Orlos

Orlos: General Information

What is Orlos?

Orlos is an over-the-counter medication that is used to aid in weight loss. Orlos is designed to assist overweight adults in achieving their weight loss goals when used with a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

How does Orlos work?

The primary function of Orlo is its ability to prevent the absorption of fats from the diet, thereby reducing overall calorie intake. Orlos inhibits gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that break down triglycerides in the intestine. When the enzyme is blocked, triglycerides from the diet are not hydrolysed into absorbable free fatty acids but are excreted undigested, explained by Dr Peter Kramer, a leading expert in dietary medicine.

How effective is Orlos?

Orlos is more effective alongside exercise and a healthy diet, with some users losing 10% or more weight in six months of use. The effectiveness of Orlos has been proven in numerous clinical trials, with one particular study finding that patients using Orlistat lost up to 5% of their body weight in the first 12 weeks, as published in the British Journal of Nutrition. The data underscores the potential of Orlos in aiding weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. It is important to note that the individual experience varies per person. 

Active ingredient in Orlos

The active ingredient in Orlos is Orlistat. Orlistat is a potent, specific, and long-acting inhibitor of gastrointestinal lipases. It exerts its therapeutic activity in the lumen of the stomach and small intestine by forming a covalent bond with the active serine residue site of gastric and pancreatic lipases.

Is Orlos the same as Orlistat?

Yes, Orlos and Orlistat are essentially the same, with the key difference being that Orlos is the brand name version of the generic drug, Orlistat. Both contain the same active ingredient and work similarly to aid in weight loss. However, Orlos contains additional inactive ingredients that vary by manufacturer.

Orlos: Usage and Dosage

How long does it take for Orlistat to start working?

Orlistat starts working within 24 to 48 hours after the user begins treatment. The workings of Orlistat, the active ingredient in Orlos, commence soon after ingestion. Orlistat begins working immediately in the stomach and continues to work in the intestines, with its effects being noticeable as early as 24 to 48 hours after initiation of therapy, according to Dr Janet Bond Brill, a renowned nutritionist.

How fast does Orlos work?

Orlos starts working within a few days, with noticeable changes in weeks. The rate at which Orlos starts working varies from person to person and depends on various factors such as diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. 

Orlos 120mg

Orlos 120mg is a higher dosage version of Orlos and is typically available via prescription. It is generally recommended for individuals who have not achieved their weight loss goals through diet, exercise, and the standard 60mg dosage of Orlos.

Orlos: Eligibility and Precautions

Can I take Orlos?

Yes, Orlos is suitable for a person with a BMI of 30 and above or a BMI of 28 and higher with a medical condition that is impacted by a person's weight. Whether one can take Orlos depends on several factors, including overall health, body mass index (BMI), and other circumstances. Patients must consult with a healthcare professional who is able to assess their eligibility and guide them through the process.

Body Mass Index (BMI) and Orlos

Orlos is often recommended for individuals who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 or above. A BMI of 28 or above is generally categorised as overweight and using Orlos assists in the management of weight-related health risks, as recommended by the NICE guidelines.

Do I have to have a certain BMI to be able to take these capsules?

Yes, a BMI of 28 and above is typically a prerequisite for taking Orlos. The general recommendation is that Orlos must be used by adults with a BMI of 28 or above, and who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.

Can I take Orlos if I’m taking the contraceptive pill?

A user is able to use Orlos and the contraceptive pill, however, depending on the effects of Orlos, the effectiveness of the contraceptive is potentially impacted. When it comes to combining Orlos with the contraceptive pill, caution is advised. Orlos potentially affects the absorption of the contraceptive pill, and therefore it is recommended to use an additional form of contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies, as explained by Dr Samantha Decombel, a genetics and sports science expert. Consult a doctor for further advice. 

Do I need a prescription for Orlos?

No, the 60mg Orlos is available with a consultation over the counter, however, the 120mg version typically requires a prescription from a healthcare professional. The prescription depends on the desired strength of Orlos.

