Alternatives to Orlistat for Weight Loss

Dieting

While dieting is a predecessor to Orlistat, there are hundreds of different types of diets available as alternatives depending on which ones you’ve already followed. Dieting is one of the most common and effective methods of weight loss used worldwide and pairs well with frequent exercise. 

A few of the most common diets people follow in the UK include: 

• Slimming World
• Weight Watchers
• Intermittent fasting
• Calorie counting 
• Keto diets
• 5:2 diets
• Diet restrictions such as vegetarianism and veganism

To choose your diet, it’s important to consider what you want to achieve and for what length of time. A doctor can help discuss with you which diet would be best for you and your body’s specific metabolism and needs. Be mindful that, similarly to medications, diet changes can sometimes cause side effects such as drowsiness, constipation and difficulty concentrating. 

While dieting is common, it’s important to keep in mind that your body requires enough calories to power exercise and your lifestyle each day. Always carefully monitor your health alongside dieting, and if you notice any problems, chat to your GP about your diet. If dieting is causing you depression or anxiety, or if calorie cutting is becoming compulsive or detrimental to your health, consult your doctor immediately. 

Exercise

Another common Orlistat alternative for weight loss is exercise, a method that pairs well with dieting as long as the right exercise regimen is followed for your diet. Exercising works by using energy from fat that would otherwise be stored in the body. Exercise also helps produce endorphins, which can combat depression and feelings of sadness and low mood. 

There are plenty of different types of exercise available to try, including cardio, running, walking, engaging in sports such as football and basketball, and even weight lifting in activities such as bowling. If following a strict schedule is difficult for you, you can try something different every day! Exercise is one of the least restrictive methods of weight loss that can be used as an effective Orlistat alternative. 

Surgery

While it can seem extreme, surgery is an option for weight loss that can be suggested by doctors if no other options are effective or available. It should be noted that surgery should not be sought after unless you have a serious health condition, or cannot achieve a healthy weight any other way. Doctors will always need to be consulted in the process of deciding whether to undertake surgery for weight loss. 

Weight loss surgery is called bariatric surgery. According to the NHS, there are several types of bariatric surgery, including: 

• Sleeve gastrectomy: A part of the stomach is removed to reduce the amount of food you can eat.
• Gastric band surgery: A band is placed around the stomach to reduce the amount you need to eat. 
• Gastric bypass surgery: The top of your stomach is joined to the small intestine to reduce the amount of food you can eat and absorb. 

Surgery will only ever be suggested if you meet the following criteria: 

• You have exhausted all other options available to you. 
• You have been receiving intensive management for weight loss. 
• Your BMI is over 40, or 35 if you have a serious weight-related health condition. 

All these surgeries involve adjusting the stomach to reduce the amount you can eat and the amount of food that can be digested. These surgeries should be considered a last resort when it comes to weight loss. There are downsides and side effects to these measures, such as needing to take supplements for the rest of your life after the surgery is complete. There are also health risks, such as food leaking through the join between the stomach and the intestine that could have serious consequences for your body. 

Are Orlistat alternatives as effective as medication?

All methods of weight loss can be effective in their own way and simply require different levels of contribution and active participation to achieve results. It’s important to bear in mind that what works for one individual may not work for another. Your doctor will offer you a range of options when it comes to weight loss, and it’s important to consider all factors before deciding on the best solution for you. We hope that this article has helped you get a better understanding of the alternatives available to you if you cannot or do not want to take Orlistat for weight loss. For more information on weight loss medications, you can browse our blog here.