In this Article:
01: How does orlistat work?02: Why the food you eat matters03: Orlistat diet04: Orlistat foods to avoid05: Tips on how to reduce fat intake06: How can I buy orlistat?07: Advice and information to support weight lossHow does orlistat work?
Orlistat works by targeting enzymes in the digestive system that are responsible for breaking down fat. By binding to gastric and pancreatic lipase enzymes in the stomach and small intestine, some of the fat you eat isn't broken down as efficiently and can't be fully absorbed by your body. This unabsorbed fat then passes through your digestive system and exits your body in your stools. If you reduce your fat levels, then your body doesn’t store it as weight on your body.
Why the food you eat matters
Based on how orlistat works in the stomach, it may be becoming clear why the food you eat can influence how it works. If you consume a meal low in fat, orlistat has less impact because there's less fat for it to target. On the other hand, a high-fat meal presents orlistat with too much fat to manage, which can sometimes lead to side effects like oily stools and an upset stomach. What is the ideal diet then?
Orlistat diet
To optimise orlistat's effectiveness, it’s recommended that you follow a balanced diet which is moderate in fat. Some tips for healthy eating include:
Portion control: Focus on sensible portion sizes, especially for foods high in fat, such as fried items, processed meats, and full-fat cheeses.
Lean protein choices: Choose lean protein sources like grilled chicken, fish, or beans to feel fuller for longer without the extra fat. Protein also helps maintain muscle mass, which can contribute to a healthy metabolism.
Increase fibre intake: Include plenty of fibre-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. These foods promote feelings of fullness and aid digestion.
Healthy fats: Don't eliminate all fat from your diet. Include healthy fats from foods like nuts, avocados, and olive oil in moderation. These provide essential nutrients and can also help you feel satisfied, reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks.
Orlistat foods to avoid
High-fat meals can overwhelm orlistat, leading to side effects like oily stools, an upset stomach, and loose stools.
Although you don’t have to fully cut out any foods, you should be mindful of eating food such as:
Fried food (fried chicken, fries).
Fatty meats (sausages, burgers).
Full-fat dairy products (cheese, milk, cream).
Cake and chocolate.
You can still enjoy occasional treats, but focusing on a balanced diet with the recommended amount of healthy fats will help you get the most out of orlistat and manage your weight effectively. If you’d like to speak to someone about how to consume the best diet on orlistat, get in contact with your pharmacist or doctor.
Tips on how to reduce fat intake
Some small changes to your diet can help to reduce your overall fat intake, such as:
Choose low-fat versions of dairy products e.g., milk, yoghurt, and cheese.
Cut down on oils when cooking, you may benefit from grilling or steaming food instead of frying.
Choose meats that have less fat and are leaner like grilled chicken or fish.
Avocado provides your body with healthy fat and can act as a substitute for mayonnaise on sandwiches or salads.
Frequently asked questions
No, orlistat does not directly burn existing fat stores in your body. It works by preventing some of the fat you eat from being absorbed into your bloodstream. This can lead to a reduction in overall calorie intake, which can then contribute to weight loss over time.
If you take orlistat without eating, it won't have any effect because there's no fat for it to target. Orlistat works by blocking the enzymes that break down fat to limit how much your body can absorb. So, if there isn’t any food in your stomach then the medication won’t work. This is why it is still important to incorporate healthy fats into your diet in moderation so that the tablets can work properly.
Orlistat does not interact with alcohol, so it is safe to consume alcohol while taking the medication. However, you should be mindful of how many hidden calories are in alcohol.
How can I buy orlistat?
Orlistat is a prescription only medication that can be obtained through a private prescription from a provider like Pharmacy2U following an independent review from a GP which we facilitate.
Orlistat is the active ingredient in Xenical, which is prescribed in tablet form. If you’re interested in learning more about whether you’re suitable for weight loss treatments, complete our online consultation and our doctors will review your eligibility and make an appropriate recommendation.
