Looking for information about orlistat in Edinburgh? Westerhailes Pharmacy offers a private weight management service at Units 27-29, Westerhailes Centre, Edinburgh EH14 2SW. Start with a consultation to discuss your health, weight and treatment options. Any medicine supplied will depend on a clinical assessment; a consultation does not guarantee a prescription.
Can I buy orlistat in Edinburgh?
Orlistat 120mg capsules are prescription-only. Before treatment can be supplied, an authorised prescriber must assess whether it is appropriate for you. Lower-dose orlistat products are available from pharmacies without a prescription, subject to suitability checks. Contact our Edinburgh pharmacy to ask about the consultation process, current availability and costs.
What is orlistat and how does it work?
Orlistat is a medicine used to help manage obesity alongside a calorie-controlled diet and physical activity. It works in your digestive system by reducing the amount of fat absorbed from food. It does not suppress your appetite, and it does not replace changes to your diet and activity levels.
Who may be suitable for orlistat 120mg?
The licensed BMI criteria are:
- A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above; or
- A BMI of 28 or above with associated weight-related risk factors.
Meeting these criteria does not automatically mean treatment is suitable. Your medical history, other medicines and individual circumstances also need to be considered.
How is orlistat taken?
For adults prescribed orlistat 120mg, the usual dose is one capsule with water immediately before, during or up to one hour after each main meal, up to three times a day. Skip the dose if you miss a meal or the meal contains no fat. Always follow your prescription and the patient information leaflet.
Side effects and suitability checks
Common side effects include oily stools, wind, diarrhoea and needing the toilet urgently. High-fat meals can make these effects more likely. Tell the pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you take, any medical conditions, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Orlistat is not used during pregnancy. Read the leaflet for the full warnings, interactions and side effects, including when to seek urgent help.
How long does treatment last?
Progress should be reviewed during treatment. Orlistat should be stopped after 12 weeks if you have not lost at least 5% of your starting body weight. This is a treatment review threshold, not a promised result. The pharmacy’s current service includes a review before each further supply and a maximum treatment period of 12 months.
Consultation and price information
The current listed price is £50 for 84 orlistat 120mg capsules. You will not be charged until the consultation is complete and the pharmacist has confirmed the service is suitable. Please confirm the latest price and availability with the pharmacy before arranging treatment.
Weight management advice in Westerhailes, Edinburgh
Read our weight management service guide for information about accessing support. To discuss an appointment, contact the pharmacy team, call 0131 275 4660 or visit us at Units 27-29, Westerhailes Centre, Edinburgh EH14 2SW. Treatment options will be discussed according to your clinical needs.
Arrange a weight management consultation
Discuss your health and the support available with our pharmacy team.
Sources and further information
- NHS: orlistat, including side effects and who can take it
- UK product information: Xenical 120mg (orlistat)
- European Medicines Agency: how orlistat works
Information updated: 24 October 2026. This page provides general information and does not replace advice from your pharmacist or prescriber.