Alli is manufactured by GSK (GlaxoSmithKline), a global pharmaceutical firm with headquarters in London, UK.

Alli is a lipase inhibitor, which means that it reduces your body’s ability to break down and absorb fat, so you retain less of the fat that you digest.

Orlistat is the name of the active ingredient in Alli.

There are 60mg of the active ingredient (Orlistat) in each Alli tablet.

There are also higher strength (120mg) versions of Alli which are only available with a prescription in the UK, such as Xenical and Orlistat.

It’s a pill taken orally with every meal you have that contains fat, up to three times a day. If you miss a meal you don’t need to take a tablet. If you forget to take a tablet don’t try to catch up, simply miss that dose. Always read the label and follow the instructions.

In the UK Alli is licensed for weight loss and weight management.

Alli is what’s known as a lipase inhibitor, which means that it reduces your body’s ability to break down and digest fat, so you absorb less of the fat that you eat.

Alli’s “mechanism of action” is lipase inhibition. Essentially blocks the action of enzymes in your intestines that break down fat from the food you eat. When these enzymes are blocked, about 25% of the fat you consume is not absorbed and is instead passed out of your body in your stool (poo). This reduces the number of calories you absorb, which can lead to weight loss.

For more information see the manufacturer’s Patient Information Leaflet for Alli.

Clinical trials have shown that Alli is effective in promoting weight loss. One study showed that most people who took Alli for 6 months lost 5 to 10lbs. 

Anecdotally, many people who have taken Alli also report positive outcomes beyond clinical measures. As well as weight loss, patients frequently mention that their general quality of life has improved since taking Alli. For instance, some users have shared that they feel more energetic, have better mobility, and experience less joint pain. Others have highlighted the psychological benefits, such as increased confidence and reduced anxiety about their health.

Direct health benefits

• Weight loss can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes or aiding in its management.
• Weight loss often leads to reduced blood pressure, which decreases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Losing weight can improve cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Indirect health benefits

• Weight loss can relieve stress on joints and bones, making physical activities easier and reducing the risk of osteoarthritis and other injuries.
• Many users report improved sleep quality and reduced sleep apnea symptoms.
• Weight loss can lead to better mental health, including reduced depression and anxiety.

Direct lifestyle benefits

• Losing weight makes it easier to engage in physical activities, which can further enhance weight loss and overall health.
• Users often report feeling more energetic and less fatigued.
• Many users enjoy the benefit of fitting into smaller-sized clothes and having a wider variety of clothing options.

Indirect lifestyle benefits

• Weight loss can increase confidence and encourage more social interaction, improving relationships and quality of life.
• People find they can travel more comfortably and participate in activities such as hiking, biking, or even simple walks that were challenging before.
• Increased energy and improved health can lead to better focus and productivity at work.

There are multiple reasons why Alli may not be suitable for some people, including:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women 
• People with chronic malabsorption syndrome, as Alli prevents proper absorption of nutrients from food.
• People who have cholestasis
• Anyone allergic to Orlistat or any of Alli’s other ingredients should avoid it.
• Alli can interact with some medications, such as cyclosporine and warfarin, so those on these medications should consult their doctor before using it.
• those under 18 years of age or over 75 years old.

Alli is an over-the-counter medication, so you can buy it without a prescription. That said, Medicspot always recommends consulting a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment. At Medicspot our clinicians look at your overall health, medical history, and specific weight loss needs to determine which weight loss treatment options are right for you. Take our free online assessment now to find out.

Depending on your individual weight loss journey, your clinician might suggest that Alli weight loss treatment will be most effective when taken in combination with other weight loss methods. This may include adopting a healthy diet with fewer calories and increasing physical activity. Sustainable weight loss often requires a comprehensive approach that includes both medical treatment and lifestyle modifications.

In the UK Alli can be obtained from many local and online pharmacies as well as specialist weight loss clinics. Medicspot offers next day delivery of Alli across the UK subject to eligibility, and with the exception of a few of the more remote postcodes.

The cost of Alli from Medicspot is £59 for 84 tablets, which equates to just £2.11 per day. To put the price into context, the daily cost of Alli is less than a cup of coffee.

To put the price into context, the daily cost of orlistat is less than a cup of coffee.

Investing in Alli can lead to significant health benefits, potentially reducing medical expenses related to obesity-related conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Improved health can also enhance quality of life and productivity. You may also find you eat less as your appetite is suppressed, so your food spending might reduce.

Yes, Alli can be purchased online from licensed pharmacies. When buying online, ensure the pharmacy is reputable and registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) to avoid counterfeit medications. Please note that a clinical assessment and valid prescription is required in order to obtain Alli. To check if you are eligible, start your assessment now.

Alli does not require a prescription so is not prescribed on the NHS. Stronger versions of Alli (Orlistat and Xenical) are sometimes prescribed on the NHS as a weight loss treatment. The prescription is usually part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes healthier eating and more physical activity. Patients must also demonstrate a commitment to these lifestyle changes to continue receiving prescriptions from the NHS.

Alli should be taken with meals, no more than 3 times a day. Do not exceed the stated dose or frequency. If you miss a dose do not try to catch up by taking more than one pill the following day.

If there is no response to Alli after 3 months, you will need a review with your doctor to see if you need a different medication.

Yes, Alli is legal in the UK.

Alli underwent extensive clinical trials to evaluate its safety and efficacy. It was tested in multiple phases involving thousands of participants. These trials demonstrated that Alli is not only safe but also effective in aiding weight loss.

In the UK Alli is available by prescription and has been licensed as a treatment for weight loss and weight management by the MHRA. 

Alli has also received official approvals from other regulatory bodies internationally such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2007.