ORLISTAT
Orlistat (Xenical®) is a licensed medication for weight management in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde (NHSGGC). This may be offered to some service users following the completion of the 12 week Lifestyle phase of our programme.
Orlistat reduces the production of the enzymes used to break down dietary fat. It works locally in the stomach and intestine to prevent absorption of approximately 30% of the fat from the food we eat.
Orlistat must be combined with a low fat Structured Meal Plan (SMP). Patients are advised to follow a diet containing 40-50 grams of fat distributed evenly over the day.
GP’s are responsible for prescribing the medication. In NHSGGC, our local formulary advises that GP’s should prescribe Orlistat on the advice of SWMS. This ensures regular monitoring within the prescribing guidelines and appropriate dietary support is provided.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT INJECTABLE WEIGHT LOSS MEDICATIONS
Please be aware when referring to the Specialist Weight Management Service in NHSGGC, that injectable weight loss medications such as Semaglutide (Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) are not routinely available for weight loss.
Before they can be prescribed to those eligible, plans need to be developed to make sure they are prescribed and monitored safely and appropriately.
NHSGGC is currently working on this. There are no confirmed timeframes for when these medications may become available through NHSGGC.
The Specialist Weight Management Service will continue to support people to manage their weight through lifestyle and behaviour change.
NHSGGC is working to develop patient pathways for these medications inline with the Scottish Government Consensus Statement:
If you have any questions about this medication pathway, please view this NHS publication on weight management medications