My GP tells me he thinks the conditions of being prescribed orlistat are that you go on a low calorie diet for three months and if you fail to lose weight you can be prescribed orlistat, if you do lose weight you don't get them. Can anyone confirm if these are the current conditions are for being prescribed orlistat, or if they are something else other than BMI index being over 30.
Thanks
Gary
The conditions from the product license state that it should be used together with a reduced calorie diet in patients with a BMI 30 or greater, and that treatment should be discontinued if weight loss does not exceed 5% from the weight measured before starting treatment. I think your GP would want to see some evidence that you have taken (and are still taking) measures to eat more healthily and reduce your calorie intake. This is because orlistat alone will not be sufficient for achieving your aims, but also because in the trials conducted by the manufacturer, the benefits of orlistat were seen when it was given together with a low calorie diet.
Tarun (hospital pharmacist)
It sounds like your GP is putting in an extra step. My GP (also my friend, so we talk a lot) told me that many people want the "quick fix", so many doctors "prescribe" a few months of low-cal, exercise-related treatment to see if the patient is committed to change.
Ive been on Orlistat twice now and both times Ive had to lose 1lb in 4 weeks to get put on them. I think your Dr maybe taking extra care there!