Buy Alli weight loss pills online

Learn how Alli helps with weight loss, who can use it, tablet reviews, and how to minimise side effects.

✔ Partner of The Independent Pharmacy

5,653 reviews

How Alli helps with weight loss

Alli is the only over-the-counter weight loss pill sold in UK pharmacies. Each 60mg capsule blocks an enzyme called lipase so some of the fat you eat leaves your body undigested. In trials this led to 2.5kg extra loss than diet and exercise alone.¹

Who can use Alli tablets

  • Rule - BMI 28 or higher (your pharmacist will check)

  • Health - Not pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking ciclosporin ²

  • Age - 18 years or older ³

Alli weight loss reviews

Alli (Orlistat 60mg)

  • 117 reviews with average rating of 6.1/10 ⁴

  • 49% of reviewers report a positive experience, 32% report negative

  • A typical comment:

    “Been using this medication for a little over a week. My observations are the following: 1. Do not fart unless you are on a toilet. Unless you don’t mind the orange skid marks. 2. Keep a toilet brush handy to clean your bowl after you flush your gross stool. Unless you don’t mind a dirty toilet. 3. Again, hold those farts in until you find a toilet. Just avoid being around people smoking unless you want to cause a fire from the gasses you release."

How to take Alli for best results

  • One tablet per meal

    Take one capsule with each meal that contains fat - max three a day.

  • Under 15g of fat

    Keep every meal under 15g fat. Check food labels before you buy.

  • Keep to three meals

    Regular spacing of meals keeps your energy levels steady.

  • Stay active & exercise

    Move more - brisk walks, cycling, or gym sessions boost results.

  • Replace lost vitamins

    Take a multivitamin at bedtime to replace vitamins lost in the stool.

Alli weight loss pills FAQs

What are the side effects of Alli?

Some people may notice changes in their bowel habits, such as needing to go more often or with more urgency. Other common side effects include passing gas more frequently, oily or greasy stools, and an oily discharge from the recturm. These side effects are usually linked to meals that are too high in fat.

What can I eat on Alli weight loss pills?

Choose meals with 15g of fat or less. Fill half the plate with veg or salad, add lean protein (chicken, fish, beans) and pick whole-grain complex carbs. Swap butter for spray oil and full-fat cheese for 30% less fat versions. A low-fat plan keeps side-effects down and boosts weight loss.

Do Alli weight-loss pills work?

Yes, but only with the low-fat diet above. Trials found people on Alli lost 2.5kg extra weight in 12 months than diet and exercise alone.¹

How much weight will you lose with Alli?

Average loss in studies is about 5% of your starting weight. Results vary: some people lose more, some less, depending on your meal fat and activity.

Do I need a prescription to buy Alli?

No. You can buy Alli over the counter. The pharmacist checks you are 18+ and have a BMI of at least 28 before selling it.

Where can I buy Alli tablets?

You can purchase Alli (Orlistat 60mg) from major UK high-street pharmacies like Boots and Superdrug, or from online pharmacies. When buying online, it's crucial to ensure the pharmacy is legitimate and regulated.

Always verify the pharmacy's registration by visiting the official General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website (www.pharmacyregulation.org). Look for their registration number on the pharmacy's website and use the GPhC's "Check the Register" tool to confirm their legitimacy before making any payment.

How long does it take for Alli to kick in?

The fat-blocking effect starts with the first dose. Many users notice looser stools if a meal is too fatty within a day or two. Visible scale changes usually show after 2-4 weeks.

Should I take Alli in the morning or at night?

Timing doesn’t matter - take one capsule with each meal that contains fat, up to three times a day. Skip the capsule if your meal has no fat.

What if I forget a dose?

If you miss the capsule but are still eating, take it right away. If the meal is finished or you remember hours later, skip the dose and wait for the next meal. Never double up.

Medically reviewed by Dr Jackir Hussain

This page was last medically reviewed by Dr Jackir Hussain on 14 July 2025.

At Pill Scout, we prioritise accurate, evidence-based health information you can trust.

Our medical team regularly reviews and updates our content to ensure it stays aligned with the latest clinical research and guidance.

Dr Jackir Hussain, MBChB, MRCGP
GMC: 7074207

Dr Jackir Hussain is a UK-based GP with over 14 years of clinical experience since earning his medical degree from the University of Manchester. He has worked across diverse healthcare environments, including NHS GP surgeries, urgent care services, homeless shelters, and telemedicine platforms.

His areas of interest include general practice, weight loss, and the use of digital health to improve patient access to care.

Sources

¹ Healthline. Do Alli weight loss pills (Orlistat) work? An evidence‑based review. Last updated June 2022.

² EMC database. Summary of product characteristics and contraindications for alli 60 mg hard capsules. Last updated April 2023.

³ Alli. Is alli right for me? Last accessed July 2025.

⁴ Based on Alli User Reviews - Drugs.com. Accessed 2nd July, 2025.

Sign up for trusted updates

Be the first to hear when new weight loss tablets are reviewed by UK regulators.