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Compare Orlistat vs. Wegovy

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Orlistat
    Wegovy (semaglutide)
  • Orlistat
    Wegovy (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Orlistat vs. Wegovy

    Summary for Lipase inhibitor

    Orlistat is a medication that works alongside diet and exercise to increase weight loss in people who are overweight or obese. It needs to be taken three times a day and is available with a prescription in a higher dose (Xenical) or over the counter in a lower dose (Alli).

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that's injected under the skin. It's used together with a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise. Wegovy (semaglutide) is approved to help with weight loss in certain adults and children 12 years of age and older. It also helps lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease. The dosing schedule for the injections is once a week. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Orlistat vs. Wegovy

    Indications for

    Xenical (orlistat):

    Obesty management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:

    •30 kg/m^2^ or greater or
    •27 kg/m^2^ or greater and at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)

    Alli (orlistat):

    Weight loss in adults when combined with a lower-calorie and low-fat diet

    Indications for
    •

    Weight loss and long-term weight management in:

    •People ages 12 years and older who are considered obese
    •Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
    •

    Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Orlistat vs. Wegovy

    Pros and Const for Lipase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Works well to block a portion of the fat you eat
    •Xenical is approved for people ages 12 years and older.
    •Available in both prescription and over-the-counter forms
    Cons
    •Still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine
    •Must remember to take with each fat-containing meal
    •Only available as a brand medication so it can be expensive
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can help you lose weight when it's used along with a nutritious diet and regular exercise
    •Approved for helping with weight loss for children ages 12 years and older considered obese
    •Injected once a week
    Cons
    •Must inject under the skin
    •Can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea
    •Can't take with other semaglutide products (Ozempic, Rybelsus) or with other GLP-1 agonists

  • Common Side Effects of Orlistat vs. Wegovy

    Common Side Effects for

    Xenical (orlistat):

    •Oily spotting on underwear (4-27%)
    •Gas with anal discharge (2-24%)
    •Urge to have a bowel movement (3-22%)
    •Fatty or oily stool (6-20%)
    •Having more bowel movements (3-11%)
    •Difficulty controlling bowel movements (2-8%)

    Alli (orlistat):

    •Gas with oily spotting
    •Loose stools
    •More frequent stools that are hard to control
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (44%)
    •Diarrhea (30%)
    •Vomiting (24%)
    •Constipation (24%)
    •Stomach pain (20%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Tiredness (11%)

  • Warnings of Orlistat vs. Wegovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Medication interactions
    •Liver injury
    •Higher oxalate levels in the urine
    •Gallstones
    •Other causes of obesity
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk for thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Low blood sugar
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
    •Faster heart rate
    •Possible risk of self-harm
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Orlistat vs. Wegovy

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    Learn more about Wegovy

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