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Orlistat User Reviews & Ratings (Page 4)

Brand names: Xenical, Alli

Orlistat has an average rating of 7.4 out of 10 from a total of 384 reviews on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 18% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Orlistat

  • Chris...
  • December 8, 2015

Xenical (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "When I got out of high school I weighed about 350 lbs (25 st, 158 kg) so my doctor put me on Xenical and it worked amazingly. For the first time in my life, I was able to lose weight. I lost 70 lbs in about 8 months. It was uncomfortable too, having some sudden needs to use the washroom and leaking oil. But, I saw fatty foods differently and totally changed my eating habits, so I lost another 30 lbs on my own. For about 14 years after that, I kept around that weight, but gained a lot more recently with lifestyle changes, and started the pills again 2 weeks ago. I'm already down 10 lbs, and with a better diet, no bad experiences with the washroom. If you're obese, I highly recommend taking these pills with a good diet and exercise."

10 / 10
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83 Report
  • Very...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 13, 2016

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Alli February 18, 2016. I've lost 9 lbs so far (3 weeks)! Week one, I did not change my eating habits, but I could tell the pills were working due to frequent visits to the restroom. Week two, I started eating healthier and noticed that I wasn't using the bathroom as much. I did not rate Alli a 10 because I was constipated for 2 days, although it could be due to the fact that I am no longer eating greasy foods like I was during week one. Overall, I love Alli, and it is really working for me. Losing those 9 lbs motivated me to keep going!"

9 / 10
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81 Report
  • being...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 15, 2016

Xenical (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Xenical yesterday and was quite stressed out about the long list of side effects, but the reading of your posts reassured me, and I am very confident that I will be part of those who won't have any. Gained 40 lbs in 3 years because of hypothyroidism. Tried everything to get rid of them. I'm exercising, gluten-free, lactose-free, caffeine-free, all this by choice not because of intolerance. I'm eating 1,300 cal/day, low fat, lots of veggies, few fruits to keep the carbohydrates low. Felt very sad, hopeless, and distressed. My doc proposed this medicine. I'm really looking forward to see how it reacts on me but yet, thank you for your posts... they are reassuring!"

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Frequently asked questions

  • Marie
  • October 6, 2016

Xenical (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "This drug works but you need to be aware of the side effects. Though expensive (I'm in Australia, I don't know US prices), it's worth it as long as you eat and exercise properly. As it stops approximately 30% of the fat you digest from being broken down, you can lose fat-soluble vitamins. My pharmacist suggested using a multivitamin an hour before my first meal or 2 hours after breakfast so Xenical wouldn't stop the vitamins, though talk to someone before listening to this advice. If you eat anything with a high-fat content, you will probably poop your brains out. While visiting my dad, he made meat pies and I had burning diarrhea all night and the following morning. So don't do that, or if you choose to eat it, just skip the pill for that meal."

10 / 10
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76 Report
  • MaryG...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 18, 2015

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've used Alli several times with great success in the past! My hypothyroidism got very bad, so I stopped after the last recall. Feeling better now so started this week - have lost 8 lbs in one week! LOVE Alli!"

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Are you taking this medicine?

  • Jaz
  • January 18, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Orlistat does work, but you have to use it properly. I have had no bad side effects, and it is really helping. Here are my top tips: 1) Before you even take it, make sure you discuss with your GP to monitor your progress and health. 2) Have a low-fat and calorie diet at least a week prior to taking it. You can then iron out any kinks, e.g., I am prone to late-night binges, so I made sure I put some extra emotional support in place and stocked the cupboard with healthy, low-fat snacks. 3) Make sure you have some low-fat ingredients and recipes to hand. The following I have found super useful: low-calorie cooking spray, reduced-fat hummus and cheese, pita bread, crumpets with a tsp of peanut butter, fruit and veg, beans, pulses, and legumes: make these your best friend. 4) Keep hydrated with water. 5) Take a multivitamin either first thing in the morning or evening."

8 / 10
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51 Report
  • Roberta
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 25, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Was prescribed these on Friday, May 22, 21, to try and help me alongside Slimming World. I had a not-so-good first week back. I started taking orlistat right away with my Friday evening meal. Ate healthily and walked a lot/stable duties at my yard. I got weighed on May 24, and I had lost 5 lbs with the help of orlistat. I haven't had any really unpleasant accidents, etc., as of yet. But I do, however, keep fat content to a minimum. I will update next Monday, May 31 results after over a week on it. Overall, 5 lbs is brilliant to lose first time."

