The Independent Pharmacy

Can I Buy Orlistat & Weight Loss Pills Over The Counter?

Scott McDougall
Scott McDougall
MPharm GPhC 2079324
Director & Registered Manager

There are three ways in which you are legally able to obtain medication in the UK:

Over-the-counter purchasing refers to both general sales and pharmacy-only medicines - medicines that you can walk into a shop or pharmacy and buy without the need for a prescription.

Orlistat is a medication used to treat obesity and help people reduce weight safely. However, is this medication available to anybody with access to a pharmacy, or do you need a prescription from a GP in order to use it? Below we tell you how you can get hold of Orlistat in the UK.

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Why would I want to buy Orlistat?

In studies, Orlistat has been shown to reduce weight, when it is used alongside a healthy diet and exercise program.

Studies have demonstrated that people who take Orlistat, while adhering to a low-calorie diet and the right exercise conditions, can lose up to 10% more weight on average over the course of a year than those who do not take it.

It’s important to stress the importance of mindset and lifestyle when it comes to weight loss. Taking a pill won’t lead to a body transformation without the accompanying lifestyle changes.

Many people ask 'does Orlistat work?' but it is proven, if used properly, to have weight loss effects. You can read Orlistat reviews here from actual users.

Orlistat 120mg Capsules

Orlistat 120mg Capsules

Taken as an oral capsule three times per day with each of your main meals, Orlistat has been shown to be effective at aiding weight loss and could help you lose up to 50% more weight than diet and exercise alone.

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Can I buy it over the counter?

Yes. You are able to buy Orlistat without a prescription from your GP, but it depends on the dosage and your personal circumstances.

At The Independent Pharmacy, you can either buy Orlistat (also known as ‘Alli’), or the branded version, Xenical.

Alli 60mg Capsules

Alli 60mg Capsules

Alli 60mg Capsules are an alternative to Orlistat. Buy Alli online today after a free consultation and get fast, convenient delivery to your home.

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Are there any conditions on buying it over the counter?

The 120mg capsules of Orlistat must be prescribed by a doctor. You are only able to obtain a prescription for them if you have a BMI of 28 or over (making you overweight) and a supporting medical condition, or if you have a BMI of 30 or above (making you clinically obese).

However, you are able to buy 60mg capsules of Orlistat without a prescription. This over-the-counter, lower-dose version of Orlistat is called Alli. In order to purchase Alli you will need to be:

What are my options for using Orlistat for weight loss?

Here are the key differences between ordering Orlistat online, and visiting your local chemist to buy some:

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You are able to buy Orlistat over-the-counter at the reduced amount of 60mg per capsule under the name of ‘Alli’. The 120mg Orlistat capsules are prescription-only - whether you get them online or at a local pharmacy. Remember, The Independent Pharmacy can help sort your prescription for Orlistat 120mg online by filling in our online doctor’s consultation. Whether you use the 120mg prescription-strength or 60mg over-the-counter version, you will only be able to buy Orlistat if you have a BMI of at least 28 and are willing to follow a low-calorie diet.

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Scott McDougall

Authored by

Scott McDougall
Scott McDougall
MPharm
2079324
Director & Registered Manager

Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.