Orlistat and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• hom...
• June 3, 2020

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Xenical 4 days ago. I had one bad day with my stomach and oily farts, but now I feel that my body is getting used to them. However, I do find that I am very hungry in the evening. If anyone has any tips, I would be grateful."

• Men...
• April 15, 2016

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Ok, so it played nice with me. No side effects, nothing, well, until I had instant noodles. It's been three days, and I'm still running in and out of the toilet. I've literally been manufacturing oil in there, bright orange, it's disgusting. I'm never taking noodles for the rest of my life. As for my weight, I've lost 4kgs in a week. I feel great. Warning: stay away from oily foods. I learned the hard way."

• Kei...
• October 12, 2019

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "At 130 kgs or around 20 st, I needed to lose weight fast. My father, my two aunt's, and one of my uncles died of a heart attack when they were in their 50s, and I am 48. I really have tried everything, from the gym to changing my diet to even buying a cross trainer, none of it worked. I have started to use these tablets about a month ago, and at first, nothing happened. Then one night, I had my stomach bubbling, and as a bit of fun in front of my wife, I pushed it out as hard as I could. Well, talk about an orange tsunami! I don't think I have ever moved so quickly in my life. I was in the living room, and I think I only took two steps, and I reached the toilet where what can only be explained as the noise of a big dog's mouth purring when it's sleeping. After that, I had to think ahead when my guts started bubbling. It's really strange to see orange bum juice (sorry, but no other words can fit it) in the toilet, but that's a great sign it's working."

• hsi...
• April 26, 2016

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I purchased Alli back in 2009 (great worked a treat and lost weight), and since I have had two more attempts in 2014, now 2016. The product does not work at all. This time I have been taking it for over one week, and I have experienced constipation and flatulence. The product was purchased from reputable pharmacies, and again I feel I just wasted my hard-earned money. I am unsure what has changed. However, I know one thing: the product is definitely not the same, I feel like the tablets are duds. No change to my weight, just embarrassing wind, stomach cramps, it makes you feel bunged up. No change to stool whatsoever, not even if fatty food is introduced to the diet. My advice is do not bother, I won't from now on. Hope this helps :("

• R-J...
• July 29, 2013

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I began taking orlistat, Xenical 120mg three times a day with meals for the treatment of obesity. I am 18, female, and weighed 21 stone 9 lbs as of 22/07/13. I have been taking Xenical for just a week and have experienced very few side effects, slightly more gastric distress (flatulence and the occasional oily excrement), but that is as a result of my ignorance to food and fat. I am delighted to find that after only a week, I have lost 14 pounds and now weigh 20 stone 9 lbs. I appreciate that I am still overweight, but I have lost 1 stone and 9 inches in total from various areas of my body and am extraordinarily surprised to find myself reveling in such success."

• Rac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2024

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started this drug a week ago after losing 8 kg over 8 weeks through diet and exercise. I need to lose a further 41 kg, so my doctor prescribed it for me. The doctor didn't give me good instructions, and I feel the instructions that came with the pack aren't as thorough as I'd have liked, so I joined a Xenical support group on Facebook, which has been brilliant. I have stuck to three healthy meals a day, stuck to my TDEE recommendation for weight loss, ate less than 15 g of fat per meal (12 g or less to avoid the orange oil disaster!). One tablet with each of the three meals. In the first week, I have lost 4.1 kg, which I am more than happy about. I'm hoping I can continue at a similar pace. I've decided not to weigh myself until my review with my doctor in four weeks. It's been great for me so far, no accidents, no headaches, or stomach cramps. I would say drink plenty of water though, as I have been more thirsty than usual, but not excessively."

• BVS...
• April 12, 2016

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started this three days ago. Had already begun a low-fat diet a few days prior. I've had none of the oil-related side effects, but definitely, things are more windy!!! I take one in the morning with breakfast and one in the evening with the evening meal. My lunch is fat-free, so I don't need to take one then. I also have a bowl of high-fiber cereal around 8 pm, which has the dual effect of stopping me from eating junk, and also the fiber is helping to keep my output firm, if you catch my drift!! Have had a few stomach cramps and generally need the loo within an hour of taking the tablet. Put the effort in with diet and exercise, and this seems to definitely minimize the side effects."

• Sas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 29, 2018

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Started Alli feeling unhealthy, no energy, not much bowel movement. 5'5", weighing 195 lbs. I know most of it's fat. I used to lift weights years ago in my younger days when I was fit. I had pregnancy diabetes. Dr. said if I didn't keep weight under control, I'd be a diabetic later in life. Once I had the baby, I no longer had to take insulin, but 20 years later, I'm overweight. I started Alli and went from 195 lbs to 190 lbs, lost 5 lbs in one week. My b.m.'s are more consistent, I feel more energy. I walk about a mile each day. I try to watch what I eat so that I don't get oily stools with stomach cramping (feels like menstrual cramps). Sometimes I splurge on a steak dinner when my husband takes me out to dinner. The rest of the week, it's one piece of lightly buttered toast with a cup of coffee, sugar/cream, and an apple for breakfast, a tuna sandwich with an apple for lunch, and air fryer chicken or fish filet for dinner. It's been only one week on Alli, I'm determined to lose 45 more lbs."

• D87...
• December 12, 2017

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "So I started just over a week ago. If you eat something high fat, you get major tummy troubles. But if you stick to low-fat things, it’s brilliant. I am on it due to an underactive thyroid hindering my weight loss with Weight Watchers. I have a lot to lose. Last week I was 167.6 kg. One week later, I’m 162.5. So in one week, I've lost 5 kg! Amazing, I will be sticking with them. They also encourage me to make sensible choices in my diet. The only side effects I've had, other than the upset tummies, are burping a lot and loss of appetite, both of which I can live with."

