Orlistat

[Mylittlesandwich]

I've (finally) been diagnosed with PCOS. While on the phone with the GP I asked if there was any help for weight loss as I knew that PCOS can make this more difficult. I also know that losing the weight will help with the PCOS.

She spoke to me about Orlistat and I said I'd like to give it a go. I did a search on here but there was nothing too recent about people's experiences. The main reason I agreed to it was I think if there are unpleasant side effects from eating fatty foods there's a good chance I won't eat them.

Has this worked for anyone else? I have quite a lot to loose. I've struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember.

I used the tablets for about six weeks and lost a stone. I then lost another stone after stopping because I’d got into better eating habits. It’s stayed off.

Once you’ve had one bout of side effects you won’t be tempted again 🤣

I will mention though that it seems to have completely changed my bowel habits! I used to be a once a day poo person and now it’s several times a day and looser, six months later. It might be because of my changed diet but it’s worth bearing in mind.

Good to know. I need to change my eating habits. Especially at the moment. I'm eating a lot of takeaways and rubbish because I'm out delivering takeaways in the evening. The plan is that I'll be more organised and bring food with me or have it in the fridge for when I come home. DH is fully on board, he does a lot of the cooking so I checked with him first. I really hope I can do it this time.

I'm interested in this too, as I think it might potentially help change my eating habits and it makes sense to start when you're likely to be at home anyway

I took Orlistat 2 years or so ago prior to my first IVF cycle. I did manage to loose an extra stone on top of the 2 I had already lost. The honest side effects, I shit myself on more than one occasion! If you eat fat, it really does fly straight through! From a cycles point of view, it really messed up my normal cycle pattern and my AMH was really low when I was taking it. I havent had my AMH tested again since, but my much much better response to my second round of IVF doesnt correlate with my low AMH meaning it could have been an effect of the Orlistat. Im currently pregnant so its not an option right now, but I wouldnt rule out taking it again in the future! Shit myself or not, it works!

@Mseddy

I took Orlistat 2 years or so ago prior to my first IVF cycle. I did manage to loose an extra stone on top of the 2 I had already lost. The honest side effects, I shit myself on more than one occasion! If you eat fat, it really does fly straight through! From a cycles point of view, it really messed up my normal cycle pattern and my AMH was really low when I was taking it. I havent had my AMH tested again since, but my much much better response to my second round of IVF doesnt correlate with my low AMH meaning it could have been an effect of the Orlistat. Im currently pregnant so its not an option right now, but I wouldnt rule out taking it again in the future! Shit myself or not, it works!

I mean the thought of shitting myself doesn't fill me with joy... from what I've read though if I can diligently cut fat from my diet I should be ok...

Yeah there's a reason they call it Oilytwat

I used it years ago with great success. I would love it again but I don't think I can have it now I've had my gall bladder out.

I've read horror stories on MN about Orlistat... bright orange oily shits... I think you'll have to be extremely strict with fats to not have any adverse reaction. I have PCOS and there are other supplements which may help manage your hungry/cravings better.

I take it and it's worked well. I do slimming world, so my diet is generally good. It just helps a little.

I've had absolutely no unfortunate side effects. I was very wary the first few weeks, but it's been fine. I mean, I haven't eaten a big curry with popadoms and pakora, but half a serving of fish and chips was fine.

I tried the OTC version a couple of years ago (Alli) which I believe is half the strength of the prescription version. After a few days I had orange stuff dribbling out of my bum at completely random moments. I didn't notice that my weight decreased any faster than from the low calorie diet I'd already been following, so all in all I thought it wasn't worth it. At the time I was only a stone over the healthy range so possibly it might work better if you had more to lose - but even though I now have 3 stone to lose, I am not tempted to try it again.

I have a lot to use. Taking orlistat helped me over my first plateau.

I have taken Orlistat 120 mg last year for PCOS and conceived without any other help which surprised me. Did little research and find out its even better than metformin which i have taken previously with no help at all. Unfortunately had miscarriage at 9 weeks taken again hopefully it will work this time.