
Common Misspellings
Whats better than
Orlistat?
Diets
Diet Supplements
Orlistat Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!
The FDA-approved weight loss drug found in Xenical and Alli.
Top Rated Diet Pills of 2024What is it?
Orlistat is a weight loss diet pill that prevents dietary fats from being absorbed. It’s intended to be used alongside a reduced calorie diet, and only for certain people.
Orlistat is available via prescription and over the counter, and it’s sold under 2 different brand names. There have been clinical studies performed on this drug which showed weight loss results. In this review you’ll learn about whether or not it’s truly effective, how safe it is, what customers have to say about it, and what one can expect. A list of the top 10 diet pill supplements is made available here.
Do You Know the Best Weight Loss Pills of 2024?
Orlistat Ingredients and Side Effects
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Orlistat (also known as tetrahydrolipstatin) |
Orlistat (also known as tetrahydrolipstatin): Drug that blocks the enzyme which is needed to break down fats. This is then removed through bowel movements, instead of absorbing the calories from dietary fats.
This only reduces fats, and has no impact on sugar, carbohydrates, or calories from protein.
It’s advised to take this alongside a doctoe recommended exercise and behavioral change plan. It’s not a long term solution for weight loss, as it’s required to make sure to establish new eating habits and lifestyle changes.
No more than 30% of one's calories can come from fat, in order to reduce the possibility for side effects. Possible side effects are many and they may include:
- Reduced absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, D,E and K.
- Severe pain in the lower back.
- Bllod in the urine and difficulty urinating.
- Liver problems that can proote loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing od the skin and eyes, and nausea.
- Kidney problems.
- Sweling in the ankles.
- Shortness of breathe and fatigue.
- Fatty and or oily stools.
- Increased bowel movements, loose stools ,and inability to control bowels.
If this is prescribed, there is more of an increased risk for side effects, and special considerations need to be made. It’s only prescribed in people who are obese, or have an obesity related illness. To determine this obesity a BMI of 30 or more is needed or a BMI of 27 or higher if one has an illness related to obesity.
It’s also not advised to take this drug if one has a history of organ damage, an inability to absorb nutrients, and other health concerns.
It’s expected to produce some weight loss within 2 weeks.
A clinical study by the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews adds:
“modestly effective in reducing weight”
A one year study was performed and it reduced weight by 2.9 kg or roughly 6 pounds. It also showed:
“increased rates of gastrointestinal side effects and slightly lowered HDL levels”
Also, due to it being able to reduce fat soluble vitamins, it may also lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Another study was performed in 2024 by the British Medical Journey which found:
“incidence of acute liver injury higher in the periods both immediately before and immediately after the start of orlistat”
More than 3 times the amount of kidney damage was also seen in Orlistat users, than non-users according to another study in Ontario, Canada.
Yet another study was had which showed it lead to colon cancer in mice.
EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this supplement with a proven fat burner such as Sletrokor for better results.
Orlistat Quality of Ingredients
Much like other drugs, Orlistat has been shown to help with weight loss, but its results aren’t very effective. It has shown to reduce weight by 6 pounds in one year, which is roughly 0.5 pounds a month. Much greater progress can be done by other methods.
It’s also possible for it to promote many kinds of side effects. This is why it’s not considered a long term solution for weight loss.
It may actually cause a loss of certain vitamins, which may have serious consequences to health. Nutritional deficiencies are serious issues which have been shown to be a leading cause for certain diseases and illnesses.
Another issue is the way this brand blocks fat. It has no other purpose to reduce calories from any other source. One still has to limit the amount of fat they eat as it can promote unwanted side effects. This makes this a limited option for weight loss, as it only has one benefit. This does not improve metabolism, reduce appetite, or have any other effect. A list of the top 10 diet pill suppleents is featured when you click on this link.
The Price and Quality of Orlistat
The pricing on this depends on the brand you seldct. Right now there are both Xenical and Alli. Each one also has a different price depending on location, health insurance, and other factors.
