What is the best tablet for weight loss?

All medical information is reviewed by our clinical partners at MedicOnline.

Dr. Jahan Khan, CMO @ MedicOnline. IMC 409788

What Is the best tablet for weight loss?

It is a very common question. For many people starting their weight loss journey, the idea of a simple tablet feels more convenient and less daunting than other medical options. However, it is important to understand what is available in Ireland and to be aware that the field of weight management has changed significantly in recent years.

The main prescribed tablet: orlistat

In Ireland, the primary medication in tablet form that is licensed for weight management is Orlistat. You may have heard of it under the brand names Xenical (prescription-strength) or Alli (lower-dose, available over-the-counter from a pharmacist).

Orlistat works by blocking about a third of the fat you eat from being absorbed in your gut. While it is an approved treatment, its results are generally moderate. It can also be difficult for many people to tolerate, as its most common side effects are gastrointestinal (oily stools, urgency, and wind), particularly after eating a meal containing fat.

A Warning on other online "ills"

The market is flooded with unregulated "weight loss pills" sold online. These are often ineffective at best and, at worst, can be dangerous. They are not medically tested or approved and should be avoided.

The market is flooded with unregulated "weight loss pills" sold online. These are often ineffective at best and, at worst, can be dangerous.

The Shift Away From Tablets

The reality is that in the last decade, the biggest medical breakthroughs in weight management have not been in tablet form. The focus of clinical development has shifted to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists (which are typically injections). These newer medications work in a completely different, and often more effective, way. Instead of just blocking fat in the gut like Orlistat, they work on a hormonal level by:

• Targeting the appetite-control centres in your brain.

• Slowing down your digestion to make you feel fuller for longer.

• Reducing hunger and "food noise."

The "Best" Treatment Is a Holistic One

While one primary tablet option exists (Orlistat), most modern, specialist weight-management programmes now focus on these more advanced medications.

These treatments, when prescribed by a doctor as part of a holistic programme, can be highly effective. The "best" approach is always one that is decided with an IMC-registered doctor, who can assess your full health profile and discuss all the available options for you-from tablets to injections-within a fully supportive, medically-supervised service.

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