Weight Loss Medication

Weight loss medications, such Orlistat and Xenical, work by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fat in your digestive system. This means some of the fat you eat passes through your body instead of being absorbed, which can help you lose weight.

In the UK, GPs may prescribe treatments like Orlistat and Xenical for weight loss if you meet certain criteria, usually based on your body mass index (BMI) and any related health conditions.

Carrying excess weight may not cause obvious symptoms at first, but it increases the risk of tiredness, breathlessness, joint pain, and longer-term health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Weight gain is usually caused by consuming more calories than the body burns, combined with factors such as genetics, metabolism, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions or medications.

The cost depends on whether you choose Orlistat (generic) or Xenical (branded). At e-Surgery, Orlistat starts at £21.95, while Xenical is £29.95.

Weight loss medications are not suitable for everyone. They should not be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or have certain health conditions such as chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis.

The majority of people notice results within the first 2–3 months of treatment, especially when combined with a calorie-controlled diet and exercise.

On average, people who take Orlistat or Xenical as directed can lose around 5–10% of their starting body weight within 6 months, though results vary depending on diet and lifestyle.

Medication is not a cure, but it can support weight loss and reduce the health risks linked with obesity. Long-term success depends on lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.

Without treatment, being overweight can increase the risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, sleep apnoea, and some types of cancer