On average a 30 serving potion of Xenical sells for $172, Alli goes for $69.99 per 120 capsule bottle.
One still has to address both reduced calorie changes, and long term lifestyle changes. There’s also only been extremely modest weight loss, which when comparing the possible side effects, makes this a potentially risky drug to take.
This is an expensive drug which is not guaranteed to be helpful with weight loss. Studies have also shown it to be potentially damaging to overall health. Both serious organ damage and other common gastrointestinal side effects have been found via clinical studies. There have been some cases of rats getting colon damage which can lead to colon cancer.
It can promote many unwanted side effects, and it’s only useful for reducing calories from fat. There are alternatives via the top 10 diet pill supplements that are featured here.
Business of Orlistat
There are 2 different forms of Orlistat, each one with its own maker. Xenical is owned by Roche, and Alli’s owners are GlaxoSmithKline.
No returns are offered on either. Both companies have had major lawsuits for wrongful business practices.
Roche paid $500 million in criminal fines for a worldwide conspiracy to illegally fix prices.
GlaxoSmithKline was fined multiple times; in one case they were fined $3.1 billion by the IRS.
The FDA has also sent a warning to potential customers:
“People who take Xenical or Alli should be aware of liver injury with orlsitat”
“severe liver injury in patients taking weight-loss medication orlistat”
These cases show that people have had serious organ damage. The FDA confirmed that users have been hospitalized and that it was solely caused by Orlistat. Though it’s advised to seek the advice of a medical professional, it’s impossible to determine what kinds of side effects may result. Even once healthy people have experienced serious side effects.
EDITOR’S TIP: For the best results, our experts recommend using weight loss pills for at least 3 months. Save your money by buying a few bottles at once.
Customer Opinions of Orlistat
Here are some reviews featured online:
“Very slow to see results”
“Muscle cramps in my calves, constipation, frequently wanting to urinate”
“after taking the pills for 20 days and did not lose not even 1 pound”
“I got a terrible stomach ache within a week, kept passing out and couldn’t eat”
Some people experienced extreme side effects. Even with short use certain people were unable to keep taking Orlistat. Issues included stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, loose and frequent bowel movements, fatigue, inability to do daily tasks, and much more.
Certain people may be susceptible to side effects, but it’s impossible to determine the kinds of effects from person to person.
There were also some compliants from people who mentioned they didn’t notice any weight lsos at all, even with diet and exercise. For these unlucky people, they were forced to stop taking it and ended up wasting money, since no returns are offered.
Customers also often listed nausea and bowel movement issues as a common concern. One also has to consider how much caloriues they get from fat, as it’s advised to only get 30% of one’s calories from this one macronutrient. Users often mentioned it’s difficult to determine the daily allowance of fat without having to do strict calorie counting each day.
Conclusion - Does Orlistat Work?
When considering Orlistat there needs to be a careful consideration of possible side effects, clinical studies, and what people have to say about it. The FDA has sent a warning letter of possible serious kidney damage caused by Orlistat. There’s also many possible side effects, and many customers did mention they experienced effects. Also, clinical studies have shown it to be only effective for up to 6 pounds of weight loss in one year. This is nowhere the amount needed for there to be noticeable results. Still, many custoemrs failed to see any change in weight.
There’s the 2024 best diet pill called Sletrokor which was rated as this way due to its all natural ingredients, potent weight loss, and customer approval rate. Many users mention it is safe and effective for helping with weight loss. It’s also shown to be good for appetite reduction, increasing metabolism, helping improve mood, and several other benefits. You can find out about this diet pill by clicking here.
Sletrokor is also backed by a full 30 day money back guarantee. If for any reason you want to schedule a return, you can do so with no questions asked. Click here to find out more about Sletrokor.
