Experiences with Orlistat

Mysticmaiden · 23/02/2025 12:31

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 11:59

Hi all,
I have been prescribed Orlistat by my GP-120mg 3 times a day.
I’m a bit concerned reading about the possible side effects.
The leaflets say about uncontrollable sudden diarrhoea and leakage.
I have always had a very sensitive stomach and it doesn’t take much for me to have an upset stomach.
I would be interested in anyone’s experience.
Thank you in anticipation

Would you not consider a weight loss injection like Wegovy or Mounjaro? I wouldn't try orlistat as you can get severe diarrhoea and leaking and i have IBS. All it does is block fat absorption.
GLP activators increase insulin and reduce systemic inflammation, so are better as they act in many ways to keep you full and reduce storage of fat.
I've been on mounjaro 4.5 months no side effects and gone from bmi 32 13st to bmi 28.5 11st 8lbs. It's been life changing for stabilising my blood sugar and reducing abdominal fat. I also have not had any IBS symptoms since on it.

Original poster

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 12:42

Thank you for your reply @Mysticmaiden
The NHS don’t prescribe the injections in my area and I can’t afford to buy them myself.
I am waiting for both my hips to be replaced during to severe osteoarthritis and am unable to work.
My BMI is currently too high for me to meet the criteria for the surgery

OP posts:

Mysticmaiden · 23/02/2025 19:32

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 12:42

Thank you for your reply @Mysticmaiden
The NHS don’t prescribe the injections in my area and I can’t afford to buy them myself.
I am waiting for both my hips to be replaced during to severe osteoarthritis and am unable to work.
My BMI is currently too high for me to meet the criteria for the surgery

With mounjaro, you can get a first one for £99 for a month, most of us get 5 doses or 5 weeks out if it so that's 20 a week. I've never paid more than 145 for a pen and I'm on the 4th highest dose now. I've saved so much in food bills as it slows your stomach down and suppresses your appetite. I've gone from a pack of crisps a day to one every week, don't eat biscuits anymore, no desserts, the list goes on. Just on my food shopping I've saved 20-25 a week. Lots of people don't crave alcohol or smoking anymore due to the change in dopamine levels so they save a lot. I was never one for takeaways, but some say they save 40 a week on that. More importantly it reduces inflammation so its going to be released for osteoarthritis, alzheimers and its proven to reduce heart disease and failure by 25% in trials. I've lost over 1.5 stones and bmi down to 28.5 and it's reversed my IBS. I'd really recommend it even for aches and pains.

Shmee1988 · 23/02/2025 19:39

IME Orlistat was awful. The leakage was the stuff of nightmares and I dreaded leaving the house. I suppose it's different for everyone but never, would I ever take the stuff again.

Original poster

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 19:47

@Shmee1988 that sounds horrendous 😳

OP posts:

Original poster

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 19:49

@Mysticmaiden
can I ask were you get your injections from?

OP posts:

Shmee1988 · 23/02/2025 20:08

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 19:47

@Shmee1988 that sounds horrendous 😳

It was. It just wasn't something that fits with normal day to day life, at least for me. I lasted 4 weeks and couldn't do it anymore. It may be different for you though, you won't know if you don't try

MyCatHasStaff · 23/02/2025 20:18

I'm on Orlistat. I'm taking it for the second time because although it worked, I put the weight back on. Last time I lost 25lbs and I did have some side effects - constipation and sore mouth. This time, I'm approaching it differently. I was so worried about all these awful side effects I kept my fat levels a bit too low. I'm under no illusions about why I put the weight back on, I ate too much of the wrong things!

This time, I don't take a tablet if my meal is very low fat. I am including more healthy fats in my diet, but obviously I'm careful. So far so good. I'm losing weight at the same rate as before (around 2lbs a week) but without the side effects.

No everyone can have the injections, my GP was very clear that they were not suitable for me.

Mysticmaiden · 23/02/2025 21:15

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 19:49

@Mysticmaiden
can I ask were you get your injections from?

Look on www.monj.co.uk for best deals and uptodate prices of uk registered pharmacies, I've used 4 prescribers, currently on oushk because they provide good maintenance plans.

Mysticmaiden · 23/02/2025 21:40

fudgesmummy · 23/02/2025 12:42

Thank you for your reply @Mysticmaiden
The NHS don’t prescribe the injections in my area and I can’t afford to buy them myself.
I am waiting for both my hips to be replaced during to severe osteoarthritis and am unable to work.
My BMI is currently too high for me to meet the criteria for the surgery

This is a free nhs clinical trial for wegovy weight loss injection. https://oviva.com/uk/en/ give it a go.

CatFitsSheSits · 23/02/2025 22:12

I started orlistat today 120mg 3 times a day @fudgesmummy

I've done lots of reading and joined Facebook groups. They're really supportive.

You need to eat three main meals a day with no more than 15g fat in each meal. I use myfittnesspal to check fats. My NHS area will not prescribe injections either. I didn't ask for them but the GP mentioned it (he said diabetics can't get all they need). Anyway. I'm super keen for this to work.