Weight-loss drug orlistat to be available soon

gets final OTC permission
22 Jan 09

By Lilian Anekwe

The European Commission has granted permission for the 60mg dose of the weight-loss drug orlistat to go on sale over the counter in pharmacies.

Orlistat will be available to all adults with a BMI of 28 kg/m2 or more, under the brand name alli.

The drug’s manufacturer, GSK, said it would run a ‘comprehensive training programme’ to help pharmacy staff provide appropriate advice and support.

Dr Ian Campbell, medical director of the charity Weight Concern and a GP in Nottingham, said: ‘It can work, the risks are minimal, but I don't want to see the public being exploited. They have got to use it with knowledge.

‘This plays a part in the a weight management regime - but lifestyle changes in terms of eating a better diet must come first and last.’


But Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, president of the Faculty of Public Health, said: 'My worry is that a lot of people will take these pills without proper advice and support about dieting and exercise.

'It's all too easy to pop a pill instead of making the lifestyle changes we need to keep our weight under control. This will only work if pharmacists can spend a lot of time giving ongoing advice.' more