- Product Name
- User Rating
- Has Good Appetite Suppressant
- Has Only Natural Components
- Contains No Coffee
- Sletrokor
(Editor’s Choice) - 94/100
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BACKGROUND
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Orlistat is the popular drug, developed by pharmaceutical giant Roche, to treat obesity. Orlistat is probably more recognizable under its marketed names of Xenical or the over-the-counter drug, Alli. Orlistat’s primary objective is to prevent the absorption of fat that is consumed and thereby reduce caloric intake and ultimately body weight.
Orlistat works by inhibiting the pancreatic enzyme, lipase, which is responsible for metabolizing triglycerides in the intestine. Triglycerides are a fancy name for a kind of fat that is found in vegetable oils and animal fats. Without the enzyme lipase, triglycerides are not absorbed and are instead excreted from the body. The prescription form of Orlistat is given to overweight people that also have accompanying conditions of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or heart diease. Orlistat is also used after weight loss to help people prevent gaining back the weight lost.
There are uncomfortable gastrointestinal side effects that come with taking Orlistat. In addition, Orlistat’s weight loss effects are modest. Those taking Xenical, the prescription form of Orlistat, lost on average about six pounds more than those who just relied on diet and exercise alone during a one-year time frame. Taking the over-the-counter drug Alli results in an average of three pounds greater loss than just relying on diet and exercise alone within a one-year time frame.
Do You Know the Best Diet Pills of 2024?
PRO
- Taking Orlistat correctly, can reduce weight
- The FDA has approved Orlistat
- The active ingredient in FDA-approved Xenical and Alli
- Published studies proving results
- Thorough dietary guidance
CON
- There is no magic pill to weight loss
- Orlistat has many gastrointestinal side effects
- Orlistat may not be a long-term weight loss solution
- Weight loss is modest
- Must continue to take weight loss medication in order to keep weight off
INGREDIENTS
Orlistat contains a saturated form of lipstatin, a powerful natural inhibitor of lipase, the pancreatic enzyem that absorbs fat.
ADMINISTRATION
Orlistat is taken in a capsule form three times a day with a meal that contains fat. If the meal does not contain fat, then you should not take Orlistat.
At the standard prescription dose of 120mg, three times daily before meals, Orlistat prevents approximately 30% of dietary fat from being absorbed. Over-the-counter dosages, like the product Alli, contain 60mg of Orlistat. This amount prevents about 25% of dietary fat from being absorbed.Taking more Orlistat than the standard 120mg does not accelerate weight loss.
DIET AND EXERCISE
Orlistat is always used in combination with a physician-monitored reduced-calorie and low-fat diet as well as regular exercise program.
You should also not consume foods that contain more than 30% of their calories from fat. This will increase the chances of experiencing gastrointestinal side effects. While taking Orlistat, each meal that you eat should contain 15 grams of fat or less. It is recommended to eat 2-3 ounces of lean protein with each meal as well as filling your plate with good carbohydrates like vegetables and whole grains. Low-fat or fat-free versions of dairy and salad dressings should be eaten as well as asking for foods to be prepared without fat when dining out.
Since Orlistat also inhibits the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, a multivitamin that also contains beta-carotene must be taken on a daily basis, preferably at bedtime or two hours after taking Orlistat, to ensure that your body is readily absorbing these necessary nutrients.
CONCLUSION
Orlistat is one of the only FDA-approved weight loss drugs. Even though it may help those who are overweight or obese to lose weight, it does carry some serious side effects. In addition, those who stop using the drug typically regain the weight back within a few months.
Since Orlistat also contains many contraindications, it is necessary to talk with your doctor before taking any form of Orlistat.
Common Misspellings
Orlystat, Orilistat, Orlastat, Xenical, Zenikal, Ali, Alli, Orlistat.com
Featured Diets and Supplements
Orlistat?
