How should I take orlistat, and does what I eat affect how it works?

Hi Racjid, thank you for your interesting question.

Orlistat works by blocking some of the enzymes that digest dietary fat, reducing the amount of fat absorbed by the body. For this reason, how and when you take it matters.

Orlistat is usually taken during or up to 1 hour after a main meal that contains fat. If a meal is skipped or contains no fat, the dose should generally be skipped. Taking more than the recommended dose does not lead to greater weight loss and may increase side effects.

Because orlistat reduces fat absorption, eating a high-fat meal can increase gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools, gas, or an urgent need to use the bathroom. A balanced, lower-fat diet divided across meals can help improve tolerability.

Orlistat can also reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). A multivitamin may therefore be recommended, usually taken at least 2 hours apart from orlistat or at bedtime.

The key is simple: orlistat works best when combined with a balanced, reduced-calorie diet—not by taking extra doses.