Chelsea Green Pharmacy
If you’ve been exploring weight loss options, chances are you’ve come across Orlistat, a popular weight loss tablet that’s been used for many years. But one of the most common questions we hear at Chelsea Green Pharmacy is: Does Orlistat burn existing fat?
The short answer is no. Orlistat does not burn fat that’s already stored in your body. Instead, it works in a completely different way. That might sound disappointing at first, but once you understand how it works and how it can support your weight loss journey, it makes a lot more sense.
Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What Orlistat Actually Does
When you eat food, your body breaks down fat and absorbs it. It’s this fat (especially if you eat too much of it) that contributes to weight gain over time. Orlistat works by blocking your body from absorbing about a third of the fat you eat. That fat then passes through your system and leaves your body when you go to the toilet.
In other words, Orlistat stops some of the fat from your meals being stored as body fat. However, it doesn’t go into your body and melt or burn the fat you already have. That’s not how it works.
Does Orlistat Burn Existing Fat?
No, it doesn’t. Unlike some treatments or supplements that claim to “melt” or “torch” body fat, Orlistat only stops new fat from being absorbed. If you’re hoping for a tablet that directly burns existing fat, Orlistat won’t do that. But it can still help with weight loss when used correctly.
Think of it like this: Orlistat helps reduce the amount of fat your body takes in, which makes it easier to create a calorie deficit. Over time, this deficit means your body starts using stored fat for energy, which is how you actually lose weight.
So, while Orlistat isn’t actively burning fat, it helps create the conditions where your body starts to use fat stores naturally, as long as you’re also eating well and staying active.
How to Use Orlistat Effectively
For Orlistat to be useful, it has to be taken alongside a low-fat, balanced diet. If you continue eating high-fat meals while taking it, not only will you reduce its effectiveness, but you may also experience some unpleasant side effects. These can include:
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Loose or oily stools
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Urgent trips to the toilet
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Stomach cramps or bloating
These side effects happen because the fat that isn’t absorbed needs to go somewhere—and it’s being passed through your digestive system. Sticking to meals that are low in fat helps reduce this problem and makes the medication more comfortable to use.
What Kind of Results Can You Expect?
Orlistat is not a quick fix. It’s designed for people who are willing to make long-term lifestyle changes, and it works best when used alongside:
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Healthy eating habits (especially reducing fatty foods)
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Regular physical activity, even something simple like daily walks
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A clear weight loss plan or goal
Studies have shown that people using Orlistat, along with a healthy diet, lose more weight than those just dieting alone. But again, this is gradual and requires consistency. You won’t wake up slimmer overnight, but over the course of weeks and months, many users do see real, steady results.
Tried Orlistat But Still Struggling?
Some people find that even with a good diet, exercise, and Orlistat, the results aren’t as strong as they’d hoped. That’s completely normal—everyone’s body is different. If you’ve already tried Orlistat and feel you need something more effective, it might be time to consider other options.
At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, we also offer weight loss injections such as:
Mounjaro: A once-weekly injectable that helps reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control. Many people see significant weight loss, especially when combined with diet and activity changes.
Saxenda: A daily injection that helps control hunger, making it easier to eat less without feeling deprived.
Wegovy: A newer weekly injection that works similarly to Saxenda but with even stronger results in many users.
These treatments are designed for people who haven’t had success with traditional tablets like Orlistat. They work differently—mainly by affecting hunger signals in the brain—making it easier to stick to smaller portions and avoid overeating.
Let Us Help You Choose the Right Path
If you’re unsure where to begin or whether Orlistat is the right option for you, we’re here to help. At Chelsea Green Pharmacy, our team offers private weight loss consultations, tailored advice, and access to a range of clinically approved treatments—including both tablets and injectables.
So, does Orlistat burn existing fat? No—but that doesn’t mean it can’t be part of a successful plan. The key is finding the right treatment that works for your body and your lifestyle.
Book your consultation today or drop in to speak with our pharmacist. Let’s find the weight loss solution that’s right for you.
