There is currently one drug approved for use as part of the medical treatment of obesity. It has been developed in recognition of the fact that it is a complex disorder, where, for example, genetic effects on appetite are very difficult to manage, especially in our weight-promoting environment. But it isn’t a magic weight loss bullet. It must still be used as part of an overall lifestyle change - it just makes that change more manageable for some.

The drug comes with strict criteria about who it can be prescribed for, and for how long. Orlistat (Alli) works by reducing the amount of fat that you absorb by about one-third, and must be taken with a low fat diet (otherwise unpleasant bowel problems can result).  This is available from your local pharmacist who will be able to offer help and support for taking this medication.

This drug has a recognised role to play in obesity treatment, and is very different from other drugs that might be available from private diet clinics or over the Internet. These include appetite suppressants and diuretics (force the body to lose fluid). We definitely don't recommended them.