Alli is a pharmacy weight-loss aid containing orlistat 60mg, for adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 28 or above, used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet — 84-capsule pack sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Active ingredient | Orlistat 60mg per capsule |
|---|---|
| Type | Pharmacy (P) medicine — weight-loss aid |
| How it works | Works only in the digestive system, preventing about a quarter of the fat in your meals from being absorbed |
| Suitable for | Adults aged 18+ with a BMI of 28 or above, committed to a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet |
| Pack size | 84 capsules |
| Maximum use | No more than 3 capsules a day, for no longer than 6 months |
| Sold by | Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered) |
Who it is for
- Adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 28 or above who are overweight and committed to healthier eating
- People who want a clinically proven aid — orlistat helps you lose more weight than dieting alone
- People prepared to follow a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet throughout treatment
Do not take Alli if you: are under 18; are pregnant or breastfeeding; take ciclosporin; take warfarin or other blood-thinning medicines; are allergic to orlistat or any ingredient; have cholestasis; or have chronic malabsorption syndrome. Speak to your doctor first if you take medicines for diabetes, epilepsy, thyroid (levothyroxine), heart rhythm (amiodarone) or HIV, or if you have kidney disease.
How to use
- Read the patient information leaflet before you start.
- Begin your reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet before starting the capsules.
- Take one capsule with water, three times a day, with each meal that contains fat.
- Do not take more than three capsules in 24 hours, and do not use Alli for more than 6 months.
- Consider a daily multivitamin (containing vitamins A, D, E and K) taken at bedtime, as orlistat can reduce absorption of these vitamins.
Frequently asked questions
How does Alli work?
Orlistat attaches to enzymes in your digestive system and prevents about a quarter of the fat in your meals from being absorbed. The unabsorbed fat passes out in your stools, which is also why eating low-fat meals helps control the diet-related treatment effects.
How much weight can I lose with Alli?
Alli is clinically proven to help you lose more weight than dieting alone — for every 2kg lost through diet, Alli can add roughly 1kg extra. Results depend on sticking to the reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
How do I know if my BMI is 28 or above?
BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared. As a guide, someone 1.70m tall has a BMI of 28 at about 81kg. If your BMI is below 28, do not use Alli. Our pharmacist can check your BMI in store or online.
What is the difference between Alli and prescription orlistat?
Alli contains orlistat 60mg and is available from pharmacies for adults with a BMI of 28 or above. The 120mg strength (Xenical) is prescription-only with different eligibility criteria. Speak to your GP or pharmacist about which is right for you.
Safety and storage
- Always read the patient information leaflet before use.
- Being overweight increases the risk of serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease — a check-up with your doctor is advisable.
- Do not store above 25°C. Keep the container tightly closed to protect from moisture.
- Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
References
Alli (orlistat 60mg) is a pharmacy medicine. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. You must be 18 or over with a BMI of 28 or above. If you are unsure whether Alli is suitable for you, speak to our pharmacist. Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
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