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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 400 reviews on Drugs.com. 64% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 17% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Orlistat

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • 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
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 18, 2015

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!"

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

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!"

8 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Kei...
  • October 12, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "At 130 kgs or around 20 st, I needed to lose weight fast. My father, my two aunt's, and one of my uncles died of a heart attack when they were in their 50s, and I am 48. I really have tried everything, from the gym to changing my diet to even buying a cross trainer, none of it worked. I have started to use these tablets about a month ago, and at first, nothing happened. Then one night, I had my stomach bubbling, and as a bit of fun in front of my wife, I pushed it out as hard as I could. Well, talk about an orange tsunami! I don't think I have ever moved so quickly in my life. I was in the living room, and I think I only took two steps, and I reached the toilet where what can only be explained as the noise of a big dog's mouth purring when it's sleeping. After that, I had to think ahead when my guts started bubbling. It's really strange to see orange bum juice (sorry, but no other words can fit it) in the toilet, but that's a great sign it's working."

10 / 10
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55 Report
  • Rob...
  • 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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  • bes...
  • March 27, 2017

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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69 Report
  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 25, 2018

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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  • Spa...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • November 26, 2017

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."

10 / 10
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65 Report
  • Van...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 2, 2018

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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62 Report
  • Sam...
  • March 14, 2016

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."

7 / 10
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  • Ard...
  • July 24, 2010

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Metamucil may help side effects: I started taking Xenical 8 days ago and was quite nervous about the side effects, especially diarrhea because I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Because of this, I have spent much of my life running to the bathroom. 7 or 8 years ago one doctor recommended Metamucil and it changed my life. I now take it twice a day and perhaps this is why I am not having any problems with Xenical. It's worth a try anyway. In 8 days, I've lost 5 or 6 lbs so am quite happy."

9 / 10
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99 Report
  • ona...
  • May 15, 2015

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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79 Report
  • Blu...
  • 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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  • Rus...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • January 19, 2016

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I went through a weight loss program at my local hospital (protein shakes, healthy meal). I lost 48 pounds and met my goal in August 2015. Throughout my program and presently, if I have a fatty meal, I take an Alli, maybe one every other day. It is amazing for weight loss maintenance, in the past, the pounds would be creeping back. I keep things in check, but it is wonderful to occasionally have a treat. I highly recommend it for post-weight loss maintenance."

10 / 10
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69 Report
  • Bes...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 3, 2024

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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  • mel...
  • November 21, 2009

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "The key to using Alli is that you must list everything you eat and not exceed the amount of fat per meal. I haven't experienced any side effects and am extremely pleased. I lost 10 pounds before starting the program and hit a plateau, but since using Alli, I've lost 27 more with only 13 pounds to go. When I reach my ideal weight, I'm going to continue the tracking, eventually weaning myself off of Alli, to be able to maintain my weight. I don't expect a quick transition, but love the results. I recommend trying it, but be diligent to follow the instructions for good results."

10 / 10
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100 Report
  • Tob...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • February 17, 2016

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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70 Report
  • Reg...
  • August 30, 2016

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."

9 / 10
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74 Report
  • Peb...
  • August 7, 2015

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have lost over 10 pounds in 2 weeks and have had no problem with them at all. I am sticking to low-fat labels and cutting out all the bad stuff. The tablets are great because they get you in the mindset of knowing that there's consequences if you have a lot of fat."

8 / 10
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68 Report
  • Win...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • March 19, 2019

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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  • Twi...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 19, 2018

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I tried this medication years ago, but couldn't handle the side effects, so I stopped, bad choice. Anyway, I started back on this medication 3 days ago. Haven't eaten any fat, so I haven't had any side effects, and the best part is I've lost 6 lbs! I find being on this medication is teaching me to eat clean and watch my calorie intake. I have a long way to go, but I think I can get there with the help of this medication and exercise."

10 / 10
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52 Report
  • Anonymous
  • December 13, 2011

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had a gallbladder removal in August 2011, and my weight shot up to 13.4 stones. I have been on these tablets for 3 weeks now, and I have lost a staggering 9 pounds. My GP prescribed them to me on a trial basis to see if these would work, and yes, they have. I have my first weigh-in next Tuesday, so I'm happy to go back and tell him I've lost weight, and hopefully he will prescribe me some more. I do often get side effects, but nothing that I can't handle, it has made me more aware of the foods I should be eating. Exercising. I never did that before, and now I do. I do 10 minutes on my Vibro plate in the morning and evening, 20 sit-ups in the morning and evening, and 10 mins on a rowing machine. I also walk from the bus stop to work and back."

7 / 10
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84 Report
  • Des...
  • 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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  • hsi...
  • April 26, 2016

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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73 Report
  • Kat...
  • August 3, 2017

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I've been taking Alli for 3 weeks (only on weekdays with a bit of cheating at the weekend), and I've lost half a stone. You won't get any nasty side effects as long as you limit your fat intake to less than 15g a meal and avoid high-fat foods. It's not a miracle drug, you can't just take it with an unhealthy diet (you will get the side effects then!), but with a healthy diet and exercise, it increases your rate of weight loss. I think it's worth the money."

7 / 10
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