10 / 10
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39 Report
  • Vangel
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 2, 2018

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Alli is a miracle drug. You must eat within normal guidelines to lose weight. I do not recommend binging out on foods because Alli will make you go to the bathroom a lot! I eat 1,200 calories a day, take 4 pills a day, and exercise 5-7 days a week. I've been taking these pills for 1 month and lost about 11 pounds (down 35 total now from 8 months ago). I take them 1 week on and 1 week off to give my body a break, so technically 11 pounds taking them 2 weeks. Definitely recommend."

10 / 10
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61 Report
  • Regards
  • August 30, 2016

Xenical (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started Xenical 30 mg yesterday (day 1) morning. Low fat diet and I do a 50-minute walk once a day and have lost 3 kg by the end of (day 2). I also enjoyed 100% fruit juice with fiber and vitamins. The lows, however, were that I woke up on day 2 feeling drained and low on nutrients. Vitamin supplements at night do help. The defecation bit has been timely and regular. I am pleased with the product and results to date."

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74 Report
  • Best...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 3, 2024

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost 27 pounds on Alli over a five-month period. Mainly, it's aversion therapy. Nobody wants side effects, so you make common sense meal choices. Best success I have ever seen with any diet. I went from 137 to 110!!! I have also never had any extra side effects, like some have mentioned. Highly recommend!!"

10 / 10
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  • Space...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 26, 2017

Xenical (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking the drug for around 3 weeks, and the weight is literally flying off. What's more unusual is that I'm eating even more rubbish than I normally would: crisps, ice cream, chocolate, etc., and the weight is still coming off. Quite unbelievable. Yes, I'm having oily stools every day. They come out an orange color, and I'm going 2 or 3 times a day. But I can live with that. Apart from that, absolutely no side effects. None. I'm enjoying stepping on the scales every day. I can't wait to refine my diet so it is healthier and then see how much comes off. This is a miracle drug, and I can't believe I haven't tried it until now."

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64 Report
  • Winter
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 19, 2019

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used Alli years ago, and it worked awesome. I lost a lot of weight in a relatively short amount of time. They took it off the shelves for a period of time and then reintroduced it back to the retailers. I have tried it several times since Alli has been back on the shelves, and it is complete garbage, a waste of money and time. I could drink a whole bottle of olive oil and have absolutely no effects. What a waste... I meticulously follow the directions, and it does not help shed any extra pounds."

1 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 22, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Most of the people who haven't lost a pound are your typical fatsos. They say they eat healthily and exercise, that is what they SAY. The truth, in most cases, is the polar opposite. I worked out 3 times a week and cut down to 1200 kcal per day. I lost a total of 10 lbs in 2 weeks, and within 4 months, I lost a total of 50 lbs. IT WORKS. Eat less, move more, and be consistent. Don't blame the medicine because you haven't made any real changes."

8 / 10
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78 Report
  • Margil
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 25, 2018

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Alli the other day. I have had to purchase Poise pads, just in case of an oil gas or stool. I have read nothing but horror stories. But I am just experiencing extra bowel movements in the toilet. Mild stomach cramps. I wear the pads in case of anything due to side effects, but have had nothing at all. Lost weight already. But I am not hungry at all. I tried out the first day on a Sunday in case of adverse side effects. So far...so good. Hopefully, this can be my go-to for weight management going forward."

10 / 10
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  • bestie
  • March 27, 2017

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I was reading the reviews and could not believe people had so much trouble with oily leakage. It clearly states that you cannot eat high-fat foods. If you think you can take Alli and continue eating all kinds of high-fat and fried foods, then you will have the oily side effects that are clearly stated in the accompanying literature. Alli works great when taken with a low-fat, healthy diet. It helps remove about 1/3 of the fat from the food you eat. I have taken it for a month now along with Weight Watchers. I have lost 12 lbs. and only had one experience with an oily accident. That was due to the fact that I went to a Mexican restaurant the night before and ate with abandon. I knew better, but I did it anyway and took the Alli pill."