User Feedback
(Page 1 of 2, 27 total comments)Kelly
It helps with bloating. Love seeing all that fat in the commode. Hope it doesn't stop it up. You can get leakage with no warning. Wear a pad just incase. This is good when you eat a lot of fried foods.
posted Sep 13th, 2017 5:43 pmDonald Trumpet
I like it! It is great. Sletrokor is garbage.
posted May 9th, 2017 11:49 pmChristine
?Does orlistat really work Hi Sarah King , what is your profile pic or area on Facebook please , I would like to join your group to get advice on orlistat as I have just started taking them. Many thanks x
Sarah king
Hi all, I went to my GP yesterday he agreed to give me Orlistat I am going to start them on 26 Dec so I can at least enjoy one last meal, lol. I am on face book under Sarah King if anyone would like to message me and become friends I will set up a private group so we can motivate and encourage each other. I have had major surgery this year and I have health problems but I am going to take this seriously and see how I go. Merry Christmas
posted Dec 24th, 2015 6:07 amJanice
No more weight loss than diet alone and the elevated lipase and gallbladder inflammation was just a plus. Now I can't eat without pain.
posted Sep 22nd, 2015 4:28 pmRebecca hall
?What can i eat? Hi Ive just started on these today. I was wondering if anyone could give me advise on what to eat? thanks rebecca
posted Sep 9th, 2015 4:31 pmSue
+I decided to eat the fattiest foods possible to make this really work and lost 60 lbs in two months. I made sure my diet was mostly fat so it would all be eliminated and it was. Yes, it was bright orange oil out my anus, but worth it to lose 60 lbs in two months. I did not exercise. I used two 60 mg tabs with each time i ate, so 120 mg per meal
posted Feb 28th, 2015 5:11 pmmuniba
?can u give me menu plan for orlistat i am taking orlistat more then one week i loose two pond i need menu for this.
posted Jan 27th, 2015 5:13 amshel
-hi, although orlistat is highly benefical to some, unfortunatly this was not what i exsperienced whilst i was taking orlistat.... i was taking120 mg orlistat 3 times a day & followed the guide lines correctly but i had some very bad side affects, very bad pain in kidney area & liver & feeling very unwell this all followed by a couple of trips to the doctors & blood tests done, i had to stop taking the orlistat straight away & i was pleased to hear from my blood test results that no harm was done to my kidneys / liver & was told by my gp i had a bad reaction to the orlistat, i was still very unwell for a 10 days after i stopped taking the orlistat tablets so it took me a while to recover but am pleased to say am dine now, i thought i would share my own exsperience with you, Although i do no a couple of other people on orlistat who have not suffered the side effects i did & are doing very well with there weight loss, for me its good old heathly eating & plenty of exercise! :)
posted Nov 10th, 2014 3:40 pmsaoirse
+hey there I have just started taking orlistat today. I am a mothe rof 3 children and afte rhaving my first 2 kids I was able to loose 3 and a half stone on my own whilst using weightwatchers, but when I had my last baby who is 16 months old now by c section I could not get the weight to come off.. I went to my doctor and he gave me orlistat I am hoping this will help to give me a kick start .. I never wanted to take diet pills and am very cautious now in taking them. im worried that if the weight comes off and when I stop taking the tablets how do I keep the weight off??
posted Jun 14th, 2013 10:04 amMandy
+I have used Alli off and on for a couple of years. When I feel like I am packing on a little weight, I buy a bottle and double the dose to reach prescription strength. I don't experience immediate weight loss, but definitely lose weight over time with this. Yes, there are side effects. Luckily I have a very regular system so my "effects" happen when I expect they will.
posted Apr 27th, 2013 11:39 amThere are horror stories all over the Internet. I am sure some people have trouble. However, when I read a story about someone eating half a pizza with an orlistat pill and they express shock over the "outcome" I just have to question if there shouldn't be a minimum IQ requirement to take this drug. I don't monitor my fat intake, but I know better than to take this pill and drink a bottle of Wesson oil. Perhaps weight gain isn't their primary diagnosis and stupidity should be addressed first? I am not perfect, I've overdone the wrong foods with this and experienced what should be expected...it isn't as if there aren't warnings. If you make a mistake be cognizant of what may happen and prepare.
