What is Xenical?
Discover what Xenical (Orlistat) is, how it works, and its benefits as a weight loss solution. Learn about its role in appetite suppression, and its effectiveness in helping individuals achieve and maintain their weight loss goals.
What is Xenical and why can it help with weight loss?
Xenical, also known as Orlistat, is a powerful tool in the fight against obesity and weight management, offering a targeted approach to fat absorption. As one of the most commonly prescribed weight loss medications, it has helped countless individuals achieve their weight loss goals by preventing the body from absorbing dietary fats. At The Slimming Clinic, we offer weight loss medication like Xenical to help our patients manage their weight effectively. This medication works by blocking fat absorption, which reduces overall calorie intake, making it easier to adhere to a healthy eating plan and achieve sustainable weight loss.
Xenical is a weight loss medication offered at The Slimming Clinic and contains the active medication orlistat. It is fully licensed for the treatment of obesity and is recommended in NICE guidance. It works by effecting with the way dietary fat is digested and absorbed by your body. It prevents the action of enzymes found in the stomach and small intestine that break down the fat which you consume in your diet. Xenical blocks up to 30% of dietary fat in meals being absorbed in the digestive system. As dietary fat has the most calories per gram, compared to protein and carbohydrates, Xenical helps to reduce overall calorie intake and aid weight loss. This medication is most effective when combined with a calorie-controlled weight loss diet and increased physical activity.
Xenical prevents around a third of the fat you eat from being absorbed so it is also important for you to eat a lower-fat weight-reducing diet, and to exercise regularly alongside the medication.
Xenical can be taken alone as a weight loss medication or it can be combined with some appetite suppressing medication. Your slimming clinic doctor will be able to advise you further.
Watch our latest video where Dr Jane G one of our expert weight loss Doctors talkes about Xenical.
→ Find out how to take Xenical
Xenical Facts
Clinical trials show that Xenical can significantly reduce weight, BMI, and waist circumference while supporting heart health and lowering diabetes risk. The XENDOS medical study demonstrated that patients treated with Xenical achieved significantly more short and long term weight loss. In just 2019/2020 alone, the NHS distributed over 294,000 prescriptions of Xenical (Orlistat) to patients to help treat obesity. Find out more facts about Xenical tablets here.
What are the Xenical side effects?
While Xenical is effective in aiding weight loss, it also has potential side effects, mainly related to the digestive system. The most common side effects include oily or fatty stools, increased frequency of bowel movements, an urgent need to go to the bathroom, and flatulence. Some people may also experience abdominal discomfort or diarrhoea, especially if they consume a diet high in fat – full list of side effects here.
To prevent or minimise these common side effects, it’s recommended to follow a low-fat diet while taking Xenical. Aim to keep fat intake to no more than 30% of your total daily calories. This means choosing lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and cooking methods that require less oil, such as grilling or steaming. Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals can also help manage digestive discomfort. Additionally, taking a multivitamin supplement that includes fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) is advised, as Xenical can reduce the absorption of these vitamins. Supplements should be taken at least two hours before or after taking Xenical to ensure proper vitamin absorption.
If side effects persist or become bothersome, consult with your healthcare provider for further advice.
What is Wegovy
What is Mounjaro
What is Diethylpropion
What is Phentermine
UK DOCTORS & CLINICIANS
Our weight loss experts
Dr Charlotte Norton
Medical Director
Dr Jane G.
Consulting Doctor
Dr Max Richards
Consulting Doctor
Dr Daniel Ohio
Consulting Doctor
Sarah Adula
Consulting Dietitian
Interested in Daily Tablets?
Our daily tablets are designed to provide effective weight loss management, tailored to help you achieve your health goals.
Take a look at our Xenical (Orlistat) weight loss tablets page to find out more information on how to start, what to expect, and the support we offer to ensure you get the most out of your treatment.
Looking to start your weight loss journey, then take action today!
Book an appointment with one of our GMC-Registered Doctors who are weight loss experts and can ensure you get the best programme for you. Alternatively request your medication online using our online prescription service.