Weight Loss Treatments We all know that carrying too much weight can be bad for us. It can be a sensitive subject for some with some people experiencing a lower self-esteem as a result. Being overweight can also put you at risk of many chronic health problems. One in four people in the UK are classified as obese with many others being overweight with BMIs higher than 25. Being overweight you are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, some types of cancer and increase your chances of having a stroke.   Treatments Orlistat, Xenical and Alli are licensed medications used to treat obesity. They work by reducing the amount of dietary fat absorbed by the small intestine into the body tissues by blocking enzymes called lipases. The dietary fat leaves the body when you go to the toilet. This treatment can stop approximately 30% of dietary fat from absorbing through the gut. If taken with a highly fatty meal, the amount blocked from absorption can be substantial. Orlistat, Xenical and Alli ARE NOT: a "Fat Burner", "Fat Binder" or "Fat Breakdown Stimulator" an "appetite Suppressant" a "Carb Blocker" a "metabolism booster". All of the above are regularly seen in search engine results. Only Orlistat, Xenical, Alli and Orlos are licensed products for sale in the UK. These 4 products contain the active ingredient "Orlistat". Xenical and Generic Orlistat capsules are clinically equivalent and exactly the same strength (both 120mg per capsule), however Xenical was the first brand to produce orlistat and that is why it is more expensive. Alli and Orlos treatments are half the strength (both 60mg per tablet).    Wegovy Wegovy (Semaglutide) is a licensed weight loss pen now available in the UK. It helps users by making them feel a reduction in appetite by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body. Alongside a balanced diet and an exercise regime, it can help patients lose up to 3x more weight.  Wegovy pens start at 0.25mg dose up to a maximum dose of 2.4mg. You must start on the lowest dose pen and you can increase the dose every four weeks.    Saxenda Saxenda is a self-injectable weight loss aid pen which is prescribed for weight loss. Saxenda works in a few ways to do this. It makes you feel less hungry, slows down the movement of food out of the stomach and makes you feel fuller for longer.  Whilst using Saxenda you will need to consume a reduced-calorie diet and increase your physical activity to maximise results.   Mysimba  Mysimba is an effective weight loss medication that works on the psychological aspects associated with excess weight and weight gain. It is used for the management of excess weight in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of over 30 (or over 27 if you also have another high-risk condition like diabetes or hypertension) Apart from an unbalanced diet and lack of exercise or genetic factors there are many psychological causes for weight gain. The most common being excessive, uncontrollable hunger, ill managed portion sizes and “stress-eating” or “anxious-eating”. Mysimba can help struggling patients with obesity to control the above factors and lose their excess weight quickly, effectively and safely, often changing their habits permanently to help lead a happier, healthier life. View all vitamins and supplements. How to calculate your BMI (Body Mass Index) Orlistat (Xenical) and Saxenda is only suitable for use by patients who have a BMI greater the 30, or by patients with a BMI greater than 28 but also have an underlying risk condition i.e. high blood pressure, diabetes etc. You can calculate your BMI by the following equation: BMI = Weight (Kg) / Height (m) x Height (m) or CLICK HERE for the Patient.info online calculator. BMI is a good indicator of obesity in most individuals. However it does have limitations. Patients who are highly muscular (e.g. bodybuilders / athletes) may have a very high BMI but cannot be classed as obese as their body fat percentage is usually low.