Wegovy Vs. Orlistat: What's The Difference?

Obesity is a major public health concern, with the condition responsible for at least 2.8 million deaths each year.

Excess weight can lead to a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disease which itself is a leading cause of death worldwide.

Since the number of people living with obesity is increasing, there has been an increase in the amount of research for effective weight loss treatments such as Wegovy and Orlistat.

Both treatments are prescription only (POM), though a lower dose version of orlistat is available over-the-counter. Both treatments are available following an online consultation from our GPhC registered online pharmacy.

Here we’ll discuss the differences between the two treatments, and who may be better suited to one treatment over the other.

Remember, whilst medication can be an effective tool, making sustainable lifestyle changes is perhaps even more important when considering long-term weight loss.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide. Known as a GLP-1 agonist, Wegovy works by:

• Slowing digestion

• Increasing fullness after eating and,

• Regulating blood sugar levels.

The combination of this can help keep you feeling fuller for longer throughout the day, whilst minimising food cravings. This then leads to less food being consumed and thus weight loss.

What is Orlistat?

Orlistat is an oral medication, taken three times daily. It works by

• Reducing dietary fat absorption, by a third.

By reducing fat absorption, less calories are absorbed, leading to weight loss.

Who Can Take the Treatments?

Both treatments are licensed for use in adults over 18 years with:

• A BMI (body mass index) of 30 or above

• A BMI of 27 or above, with a weight related health condition.

A weight-related health condition is any health issue which is caused by or made worse by carrying excess body fat, such as:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Coronary heart disease

• High blood pressure

• Sleep apnoea

• Some cancers

How Do I Take The Treatments?

Wegovy

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection. It must be started at the initiation dose of 0.25mg. The dose is then increased in 4-weekly intervals until you reach a dose which offers a balance of effectiveness and tolerability.

Orlistat

Prescription strength capsules contain 120mg Orlistat. One capsule should be taken three times daily, with meals.

Alongside treatment, patients are recommended to make lifestyle adjustments, specifically:

• Reducing fat content in meals

• Increasing fibre intake

Side Effects

Wegovy

As with any medication, Wegovy can cause side effects though not everyone gets them.

The most common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Diarrhoea

• Constipation

Rarer side effects, requiring immediate medical attention include:

• Pancreatitis - severe stomach pain, spreading to the back or chest, with fever/nausea

• Gallstones - severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes/skin

• Severe allergic reaction - swelling of the face, lips, throat, difficulty breathing.

Orlistat

The most common side effects of taking Orlistat are:

• Oily stools/poo

• Stomach pains

• Diarrhoea

• Needing to go toilet urgently

If you're experiencing any worrying side effects, seek medical help.

Comparison of treatments

So what is the best weight loss medication? Whilst the treatments have not been compared in direct head-to-head trials, data from independent trials conclude Wegovy may produce greater weight loss.

The main differences between the two treatments has been highlighted below:

Summary

Whilst both treatments offer advantages, which one you decide to embark on is a personal decision based on individual goals.

Wegovy is recommended for those who have greater weight to lose, as clinical trial data points to it being more effective. More patients on Wegovy lost 5% weight, lowering their risk of type 2 diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Regarding side effects, with Wegovy, these occur regardless of what you eat as the body adjusts to treatment. With Orlistat, side effects can be minimised through making behavioural changes, i.e. reducing consumption of high fat foods.

Orlistat may be easier to take as an oral capsule, however it must be taken three times a day, everyday. Wegovy, whilst requiring proper injection technique, only needs to be administered once weekly.

Other factors to consider include:

• Cost

• Pre-existing medical conditions

• Any medication you're already taking

• Whether you're happy to inject yourself every week

• Your BMI

• Your family history (especially of thyroid cancer)

• Professional medical advice

Prior to starting any treatment, it’s important to seek medical advice. Quick Meds offers weight loss consultations with GPhC registered clinicians who can recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.