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Alli Tablets (Orlistat)
Over-the-counter weight loss tablets
- Consultations start from:€59
- Contains 60mg orlistat
- Can help you lose up to 5% body weight
- Reduces how much fat your body absorbs, meaning fewer calories
- Most effective used alongside a low-fat diet and increased exercise
- Delivered in unmarked, discreet packaging
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What are Alli tablets?
Alli tablets are an over the counter, oral weight loss treatment containing 60mg of the active ingredient orlistat. They’re designed to help adults who are overweight or obese lose weight by reducing how much fat the body absorbs from food alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet and regular physical activity. Alli supports gradual, sustainable weight loss by targeting fat absorption rather than appetite, offering a different approach to weight management compared to other treatments. Taken with meals, it helps to limit the amount of fat your body takes in from your diet, making Alli a simple, accessible starting point if you’re just beginning your weight loss journey.
Is Alli the same as Orlistat?
Yes, Alli and orlistat are the same thing. Orlistat is the active ingredient, while Alli is the brand name for the 60mg version of this medicine. Alli is the lower-dose, over-the-counter version of orlistat, though higher-strength versions (120mg) are available with a prescription.
Frequently asked questions about Alli
How does Alli work?
Alli works by reducing how much fat your body absorbs from the food you eat. Instead of all the fat being digested, some of it's blocked and passes through your body, helping to lower your overall caloric intake.
Alli doesn’t affect your appetite, so healthy eating habits are still key to seeing results.
Mechanism of action
Alli works by blocking enzymes in your digestive system that break down fat. These enzymes (called lipases) normally help your body absorb fat from food.
When you take Alli with a meal, it stops around 25% of the fat you eat from being absorbed. Instead, that fat passes through your digestive system and comes out in your bowel movements.
How much weight can I lose with Alli?
You can typically lose around 5% of your body weight over 6 months when taking Alli, if used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise.
While this might not sound like a large amount, even modest weight loss can have meaningful health benefits, like improving blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar control.
Who can buy Alli?
Even though Alli doesn’t require a prescription, it’s not suitable for everyone. You should only take it if you’re:
- overweight, usually with a BMI of 28 or above
- committed to following a lower-fat, reduced-calorie diet
Additionally, you may not be able to take Alli if you have certain health conditions or are taking specific medications.
If you’re unsure, it’s important to speak to healthcare professional before starting treatment.
Where can I buy Alli in Ireland?
You can buy Alli in Ireland from pharmacies, either in-store or online. Because it’s an over-the-counter treatment, you don’t need a prescription, but you may be asked a few questions to make sure it’s suitable for you.
Whichever route you choose, it’s important to buy Alli from a trusted, regulated pharmacy to make sure the medicine is genuine and appropriate for your needs.
Does Alli have any side effects?
Like all medication, Alli can cause side effects, but most are mild and happen in your digestive system. These are usually more noticeable if you eat a high-fat diet while taking it.
The most common side effects are related to unabsorbed fat passing through your body. These can include:
- oily or fatty stools
- needing to go to the toilet more urgently
- increased flatulence (passing wind)
While these effects can feel inconvenient, they’re generally harmless and often improve as you adjust your diet.
Following a lower-fat diet can help reduce the likelihood and severity of side effects.
How to take Alli
Alli should be taken with meals that contain fat, up to 3 times a day. It works best alongside a reduced-calorie, lower-fat diet, so how you eat plays an important role in your results.
To take Alli correctly:
- Take one capsule with each main meal that contains fat.
- Take it during the meal or within one hour after eating.
- Skip the dose if you miss a meal or the meal contains no fat.
- Do not take more than 3 capsules per day.
How often do you take Alli?
You can take Alli up to 3 times a day, once with each main meal that contains fat.
It needs to be taken with food to work properly, so you can skip a dose if you don’t eat or your meal doesn’t contain any fat.
Taking more than recommended won’t improve weight loss and may increase side effects.
What are the different doses of Alli?
Alli is available in one strength, 60mg of orlistat per capsule.
You should take one capsule with each main meal that contains fat, up to a maximum of 3 capsules per day. This fixed dose makes it simple to follow and suitable for over-the-counter use.
Summary of Alli weight loss tablets
“Alli can be a helpful starting point if you're looking to lose weight in a gradual, manageable way. It works by reducing the amount of fat your body absorbs, which can support gradual weight loss when combined with a lower-fat, calorie-controlled diet.
“It’s important to understand that Alli isn’t a quick fix. It works best when you’re willing to make small, sustainable changes to your eating habits and lifestyle. If you’re consistent and follow the guidance, Alli can help you build healthier habits and achieve steady, realistic weight loss over time.”
Ayesha Bashir, weight loss expert at myBMI
Sources:
- Pragmatic study of orlistat 60 mg on abdominal obesity. PubMed. [Accessed 1 June 2026]