9 / 10
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67 Report
  • hsibbur
  • April 26, 2016

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I purchased Alli back in 2009 (great worked a treat and lost weight), and since I have had two more attempts in 2014, now 2016. The product does not work at all. This time I have been taking it for over one week, and I have experienced constipation and flatulence. The product was purchased from reputable pharmacies, and again I feel I just wasted my hard-earned money. I am unsure what has changed. However, I know one thing: the product is definitely not the same, I feel like the tablets are duds. No change to my weight, just embarrassing wind, stomach cramps, it makes you feel bunged up. No change to stool whatsoever, not even if fatty food is introduced to the diet. My advice is do not bother, I won't from now on. Hope this helps :("

1 / 10
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72 Report
  • onami...
  • May 15, 2015

Xenical (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm on the Implanon so I can't manage to lose weight with anything I do, but with Xenical, I have already lost 2 kgs in just 2 days. I have not exercised as I am sick at the moment. I have two a day with my two meals, lunch and dinner. The only thing I stop myself from is snacking, which is tough. Can't wait to continue with this product!"

10 / 10
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  • Tiff
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • October 28, 2018

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking Alli 2x a day 10 days ago. I only had 15 pounds that I've been struggling to lose. It's curbed my appetite, and I've lost 3 1/2 pounds in 10 days! The only con is if you eat a high-fat meal, you will be stuck on the toilet tomorrow morning. It will definitely remind you not to do that again. What I love about Alli: no jittery diet pill side effects and rapid weight loss."

10 / 10
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55 Report
  • Saman...
  • March 14, 2016

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've lost about 5 lbs in a little over a week. I'm not sure at this point how much of that weight loss has been from Alli or if it was from changing my diet and eliminating sugars and carbs. I can see the oily fat in the stools. Yesterday I made a BIG mistake and ate fries and a fried chicken sandwich. Since I have had two accidents, where my flatulence has spewed large amounts of oil into my underwear. Was not expecting that. Will not eat a high-fat meal again on these pills."

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  • Destiny
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 14, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on Orlistat since March 2019. Had a couple of months break in between this time. I have lost 20 kilos. But now I’m not having any oily stools but have lots of foul-smelling flatulence. Is the Orlistat still working? I need to lose more weight due to the fact I’m only short and am 63 years old. Has anyone else had the same experience but still lost weight? I’m afraid it’s no longer working."

10 / 10
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  • Scarlet
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • February 18, 2017

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The side effects were not worth any potential weight loss. I spent way too much time on the toilet. I wasn't even having bowel movements. I would sit there and "oil" for hours. I had accidents, and "oiled" myself with this nasty orange oil. I'd rather be a fat cow than have accidents in my pants."

2 / 10
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66 Report
  • Maggi...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 3, 2017

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I am not obese, but I decided to try Alli as a weight loss supplement to help with my diet because I have zero willpower. I like to eat and eat until I'm full, and I like pizza. I was 5'8" and 160 lbs., 40D-29-34, dress size M/8. With no diet change, I lost a few pounds using Alli. Enough to throw out some too big clothing. At day 90, I changed my diet and began eating healthier, and there's a change in my body shape. I had IBS constipation, but Alli removed the need for me to take prescriptions for my IBS. I don't have accidents, but I am very regular now-like clockwork! And Alli works for me to lose the few lbs. I needed to lose. I can fit into a 6."

10 / 10
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  • Blueb...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • February 21, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started orlistat 2 days ago. Nothing happened the first two days. Was a little constipated, and due to reading all the reviews of uncontrollable stools, I rushed out and bought Tena Discreet, which I've not needed so far! Today I had my first noticeable stool with orange-like liquid when wiping, and the fat was noticeable in the bowl, like if you were to drop oil into water. Had no discomfort, lost 1 lb so far, only taking with food or prior to food as advised. Looking forward to the results, carrying on, not expecting miracles in 1 week. Stay realistic and don't wish for side effects. Just because you don't have side effects doesn't mean it's not working."

8 / 10
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  • Tobar...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 17, 2016

Alli (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I took Alli faithfully prior to the 2014 recall. It worked wonderfully. I lost a lot of weight and inches. Since it came back on the market, I have been taking it to lose again what I gained back and to help me as I quit smoking. It no longer works at all like it did prior to the recall. Something has changed in the product. What? I have contacted GSK for input and am waiting for a reply."

1 / 10
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69 Report
  • Sana...
  • July 25, 2015

Xenical (orlistat) for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started taking this medication 3 days ago. I have been running to the toilet a lot. It takes all the oil out, which was very disturbing for me at the start, but now I'm getting used to it. I weighed 93 kg, which is about 205 lbs. The doctor has advised me to come back in a month's time and get my weight checked - let's hope for the best, and I will update you if it worked on me. Good luck to everyone."

10 / 10
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72 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.