Edinburgh Weight Loss Pills
Weight loss pills comparison
We offer a range of the best weight loss injections at Edinburgh Weight Loss Clinic. Here are the key differences in effectiveness rates, dosing frequencies, common side effects, and eligibility criteria, helping you make an informed decision about which treatment might be right for you.
Feature comparison
Orlistat
Generic version of Xenical
- Treatment
- Orlistat 120mg
- Body weight loss
- Up to 10%
- Eligibility
- BMI over 30
- No prescription needed
- No
- Milder side effects
- No
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Type
- Capsule
- In stock
- Yes
- Free delivery
- Yes
Xenical
Branded version of orlistat
- Treatment
- Orlistat 120mg
- Body weight loss
- Up to 10%
- Eligibility
- BMI over 30
- No prescription needed
- No
- Milder side effects
- No
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Type
- Capsule
- In stock
- Yes
- Free delivery
- Yes
Alli
Over-the-counter, smaller dosage
- Treatment
- Orlistat 60mg
- Body weight loss
- Up to 5%
- Eligibility
- BMI over 25
- No prescription needed
- Yes
- Milder side effects
- Yes
- Frequency
- 3 times a day
- Type
- Capsule
- In stock
- Yes
- Free delivery
- Yes
Feature comparison
Generic version of Xenical
Branded version of orlistat
Over-the-counter, smaller dosage
Feature | Orlistat | Xenical | Alli |
---|---|---|---|
Treatment | Orlistat 120mg | Orlistat 120mg | Orlistat 60mg |
Body weight loss | Up to 10% | Up to 10% | Up to 5% |
Eligibility | BMI over 30 | BMI over 30 | BMI over 25 |
No prescription needed | No | No | Yes |
Milder side effects | No | No | Yes |
Frequency | 3 times a day | 3 times a day | 3 times a day |
Type | Capsule | Capsule | Capsule |
In stock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free delivery | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Learn moreNo | Learn moreNo | Learn moreNo |
Not sure which weight loss pill is right for you?
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We also offer weight loss pens
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How it works
Your journey to weight loss in three simple steps.
Check your eligibility
Doctor review
Get your treatment
Supporting your mental health
Obesity, being overweight mental health problems, such as depression and eating disorders, can negatively affect each other, making it harder to manage your weight. It’s important to recognise the link between your mental health and your weight so you can seek help if you need it.
Talking therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effective for tackling the psychological challenges associated with eating disorders and obesity. It focuses on changing the way you think and behave, helping to break the cycle of negative thoughts and actions that can impact eating habits and body image.
To find a CBT therapist via the NHS, you can refer yourself or speak to your GP, who can refer you to talking therapies in Edinburgh.
Why it’s important
Keeping active
Exercise doesn’t just burn calories. By triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, exercise has been shown to help combat depression and anxiety.
There’s plenty of ways to stay active in Edinburgh, from local gyms and fitness classes to parks and recreational facilities.
Support in Edinburgh
In Edinburgh, NHS Lothian provides comprehensive mental health support. They can help with eating disorders and weight-related mental health issues.
Discuss your mental health with your GP in Edinburgh who can refer you to a specialist. You may also be able to refer yourself directly without a referral, but you will need to be registered with a GP to get talking therapies on the NHS. You can find a GP in Edinburgh on the NHS website.
Edinburgh weight loss pills FAQs
Answered by our experienced medical team.
Orlistat is a commonly used weight loss pill that works by reducing the amount of fats that you absorb when you eat. The fat stays in your gut until it is pushed out in your poo, never entering the rest of the body.
This weight loss pill is typically prescribed for patients who are overweight and have had difficulty losing weight through diet and exercise alone. It’s important to combine its use with a low-fat diet and regular physical activity. If you eat a higher fat diet whilst taking Orlistat, you will have more fat in your gut and poo; which will lead to many of the side effects listed. If you eat a low fat diet, the side effects are very few. This medication is also only intended for use in adults.
If you are in Edinburgh and thinking about this option, it is crucial to understand that while Orlistat can help with weight management, it may also come with side effects, such as digestive discomfort, and it is not suitable for everyone.
Orlistat is the active ingredient in other prescription weight loss pills like Xenical and the over-the-counter weight loss capsule Alli. It’s always recommended to discuss weight loss pills with a healthcare provider to ensure they are a safe and appropriate option for your specific health needs.
To qualify for prescription weight loss pills, you typically need to have:
- A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or more or
- A BMI of 28 or more along with other weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
You must also have tried losing weight through diet and exercise. Your healthcare provider will assess your health history, the risks of obesity-related diseases, and determine if weight loss pills are a suitable option for you.
Common side effects of orlistat include increased frequency and urgency of bowel movements, farting more often, oily or fatty stools, and oily discharge from your rectum.
Side effects were last updated on May 3rd 2024 based on information from the NHS. Visit the medication page for more details on who should and shouldn’t take each weight loss pill.
Medically reviewed
This page was last medically reviewed by Dr Adam Abbs on 4 June 2024.
Edinburgh Weight Loss Clinic is committed to providing you with the most objective, trustworthy and accurate health information.
Our content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and guidelines.
Dr Adam Abbs
MBBS FRCGP PGCCE FHEA
Dr Adam Abbs is an NHS-trained GP with a keen focus on digital health, AI in healthcare, and personalised medicine, including weight loss. He is a leader in creating new ways to provide safe and easy-to-access healthcare through remote care. Dr Abbs is also a skilled medical writer and wrote the RCGP-accredited Remote Consultation Handbook in 2020.
GMC Number: 7078829