Weight loss pills to treat overweight and obesity

Adults with overweight or obesity are often encouraged by healthcare professionals to lose weight. Losing excess weight has many health benefits, such as enhancing mobility and improving sleep, as well as reducing the risk of conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  

If you have overweight or obesity and have struggled to manage your weight with diet and exercise, you may benefit from weight loss pills. These are designed to be taken alongside a programme of healthy eating and exercise, and help to make losing excess weight easier. Many weight reducing medications are only available with a prescription, but Alli, which is a low-dose pharmaceutical drug and can be obtained over-the-counter.

Who are weight loss pills for?

Weight loss pills should only be taken by adults who have: 

●        A body mass index (BMI) of over 30

●     A BMI of 28 or more and a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or  high cholesterol. 

Before you are able to access weight reducing tablets, you will need to understand their benefits and risks, and complete a consultation with a GP or pharmacist. They aren’t suitable for all people; for example, women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding should not take weight loss pills.

What weight loss pills are available in the UK?

Alli and Orlistat are the weight reduction pills available in the UK. They both contain the active ingredient Orlistat, which prevents enzymes in the digestive system from breaking down fat. As a result 30-40% less dietary fat is stored, instead being excreted in your stools. 

Alli is a low-dose version of Orlistat, and comes in 60mg capsules. Orlistat must be obtained with a prescription and comes in 120mg capsules.

How are weight loss pills taken?

Both Alli and Orlistat should be taken up to three times a day either before, during, or up to an hour after eating a meal. If a meal is missed or doesn’t contain any fat, it’s not necessary to take the medication. Both of these weight reducing tablets should be taken in conjunction with - not instead of - a healthy, balanced diet and exercise. 

Alli and Orlistat should initially be taken for three months. If, during this time you do not lose at least 5% of your body weight, it may not be the right treatment for you and you may be advised to discontinue the medication. If, however, the tablets are proving effective, you can continue to take them for longer, provided you have approval and ongoing support from your GP or pharmacist.

How effective are weight loss pills?

A study review concluded that individuals who took Alli alongside a diet and exercise programme lost an average of 2.5kg after one year. Those taking Orlistat, meanwhile, lost an average of 3.4kg after one year.^[1] Other research suggests that some people lose 10% or more of their body weight within six months of taking Orlistat (120mg) when adding it to a weight-reducing diet and exercise.^[2]

Additional studies indicate that using Alli or Orlistat to lose weight helps to lower blood pressure and concentrations of LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol, as well as reducing the incidence of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, significant weight loss was maintained over a period of four years compared to the individuals taking a placebo.^[3] 

Should I try weight loss pills?

Weight reduction pills are an effective way to facilitate weight loss if you have overweight or obesity and have struggled to manage your weight with healthy eating and exercise alone. They should be taken alongside a calorie-restricted diet and an exercise programme, and are not a substitute for these.

If you have certain conditions or are on certain medications, weight loss pills may not be for you. It’s recommended that you do not take Alli or Orlistat if you: 

●        Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding

●        Have problems absorbing food

●        Have a reduced bile flow

●        Have had an organ transplant

●        Are allergic to any inactive ingredients in the tablets, such as gelatine

It is also wise to consider the benefits of the medication alongside the potential side effects. When taken in the right way, weight reducing tablets can facilitate weight loss, help to lower blood pressure and LDL ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, help your cells respond better to insulin and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Side effects include abdominal cramps or discomfort, flatulence, oily stools, oily spotting in your underwear and an urgent need to defecate. These symptoms are often mild and can typically be managed by limiting the amount of fat in your diet. 

Weight loss pills from The Happy Pharmacy

If you have encountered difficulties with losing weight, The Happy Pharmacy is here to support you. We offer accessible, personalised solutions to help you reach your goal weight, including weight loss pills and weight loss injectables.

If you are an adult of 18 or over with a BMI of over 30, or a BMI of 28 or more and a health condition such as high blood pressure, our team can supervise your weight loss journey and offer ongoing lifestyle guidance and check-ins. Simply fill in our online consultation form to get started. 

FAQs about Weight Loss Pills

How long do weight loss pills take to work?

Alli and Orlistat usually begin to work within a few days of starting the treatment. It may take weeks or months to achieve noticeable weight loss. Being patient and consistent is the best way to get results. If, however, you haven’t lost at least 5% of your body weight within three months, you should discontinue use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Should I take a multivitamin with weight loss pills?

It’s often recommended that individuals taking weight reduction pills also take a multivitamin at least two hours after taking the orlistat or at bedtime. This is because vitamins A, D, E and K are fat soluble and may not be absorbed as effectively while you are on the medication.