If you're looking for this to make you skinny overnight, forget it. If you're using this with a normal diet that would normally NOT cause weight gain, then the calories blocked should result in a net loss. I have had great luck, few issues and am very pleased with this product.
charlotte d
i started this diet 4 days ago all ready feel less bloated hope to lose a stone or more wish me luck
posted Apr 8th, 2013 11:31 amceshi
+i take 1-2 caps when i eat high fat diet.i just had mushroom soup so i had 1 cap. My triglycerides was 275 and it went down to 112 by taking it,although my ldh went up from 120 to 130...i dont know why..i guess i still eat out a lot
posted Mar 17th, 2013 12:01 amGeorgina
+Hi can anyone suggest any foods that I should eat on orlistat as I haven't got a clue and I've been on them now for about 2 weeks and I haven't seen a difference please help
posted Feb 21st, 2013 10:04 amyvette
+hi i was on orilstat 5 years ago for about a year and lost 5 stone i kept the weight off for several years but hav gained 2 stone in the last year this is my own fault as i got lax with my diet and intake i have just been back to my gp and gone back on it i know i will see great results as i know how to use it properly i'am sorry if what i'am going to say offends any one but anyone getting constant fatty stools or having leakage needs educating as to how it works the pill doesn't do the work for you you have to work with it and quite frankly anyone having to carry round spare clothes or leaking in bed through the night then complaining it doesn't work shouldn't be on it because if all that doesn't stop you eating chocolate and other junk food nothing will !!!
posted Jan 29th, 2013 6:51 pmrebekah strachan
+i have lost 7lbs in ten days without diet change or exercise. i weighed 20st 6 lbs and i am now 19st 13lbs. the results are remarkable for such a short time period of time. I gained a 8st 4 lbs over the past 18 months due to the medications used to treat my illness and the inability to go outside. I would reccomend orlistat to anyone trying to lose a large amount of wight quickly.
posted Jan 29th, 2013 4:16 amMeray
?What effect does Alli have on fat? If I follow a low fat diet and I excercise and I take low calorie, don't I lose weight without alli?? and if Alli stops the absorption of fat, why do i need to cut the fat consumption?
Christine
+I started taking Orlistat after being perscribed my GP back in January of this year. I am extremely overweight BMI was 42, just to give you a rough idea and I'm 5ft 11. My weight has always been difficult to control due to a medical condition which makes exercising very difficult.
posted Jun 16th, 2011 4:58 amAnyway, since taking Orlistat, I have lost 35lb. In just under 5 months. I am happy with this. My weight loss does seem to of slowed recently but I have been experiencing a few other health problems so even the little bit of walking and wii fit exercise i was doing has not been able to happen.
I have never really had any major problems with Orlistat. Yes I some times have the oily stools and orange discharge and yes I do have a tendancy to "fart" on a more regular basis now. The only problem I do suffer from with it is, when you got to go, you GOT to go and this has happened on a couple of occasions when I have not been near a toilet ( usually when walking round a car boot sale in the middle of a muddy field in the middle of nowhere, lol) So there have been a couple of close calls there.
I would recommend it to anyone as long as you follow the guidelines and I find that by drinking a lot of water the side effects are reduced.
It certainly has benefited me and it has helped me with the added incentive of the weight loss meaning i want to carry on and lose even more.
Lou
I think Orlistat (Xenical) is fantastic, I am on the 120mg tablets and have been for 3 months now. In the first two months I lost 1 stone and this month the loss has slowed but that is probably because I have been busy with college work and not had the time to do all my regular exercise. In total I have lost 1stone 3pounds. I don't plan to stay on them for too much longer but I have found them to be very helpful with no side effects at all.
posted Jun 25th, 2010 7:30 pmCAT
+I LOST 14LBS ON THIS PILL OVER A PERIOD OF 6 MONTHS IN THE LAST 2 MONTHS I HAVE LOST NOTHING AND I AM ONLY EATING 1200 CALORIES A DAY
posted Jan 22nd, 2010 6:59 am