• Cri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 26, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "When researching these tablets, I came across this forum and felt hopeful to try them. I started them 4 months ago and have lost 19 pounds on them and 10 pounds before then. So a total of 29 pounds combined. They are not a miracle pill, you still need to exercise and watch your fat intake. I allow myself a maximum of 15g fat per meal. I do have snacks when I want, but the key is to be in a calorie deficit! And exercise. Then the tablets are gold dust. I’ve had some bad stomach cramps, messy moments, but I only go once a day in the morning after my coffee. Some weeks you won’t lose or you might go up, and that’s completely normal. Consistency is key and it will come off :) best of luck, everyone."

• Cec...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 6, 2024

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I recently tried Alli as a weight loss aid, and my experience has been quite a rollercoaster. While I did manage to lose 50 pounds, which was a significant achievement for me, the journey was far from smooth. Unfortunately, the drug caused severe stomach issues that ultimately led to me needing my gallbladder removed. The initial results were promising, and I felt motivated by the weight loss; however, the ongoing pain was overwhelming. I found myself purchasing pills every month from CVS, but since the store in Dillon, South Carolina has closed down, I've been left searching for alternatives. If you're considering Alli, I urge you to think carefully and consult with a healthcare professional. Weight loss can be a complex journey, and it's essential to prioritize your health above all else. If anyone has questions or would like to share their own experiences, feel free to reach out via text."

• Del...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 16, 2020

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started using it 2 days ago - I have already lost 1.4 kg. Do keep in mind that I am calorie counting, but not exercising. I also try to make healthier food choices where possible, or just eat smaller portions. I am definitely experiencing some side effects. My tummy does feel upset, and I have to go to the loo more frequently, but as long as it’s helping, I don’t mind. So far, so good. The only downside is that it is quite expensive, which sucks more than any other side effect."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I only got prescribed these yesterday (30th May) and took 1 with my tea. This morning, the effects have been instant. I've had to wear a pad just from the bowel leakage of yucky oil. My stomach is unsettled, and I instantly regretted what I ate with the uneasiness (simple egg on toast). I am hoping these effects mean it's really effective and that it will work for me if I put the effort in. This isn't going to discourage me, it's actually nice to think I'm losing horrible things my body doesn't need or want."

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 14, 2015

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been taking this for three days now, eating lots of veggies, fruits, and lean meats. On day two, I experienced an upset stomach and lots of diarrhea. However, I feel fine on day three. Not sure why day two was so rough?! I'm 5'3" and 148 lbs. Hoping to get to 130 lbs."

• bee...
• May 20, 2018

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started orlistat almost 2 weeks ago and did lose 6 lbs, but I am very, very constipated. I'm not sure if it was the pill or my IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) acting up again. Once I got that under control, now there is lots of restroom time, no leaky stool, or wet farts. I do have lots of cramping and gurgling, but it's tolerable. I do walk but have a bad foot... waiting on x-rays. I guess I'm going to have to do other things not to injure it more."

• Flu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 6, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "GP prescribed tablets as immobile with osteoarthritis and 29 kg overweight. Started 3 days ago with 1 tablet before evening meal as didn't want an embarrassing moment at work! Haven't lost any ounces but know it's early days and will go to two tabs today as weekend. Will say that my appetite seems suppressed so that's good and noticed have had a little stomach ache but not a pain! Yes, the flatulence is happening but am really watching my diet of low fats and haven't had choc for 3 days!! Am drinking more water with a slice of lemon in it to jazz it up! Wish everyone well and lighter here! Will update when I've lost some kgs!"

• Cha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 16, 2016

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Just on the obesity cusp by less than 2 lbs, was prescribed Orlistat. I got a terrible stomach ache within a week, kept passing out, and couldn't eat. My liver levels were tested, they came in at 138. Liver disease occurs at 110 for a non-drinker, not good. I could not eat at all for a week, the medication I had obviously abruptly discontinued. Eventually, I started to improve. In total, I lost 7 lbs. Unsure as to whether it was Orlistat, starvation, or illness through Orlistat. I thought I was going to die, but I have restarted the medication in the hope to lose weight. Worth the risk? Only if the obesity is going to result in your death. Weigh up your health issues due to obesity against liver damage to make an informed decision."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 11, 2021

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My BMI is 31, and I'm 91 kg. Today is my day 5 taking Xenical, and no yellow stool or expelling any kind of fat or discharge. The only thing I'm noticing is a gassy stomach, I fart a lot. I'm exercising and watching what I eat. But I feel like maybe it's not working for me, there's no sign that I'm expelling excessive fat. What is your take on this? Less side effects or simply not working for me? Help, I'm confused."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2017

Orlistat for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I used Alli for about three weeks. I didn't notice it helping me lose weight faster than I can with a Weight Watchers program. It did increase my bowel movements. I did have some stomach discomfort and gas. I stopped using it at the end of the third week because I went out to dinner and took my pill with my meal, and it made me extremely ill. Vomiting and diarrhea for over eight hours!!! I would not recommend this product to anybody!!! Weight Watchers is working out very well for me. Eating healthy and exercise is the only way to go, there is no magic pill!!! I had to find out the hard way!"

• She...
• May 31, 2019

"Started Ali 3 days ago. Lots of stomach cramps and watery stools. I just hope it works."