If you’re using Orlistat (also known by the brand name Xenical or over-the-counter version Alli) to support weight loss, you’ve likely been advised to make changes to your diet. One of the most common questions we hear at Pharmaesthetics Central is: Can I follow a high protein diet plan while taking Orlistat?

The answer is yes—but with some important considerations. In this article, we’ll explain how Orlistat works, why a high protein diet plan can be beneficial for weight loss, and how to balance your fat and protein intake for the best possible results.

How Does Orlistat Work?

Orlistat is a fat-blocking medication. It works by inhibiting the enzyme lipase, which your body uses to break down dietary fat. When you take Orlistat with a meal, it prevents around 25–30% of the fat you consume from being absorbed. That fat is then passed through your system and excreted.

This helps reduce your overall calorie intake without affecting the absorption of protein or carbohydrates. However, it also means that eating too much fat while on Orlistat can cause unpleasant side effects, including:

• –> Oily stools

• –> Urgent bowel movements

• –> Abdominal cramping or diarrhoea

This is why it’s essential to monitor your fat intake carefully when using this medication.

The Role of a High Protein Diet Plan

A high protein diet plan focuses on increasing your intake of lean protein sources such as:

• –> Skinless chicken and turkey

• –> White fish and shellfish

• –> Eggs and low-fat dairy

• –> Tofu, tempeh, and legumes

• –> Protein shakes or bars (low-fat, low-sugar)

Protein plays a key role in any weight loss journey. It helps:

• –> Preserve muscle mass while losing fat

• –> Promote satiety, so you feel fuller for longer

• –> Stabilise blood sugar levels

• –> Support metabolism, especially during calorie restriction

For patients on Orlistat, increasing protein can be incredibly helpful—as long as you keep fat content low.

Fat vs Protein: What You Need to Watch For

One of the main challenges when following a high protein diet alongside Orlistat is ensuring that your protein sources are low in fat. Many traditional protein-rich foods—like red meat, cheese, full-fat yoghurt, or fried chicken—contain moderate to high levels of fat, which can trigger Orlistat-related side effects.

Here’s how to adjust:

*Note: Oily fish is heart-healthy but may cause side effects with Orlistat. Use with caution.

We recommend aiming for no more than 30% of your meal’s calories from fat, ideally even lower. For most people, that means sticking to around 15 grams of fat per meal or less.

Sample High Protein Meal Plan (Orlistat-Friendly)

Breakfast:

Scrambled egg whites with spinach on wholegrain toast

Black coffee or herbal tea

Lunch:

Grilled chicken breast salad with mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and fat-free vinaigrette

Dinner:

Steamed cod fillet with quinoa and roasted vegetables (drizzled with lemon juice instead of oil)

Snacks:

Low-fat Greek yoghurt

Apple slices with a small serving of peanut butter (check fat content)

Protein bar (under 5g fat per serving)

This sample plan helps maintain a high protein intake without exceeding fat limits.

How Pharmaesthetics Central Can Help

At Pharmaesthetics Central, we provide more than just access to Orlistat—we offer ongoing weight loss supporttailored to your lifestyle and goals. Our expert team can:

• –> Help you build a personalised high protein diet plan

• –> Recommend Orlistat-compatible products and supplements

• –> Guide you on meal prep, food labels, and fat tracking

• –> Monitor your progress and offer regular check-ins

Combining Orlistat with a structured, protein-rich diet increases your chances of long-term success and minimises discomfort from dietary fat.

Staying Mindful on Orlistat

If you’re using Orlistat or considering it as part of your weight loss plan, a high protein diet plan can support your efforts by promoting fullness, preserving muscle, and supporting healthy weight loss. The key is choosing lean, low-fat protein sources and staying mindful of your fat intake at each meal.

With the right balance—and the right pharmacy team in your corner—you can lose weight safely, effectively, and confidently.

Ready to get started? Speak to our team at Pharmaesthetics Central today to access Orlistat and receive guidance on your personalised, high-protein, low-fat plan.

This blog was written on behalf of Pharmaesthetics Central by Pharmacy Mentor.