Is Orlos a prescription drug?

Yes, Orlos is a prescription drug, however, depending on its strength it is available over the counter. Orlos, in its 60mg form, is available for purchase over the counter without a prescription but requires a consultation. However, the 120mg variant of Orlos, often prescribed for more severe cases, is a prescription drug.

Orlos: Side Effects

What are the side effects of Orlistat?

Orlistat, the active ingredient in Orlos, causes potential gastrointestinal side effects, including abdominal pain, flatulence, and diarrhoea, according to the British National Formulary (BNF). The side effects typically occur as a result of the undigested fat passing through the digestive system and can be minimised by following a low-fat diet.

Orlos: Weight Loss and Effectiveness

How much weight can you lose with Orlistat?

The expected weight loss after taking Orlistat for three months after starting the treatment is about 5%. However, the amount of weight loss achieved with Orlistat varies greatly from person to person and depends on factors such as diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. 

How will Orlistat help me to lose weight?

Orlistat assists in weight loss by blocking a portion of the fat consumed from being absorbed by the body. The reduction in calorie intake, in conjunction with a balanced, low-fat diet and regular exercise, can lead to significant weight loss over time. It is important to remember that Orlistat is a tool to assist in weight loss and is not a cure in itself.

Orlos Alternatives & Comparisons

What is the difference between Orlos and Alli?

Orlos and Alli are both over-the-counter weight loss aids that contain the same active ingredient, Orlistat and the primary difference lies in the dosage of Orlistat along with the branding. While Orlos contains 60mg of Orlistat per capsule, Alli contains a slightly higher dosage of 120mg per capsule. It's crucial to note that while both aid in weight loss, they must be used in conjunction with a balanced, low-fat diet and regular physical activity.

Orlos: Purchase and Availability

Orlos is widely available both in-store and online, providing easy access for those seeking weight loss aid. It is available for purchase over the counter, without a prescription, making it a convenient choice for many.

Orlos cheapest price

The price of Orlos varies depending on the retailer. It's advisable to check a few different sources in order to find the most competitive price. Online platforms often provide deals and discounts, which makes them a more affordable option.

Is Orlos available on Amazon?

No, Orlos is not available on Amazon in the UK.

Is Orlos available at Lloyds Pharmacy

Yes, Lloyds Pharmacy offers Orlos.

Is Orlos available at Boots?

Yes, Boots, another well-respected pharmacy in the UK, offers Orlos for purchase. Customers are able to buy Orlos in-store or online through the Boots website.

Orlos: Interactions

Interactions of Orlos with other drugs

Orlos interacts with certain medications, altering the way they work or increasing the risk of side effects. It's crucial to inform healthcare professionals about any medications, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements, currently being taken. For instance, Orlos potentially interferes with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E, and K. Therefore, a multivitamin supplement might be recommended by a healthcare professional.

Furthermore, Orlos has some effect on the way some other medicines work, including anticoagulants, and medicines for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or thyroid disorders. Therefore, it's always recommended to seek professional medical advice before starting Orlos if taking any of these medications.

Orlos: Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations

Recommended diet while taking Orlos

A balanced, low-fat diet is recommended while taking Orlos. The medication works by reducing the amount of fat absorbed by the body, so eating high-fat foods can lead to unpleasant side effects such as oily stools or diarrhoea.

What happens if I stop taking Orlos?

If Orlos is discontinued, there are no specific withdrawal symptoms to be concerned about. However, without the medication's fat-blocking effects, if a high-fat diet is resumed, weight is potentially regained. When stopping Orlos, it's important to continue to follow a low-fat, calorie-controlled diet and maintain an exercise regime to manage one's weight, according to Dr Morrison. If one chooses to stop taking Orlos, seek advice from a healthcare professional to help manage the transition.

What to do in case of Orlos overdose?

In the event of an Orlos overdose, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately.