Mahommed Zunaid Ayub Patel
Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC No. 2217101)
Accountable for the safe running of our registered pharmacy, from every dispensing check to every dispatch.
Starting from £39.99/mo
Free 2-minute consultation · Reviewed same day
Start journeyPrescription only. Prescribed only if clinically appropriate. If treatment isn't right for you, you're refunded in full.
Alli® is a pharmacy medicine containing Orlistat 60mg, a half-strength version of prescription Orlistat, for weight loss in adults with a BMI of 28 or above, used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet.
It works in your digestive system rather than on your appetite, reducing the amount of dietary fat your body absorbs by around a quarter. Suitability is checked by our pharmacy team before it's supplied, and our support is included, 7 days a week.
The General Pharmaceutical Council regulates UK pharmacies and pharmacists. Our dispensing pharmacy and pharmacists are on its public register.
Verify us on the GPhC registerThe Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency oversees the safety of every medicine a UK pharmacy dispenses.
About MHRA regulationYour health is reviewed personally by a UK-licensed clinician — the same day, never by an algorithm. You can check every one of them on the public registers.
Order by 12pm and once your treatment is approved, it's dispatched and with you the next working day — free, guaranteed, with DPD. Tracked to your door in plain, unbranded packaging.
For every 2kg you lose through diet and exercise, Alli can help you lose 1kg more*
*When used alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet. Individual results vary.
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Dispatched same day, tracked with DPD
At your door, in plain packaging
Applies to approved orders placed before 12pm, Monday–Friday. Free next working day delivery with DPD. Plain packaging, every time.
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Our team reviews your health the same day — never an algorithm, and approves your treatment there and then if eligible.
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Making changes to your weight can be difficult, especially when lifestyle changes alone have not provided the results you hoped for. Body weight is influenced by many factors, including food choices, activity levels, genetics, hormones and overall health.
Alli® is an over-the-counter weight management medicine containing 60mg of orlistat. It works by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by your body from the food you eat.
Unlike medicines that affect appetite signals, Alli works in the digestive system. When combined with a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and regular exercise, it may help some adults achieve weight loss.
At NuMe, we understand that choosing a weight management option is a personal decision. Every person has different goals, health needs and circumstances. Our aim is to provide clear information so you can understand how Alli works, who it may be suitable for and what to expect during treatment.
Before purchasing Alli through an online pharmacy, a healthcare assessment helps confirm that the medicine is appropriate and safe for you.
Alli capsules are a lower-dose version of the active ingredient orlistat and are available without a prescription for suitable adults in the UK.
It is designed for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 28 or above who are looking for additional support with weight management alongside healthy lifestyle changes.
This eligibility aligns with evidence reported in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy, which evaluated adults living with overweight or obesity receiving orlistat-based treatment.
The active ingredient, orlistat, belongs to a group of medicines known as lipase inhibitors.
Lipases are enzymes in the digestive system that break down fat from food in the digestive tract so the body can absorb it. Alli works by blocking some of these enzymes, meaning that around a quarter of the fat you eat may pass through your digestive system without being absorbed.
As explained in WebMD's overview of Alli (orlistat), around a quarter of the dietary fat you consume passes through the digestive system without being absorbed.
Because Alli affects how your body processes fat, the medicine works best when combined with a balanced, lower-fat diet.
Alli works when you eat food containing fats; therefore, the type of food you take will form an integral part of your overall weight loss program.
It has been reported that Alli makes many people conscious about the levels of fats contained in the food they consume. This will enable them to develop healthy eating habits and achieve a balanced weight loss strategy.
Note that Alli should not replace healthy behaviours that contribute to effective weight loss programs. Weight loss programs generally consist of a combination of proper nutrition and physical activity.
Alli may be suitable for adults who meet the required eligibility criteria and who want additional support alongside diet and exercise changes.
It is generally intended for adults who:
A healthcare professional should assess whether Alli is appropriate before use.
Not everyone with a BMI above the recommended threshold will be suitable. Your medical history, current medicines and overall health should be considered before starting treatment.
Clinical studies reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have shown that adults taking orlistat alongside lifestyle changes achieved greater average weight loss than those following lifestyle changes alone.
Individual results vary and depend on factors including diet, physical activity, treatment consistency and personal health circumstances.
Research into Alli and orlistat has shown that Alli may be an effective weight loss pill for some adults, supporting additional weight loss alongside diet and exercise.
Studies suggest that for every weight loss achieved through diet alone, some people taking orlistat may lose additional weight, although this extra loss is typically modest compared with diet alone.
Results from clinical studies describe average outcomes across groups of participants. They cannot predict exactly how any individual person will respond.
Alli is an alli weight loss medicine containing 60mg of orlistat.
It works by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body. The fat that is not absorbed passes through the digestive system and leaves the body naturally.
Normally, digestive enzymes called lipases break down fat from food so it can be absorbed.
When you take Alli:
Because Alli only affects fat absorption, orlistat products with the same active ingredient work in exactly the same way, and it does not directly reduce hunger or change appetite hormones.
Alli is available over the counter in the UK through regulated UK pharmacies.
Although a prescription is not required, pharmacies usually complete a short consultation before supplying Alli. This helps confirm that the medicine is suitable and that there are no reasons why it should be avoided. It can also be purchased online from Asda Online Doctor and is not available on the NHS.
| Feature | Alli® (orlistat 60mg) | Orlistat 120mg (Xenical) | Wegovy (semaglutide) | Mounjaro (tirzepatide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine type | Over-the-counter weight management capsule | Prescription weight management medicine | Prescription weight management medicine | Prescription weight management medicine |
| Active ingredient | Orlistat | Orlistat | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Administration | Capsule taken with meals containing fat | Capsule taken with meals containing fat | Injectable medicine according to prescribing schedule | Injectable medicine according to prescribing schedule |
| How it works | Reduces dietary fat absorption | Reduces dietary fat absorption | Acts on GLP-1 appetite pathways | Acts on GIP and GLP-1 pathways |
| Average trial outcomes | Results vary depending on individual circumstances | Results vary depending on individual circumstances | Results vary depending on dose and individual circumstances | Results vary depending on dose and individual circumstances |
| Eligibility | Adults with BMI 28 or above following assessment | Adults meeting prescribing criteria | Clinical assessment required | Clinical assessment required |
| Dosage | 60mg up to three times daily with meals containing fat | 120mg with meals containing fat | Dose escalation required | Dose escalation required |
| Food instructions | Take before, during or within one hour after meals containing fat | Take before, during or within one hour after meals containing fat | Follow prescribing instructions | Follow prescribing instructions |
| Common side effects | Oily stools, urgency, digestive changes | Oily stools, urgency, digestive changes | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation |
| Consultation requirement | Pharmacy assessment recommended | Healthcare assessment required | Healthcare assessment required | Healthcare assessment required |
| Pricing | From £XX (placeholder) | From £XX (placeholder) | From £XX (placeholder) | From £XX (placeholder) |
Each weight management medicine works differently. The right option depends on your individual health circumstances, treatment preferences and advice from a healthcare professional.
Starting a weight management medicine should always involve understanding how the treatment works, what results may be expected and how it fits alongside your daily routine.
Alli is different from many other weight management medicines because it does not affect appetite hormones. Instead, it works by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from the food you eat.
For the best chance of achieving meaningful results, Alli should be used alongside a calorie-controlled, low-fat diet and regular physical activity.
Before starting Alli, you should complete a suitability assessment with a healthcare professional or regulated pharmacy service.
This assessment helps confirm:
If Alli is considered suitable, treatment can begin as part of a wider weight management plan.
The medicine is not intended to replace healthy eating or physical activity. Instead, it is designed to provide additional support while you work towards healthier long-term habits.
Alli works by reducing the absorption of dietary fat from meals.
When you eat foods containing fat, your digestive system normally uses enzymes called lipases to break the fat down into smaller components that can be absorbed.
Alli blocks some of these enzymes.
As a result:
Because Alli works on fat absorption, the amount of fat you eat can influence both your results and the likelihood of digestive side effects.
Eating very high-fat meals may increase unwanted effects, while following the recommended lower-fat diet may make treatment easier to manage.
Weight loss results vary from person to person.
Some people may experience noticeable changes while taking Alli alongside lifestyle changes, while others may experience more gradual progress.
Factors that may influence your results include:
Clinical studies provide average results from groups of participants. They do not guarantee the same outcome for every person. In studies, Alli helped 46.7% of users lose at least 5% of their initial body weight.
The aim of Alli treatment is to support healthier weight management habits rather than encourage unrealistic expectations.
Regularly reviewing your progress can help determine whether Alli continues to be suitable for you.
You may wish to monitor:
The healthcare providers can advise on assessing your progress after a certain period of taking the drug.
In case you have not lost enough weight, they may advise you whether to continue using Alli or try something else.
Alli is designed to support lifestyle changes, not replace them.
Long-term weight management usually involves creating healthy habits that can be maintained over time.
A low calorie, low-fat diet is an important part of Alli treatment.
Because the medicine reduces fat absorption, paying attention to the amount of fat in your meals can help improve your experience with treatment.
A balanced eating pattern may include:
Many people find that planning meals and understanding food labels helps them make more informed choices.
Alli focuses on fat intake only. Therefore, it is important that the meals you have contain enough amounts of fat.
If the consumption of fats is distributed evenly throughout the day and is not very high during one meal, then it can be more effective for avoiding some digestive problems.
If necessary, your physician can advise you.
Exercise is something that can help you if you are using Alli.
Exercising does not have to be too strenuous to benefit you.
Some examples of exercises that could help are:
The amount of exercise that you should do will vary according to your fitness and health.
Good quality sleep is an important part of general health.
Poor sleep may affect energy levels, motivation and eating habits. Developing a regular sleep routine may support healthier lifestyle choices.
Drinking enough fluids supports normal body function and can be particularly helpful if you experience changes in bowel habits while taking Alli.
Water is usually the best choice for staying hydrated.
Weight management is a long-term process.
Small, consistent changes to your food choices, activity levels and daily routines may help support healthier habits over time.
Alli is one of the weight loss drugs available for adults with a BMI of 28 or above, containing 60mg of orlistat.
It works by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by your body. It should be used alongside a calorie-controlled, low-fat diet.
A typical Alli treatment journey includes:
A healthcare professional reviews your BMI, medical history and current medicines to check whether Alli may be appropriate.
You learn how Alli affects fat absorption and why following a lower-fat diet is important.
The medicine is taken with main meals that contain fat, up to three times daily.
Healthy eating and physical activity remain important parts of treatment.
Your response to treatment can be monitored to decide whether continuing Alli remains suitable.
Although Alli is available without a prescription, it is an over the counter medication supplied through pharmacists after a suitability assessment.
A pharmacist or healthcare professional may ask about:
This helps identify whether Alli is suitable and whether any additional advice is needed.
A consultation also provides an opportunity to discuss how to take Alli correctly and how to manage possible side effects.
At NuMe, we focus on making healthcare information clear and accessible, helping patients understand their options before starting treatment.
Alli should always be taken exactly as described in the patient information leaflet or according to advice provided by a healthcare professional.
Taking Alli correctly helps ensure that the medicine works as intended and may reduce the risk of avoidable side effects.
The usual dose of Alli is:
One 60mg capsule with water immediately before, during, or up to one hour after each main meal that contains fat.
This means:
The maximum recommended dose is three capsules per day.
If you skip a meal or eat a meal that contains no fat, you should skip that dose.
Do not take more than the recommended amount. Taking extra capsules will not improve weight loss and may increase the risk of side effects.
Alli should be used with a calorie low fat diet.
Because Alli prevents some dietary fat from being absorbed, eating large amounts of fat can lead to more noticeable digestive effects.
Many people aim to spread their fat intake evenly across meals rather than eating a large amount of fat in one meal.
A healthcare professional may recommend a diet where each main meal contains an appropriate amount of fat within a reduced-calorie eating plan while still providing balanced nutrition.
A healthy diet during treatment should include:
Alli may reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins.
These include:
Because of this, some people taking Alli may be advised to take a daily multivitamin supplement.
NHS guidance advises taking a multivitamin containing vitamins A, D, E and K at bedtime, as orlistat can reduce the absorption of these fat-soluble vitamins.
If a supplement is recommended, it is usually taken at bedtime so it is separated from the Alli dose.
Speak with your healthcare professional before starting supplements, particularly if you have existing health conditions or take other medicines.
If you forget to take Alli with a meal:
If you frequently forget doses or are unsure how to take Alli correctly, ask a healthcare professional for advice.
Store Alli according to the instructions provided with your medicine.
Keep capsules:
Do not use Alli after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
Although Alli is available without a prescription in the UK, an online consultation provides an important safety check before treatment begins.
A healthcare professional can review your information and confirm whether Alli may be suitable for you.
Weight management medicines are not suitable for everyone.
A consultation helps identify situations where Alli may not be appropriate, such as nutrient-absorption concerns or problems absorbing food, or where additional medical advice may be needed.
Your healthcare professional may consider:
This helps ensure that treatment decisions are based on your individual circumstances.
Alli may not be suitable for some people, including those with certain medical conditions affecting digestion or nutrient absorption.
A healthcare professional may advise against using Alli if there are concerns about:
A consultation helps identify any factors that should be considered before starting treatment.
It is important to tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you use.
Alli may affect the absorption of some medicines, meaning additional advice or monitoring may be required.
This may be particularly relevant for people taking medicines such as:
If you use contraceptive pills, severe diarrhoea may reduce their effectiveness, so extra contraceptive precautions may be needed.
Never stop or change another medicine without speaking with your healthcare professional.
Alli may be suitable for adults who meet the recommended criteria and are looking for additional support with weight management, as one of the available weight loss medications for suitable adults.
It is intended for people who understand that medicine works alongside healthy lifestyle changes and may suit those looking for a weight loss pill rather than injections.
Alli is not appropriate for everyone.
You should seek advice before using Alli if you:
A healthcare professional can help determine whether Alli is an appropriate option for your circumstances.
Like all medicines, Alli can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.
Because Alli changes how dietary fat is absorbed, the most common side effects affect the digestive system.
These effects are often linked to the amount of fat in your meals. Following the recommended lower-fat diet may help reduce them.
Common side effects may include:
These effects are usually more noticeable during the early stages of treatment and may improve as your body adjusts and you become more familiar with managing your diet.
Many people find that reducing high-fat foods helps make these effects easier to manage.
Some people may experience:
If side effects continue, become troublesome or affect your daily activities, speak with your healthcare professional.
Serious side effects are uncommon, but you should seek medical advice if you experience symptoms that concern you.
Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:
Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with Alli for a complete list of possible side effects.
Many Alli side effects are related to the amount of fat consumed in your meals.
Helpful steps may include:
If side effects continue despite dietary changes, speak with a healthcare professional for advice.
Alli could be considered ideal for obese people who qualify on the basis of the eligibility criteria and are seeking help in managing their weight, along with lifestyle modifications.
Weight management could be difficult, since weight depends upon a number of factors such as diet, physical activity, genetic makeup, medical condition, and daily routine.
Some adults might get help through Alli as it blocks the absorption of dietary fat.
Following an appropriate assessment, Alli may be considered for adults who:
Alli is not suitable for everyone. A healthcare professional should consider your individual circumstances before treatment begins.
When used correctly alongside diet and physical activity, Alli may support some adults in reaching a healthy weight.
The benefits experienced vary from person to person and depend on factors including food choices, activity levels, consistency with treatment and individual health circumstances.
Alli may help reduce the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the body.
Clinical studies have shown that adults taking orlistat alongside lifestyle changes may lose more weight compared with lifestyle changes alone.
However, weight loss results vary and there is no guarantee of a specific outcome.
Because Alli works by reducing fat absorption, it can encourage people to become more aware of the amount of fat in their meals.
Some people find that this helps them make changes to their eating habits, such as choosing lower-fat alternatives and planning balanced meals.
Weight management is not only about short-term changes.
Building sustainable habits around food, movement, sleep and daily routines can support overall health.
Alli can form part of a wider weight management approach that includes ongoing lifestyle improvements.
For some people, achieving a healthier weight may support improvements in aspects of health linked with excess weight.
The impact varies between individuals and depends on factors such as existing health conditions and lifestyle changes.
A healthcare professional can discuss realistic expectations based on your personal circumstances.
Alli contains 60mg of orlistat, which works by blocking some of the enzymes that digest fat.
This means that around a quarter of dietary fat may pass through the digestive system without being absorbed.
The usual dose is one 60mg capsule with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after each main meal that contains fat.
The maximum recommended dose is three capsules per day.
Yes. Alli should be used alongside a calorie-controlled, low-fat diet.
The medicine works by reducing fat absorption, so eating high-fat meals may increase digestive side effects.
Everyone responds differently to treatment.
Some people may notice changes over time when taking Alli alongside lifestyle changes, and how much weight they lose can vary based on diet, activity, and consistency, while others may experience different results.
Regular reviews can help assess whether treatment remains suitable.
Alcohol is not specifically prohibited for everyone taking Alli.
However, alcoholic drinks can contribute additional calories and may affect your overall weight management goals.
If you have concerns, discuss them with your healthcare professional.
Yes. Regular physical activity can complement Alli treatment and support overall health.
The type and amount of exercise should be appropriate for your fitness level and medical circumstances.
If you forget to take Alli with a meal, do not take an extra capsule later.
If the meal has already passed and the recommended timeframe has ended, continue with your next scheduled dose.
If you want to stop taking Alli, speak with your healthcare professional if you need advice about your weight management plan.
They can discuss whether stopping is appropriate and whether additional support may be helpful.
Yes. Alli can usually be taken while travelling.
Keep your capsules in their original packaging and store them according to the instructions provided.
Always tell your healthcare professional about any medicines, supplements or herbal products you take.
Alli may affect the absorption of some medicines, so additional advice may be needed.
Yes, Alli may be available through regulated online pharmacies.
A healthcare assessment is usually required before supply to confirm that it is suitable for you.
The duration of treatment depends on your individual response and whether the medicine continues to be appropriate.
Your progress should be reviewed regularly.
Alli may not be suitable for people with certain digestive conditions, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those taking certain medicines.
A healthcare professional can advise whether it is appropriate for you.
Yes. Because Alli reduces fat absorption, it may reduce the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins.
A healthcare professional may recommend taking a multivitamin supplement at bedtime if appropriate.
You will answer questions about your health, BMI, medical history and current medicines.
A qualified healthcare professional will review your information to decide whether Alli may be suitable.
At NuMe, we believe healthcare decisions should be based on clear information, responsible assessment and personalised support.
Choosing a weight management medicine is an individual decision. What may be suitable for one person may not be suitable for another.
Our online consultation process helps ensure that Alli is considered safely and appropriately based on your health information, BMI, medical history and treatment needs.
If Alli is suitable for you, you will receive guidance on:
We understand that weight management involves more than medication alone. Healthy eating, regular movement, good sleep and sustainable habits all play important roles in supporting long-term wellbeing.
At NuMe, we are committed to helping you access reliable healthcare information and make informed decisions about your weight management options.
If you are considering Alli, an online consultation can help determine whether this treatment may be suitable for your individual circumstances.
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The people
Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC No. 2217101)
Accountable for the safe running of our registered pharmacy, from every dispensing check to every dispatch.
Clinical Lead (GPhC No. 2231744)
Sets our clinical standards and checks everything we publish against current MHRA guidance.
Independent Prescriber (GPhC No. 2084501)
Personally reviews consultations and assesses whether treatment is clinically appropriate, and leads dose adjustments and follow-up checks.
Independent Prescriber (GPhC No. 2083426)
Personally reviews consultations and assesses whether treatment is clinically appropriate, and leads dose adjustments and follow-up checks.
Support
Alli is a pharmacy medicine, so there's no prescription needed. Complete a short suitability check, our pharmacy team reviews it the same day, and if Alli is right for you it's dispatched the same day when ordered by 12pm. If it's not right for you, you're refunded in full, automatically.
One capsule with each main meal containing fat, up to three times a day. If you skip a meal, or a meal contains no fat, you skip that dose. It works best alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet, and our pharmacy team can help you get the most from it.
Alli is licensed for adults aged 18 and over with a BMI of 28 or above. Our suitability check confirms it's appropriate for you, including any medicines you're taking and your medical history. If it's not suitable, we'll tell you honestly, and you'll be refunded in full.
Same active ingredient, half the strength. Alli contains orlistat 60mg per capsule, while prescription orlistat and Xenical contain 120mg. The 60mg dose is licensed for supply through pharmacies without a prescription. If your BMI and health suggest the higher strength would be more appropriate, our prescribers can assess you for it through the same free consultation.
Because Alli works on dietary fat, the most common side effects are digestive: oily or loose stools, wind, and more frequent bowel movements, especially after high-fat meals. Keeping meals lower in fat reduces these significantly. The full list is in the patient information leaflet, and our team is a message away, 7 days a week.