Buy Orlistat 120mg online (Xenical)

Compare generic orlistat 120mg and branded Xenical, learn about orlistat side effects, read real reviews and follow our safety checklist.

✔ Partner of The Independent Pharmacy

5,653 reviews

Why buy orlistat online in the UK?

If you want to buy Xenical online (Orlistat 120mg), this can save you a trip to the GP or high-street pharmacy. However, you should always choose a provider that follows UK law. You can verify a pharmacy's registration by visiting the official General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) website.

If the pharmacy is legitimate, they will ask you questions about your BMI and health history. For more guidance, read advice from the NHS about buying medicines online.

Orlistat side effects and quick fixes

  • Oily stools / urgent toilet trips

    • Why it happens - Unabsorbed fat leaves the gut

    • Quick fix - Keep each meal ≤ 15g fat; carry spare underwear

  • Orange spotting

    • Why it happens - Same leakage of undigested fat

    • Quick fix - Wear dark underwear; use panty liners

  • Mild stomach cramps

    • Why it happens - Gut adapting to less fat absorption

    • Quick fix - Cut out fried foods; sip water regularly

  • Low vitamins A, D, E, K

    • Why it happens - Fat-soluble vitamins are lost in stool

    • Quick fix - Take a multivitamin at bedtime

Serious pain or dark urine? Quickly call 111 or your GP.

Orlistat & Xenical reviews

Orlistat 120mg (generic)

  • 385 reviews with average rating of 7.4 ¹

  • 64% of reviewers report a positive experience, only 17% report negative

  • Broadly positive feedback:

  • "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."

Xenical (branded)

  • 120 reviews with average rating of 8.2 ²

  • 73% of users report a positive experience, just 8% report negative experiences

  • One user shared:

  • "I would recommend Orlistat to anyone who needs a helping hand, I have found that it has made me really determined to make better choices regarding my health and weight. Co-workers and family have noticed a difference in my body and I can feel it in my clothes so I’m really happy."

How to buy orlistat online safely in the UK

  • Verify registration

    Look for the pharmacy's GPhC registration number on the GPhC site.

  • Confirm your BMI

    You need a BMI of 30+ (or 28+ with a weight-related condition).

  • Complete consultation

    Declare all medicines and medical history truthfully.

  • Check legitimacy

    Look for UK address and email. Avoid sites hiding contact details

  • Select fast delivery

    Choose tracked delivery. Heat and humidity can spoil capsules.

Orlistat & Xenical FAQs

How does orlistat work?

It blocks an enzyme called lipase, so about one-third of the fat you eat can’t be digested and leaves the body in your stool.

Does orlistat suppress your appetite?

No, it doesn’t touch hunger hormones. It only stops some fat calories being absorbed.

Does orlistat burn existing fat?

No. It prevents new fat from being stored but doesn’t melt fat you already carry - that job comes from a calorie deficit through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

Does the NHS recommend orlistat?

Yes. NICE backs orlistat for adults with a BMI ≥ 30 (or 28 with weight-related risk factors) after diet and activity steps have been tried.

Can I ask my GP for orlistat?

Yes, you can. Your GP will check your BMI, health history and diet changes first. If you meet the rules, they’ll prescribe it for a 3 month trial.³

What’s the difference between orlistat and Xenical?

Xenical is the brand name for 120mg orlistat made by Roche. Generic orlistat 120mg has the same drug, dose and effect - just different packaging.

Is generic orlistat as good as Xenical?

Yes. UK generics must prove they release the same amount of drug at the same speed as Xenical.

How long does orlistat take to work?

It blocks fat the first day you take it. Most people see scale changes after 2-4 weeks. The NHS asks for at least 5% weight loss at 3 months to keep using it.

How long after taking orlistat do you poo?

Your usual bowel rhythm stays the same, but oily leakage can appear within hours if a meal is too fatty.

How long does orlistat stay in your system?

Most of the drug isn’t absorbed. What's absorbed leaves the body in 3-5 days through stool.

What happens if you take orlistat without eating?

If a meal has no fat, skip the capsule. Taking it on an empty stomach gives no benefit and wastes the dose.

Can I take orlistat with Mounjaro (tirzepatide)?

It’s not advised to take orlistat with Mounjaro. Always ask your prescriber about how orlistat may interact with your existing medication.

Can you drink alcohol on orlistat?

Yes, alcohol doesn’t interact with the drug, but high-fat mixers or pub snacks can trigger oily stools.

Can I take two Alli instead of one Xenical?

No. Alli is 60mg. Xenical is 120mg plus prescription oversight. Doubling Alli without medical advice is unsafe and not cost-effective.

How to take orlistat

  • One 120mg capsule with each main meal that contains fat (max 3 a day).

  • Swallow with water - do not crush the capsule.

  • Skip the dose if the meal has no fat.

How to get the best results from orlistat

  1. Keep every meal ≤15 g fat.

  2. Spread calories over three meals.

  3. Add daily walking or gym.

  4. Take a multivitamin at bedtime (A, D, E, K).

Is orlistat effective?

Trials show an extra 5-10% loss of starting weight over 12 months versus lifestyle alone.

Where can I buy orlistat?

The price of orlistat ranges from £34-£54 for a pack of 84 capsules (this can last 1-2 month supply) from a private online pharmacy. NHS scripts cost the standard fee in England or are free in other UK nations.

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

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

³ GP Notebook. NICE guidance: Orlistat for the treatment of obesity. Last reviewed September 2024.

Sign up for trusted updates

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