Medical weight loss is most effective when combined with sustained dietary change and physical activity — pharmacotherapy adds typically 5–10% additional weight loss versus lifestyle alone in published trials. The MedsBase Weight Loss Medication catalogue carries currently-available oral options and herbal adjuncts — for a broader treatment-class overview including injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide), see our hub guide Best Ozempic Alternatives 2026. All products are supplied by WHO-GMP certified manufacturers.
Orlistat — the most-prescribed oral weight-loss agent. Orlistat is a pancreatic lipase inhibitor that blocks absorption of approximately 30% of dietary fat, producing typical weight loss of 3–5 kg over 12 months when combined with lifestyle change. Take 120 mg with each main meal containing fat (max 3 doses/day). Skip the dose if a meal contains no fat. Side-effects are predictable and dose-related: oily stools, faecal urgency, flatulence with discharge — particularly after high-fat meals (the side-effect itself drives behavioural change toward lower-fat eating). Stocked as Orlijohn, Slimtop, Orligal-120, Vyfat, and Obelit. Important: orlistat reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) — take a multivitamin at bedtime (separated by ≥ 2 hours from orlistat doses). Avoid in chronic malabsorption, cholestasis, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Herbal and Ayurvedic adjuncts. The Himalaya Wellness AyurSlim formulation (containing Garcinia cambogia, Gymnema sylvestre, fenugreek, and Indian bdellium) has been used for decades as an Ayurvedic adjunct to lifestyle weight management. Stocked as Ayurslim and AyurSlim Capsule. Evidence base is modest compared to orlistat — best viewed as lifestyle-support adjunct rather than primary therapy.
What’s NOT here — important to know. Several historical weight-loss drugs (sibutramine, fenfluramine, locaserin, rimonabant) have been withdrawn worldwide for cardiovascular or psychiatric safety signals — we do not stock them. Phentermine and naltrexone-bupropion combinations are not currently in stock. Liothyronine (T3 thyroid hormone) appears in our catalogue but we want to be explicit: liothyronine is NOT a weight-loss drug. It is licensed for hypothyroidism only, and bodybuilding / weight-loss misuse causes atrial fibrillation, bone loss, and muscle wasting — see our Underactive Thyroid Treatment category for the proper context. Injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide) and the GIP/GLP/glucagon triple agonist retatrutide are the most clinically effective weight-loss drugs developed to date — see our hub guide Best Ozempic Alternatives 2026 for the modern landscape.
How to choose. BMI ≥ 30 (or ≥ 27 with weight-related comorbidity such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea) — pharmacotherapy is appropriate. Start with orlistat 120 mg with each fat-containing meal; review at 3 months and discontinue if < 5% weight loss has been achieved. Combine with structured lifestyle intervention (NHS Tier 2 / Tier 3 weight management services or equivalent) for best results. Consider GLP-1 RA (separate ordering) for higher-magnitude weight loss in suitable candidates.
Important. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, eating disorders, chronic malabsorption, severe psychiatric illness, and uncontrolled cardiovascular disease change the appropriateness of pharmacological weight loss. Bariatric surgery remains the most durable intervention for severe obesity — discuss with your GP if BMI is ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with significant comorbidity. Crash dieting, very-low-calorie regimens, and aggressive over-the-counter “fat burner” stacks are associated with significant adverse events including gallstone disease, electrolyte disturbance, cardiac events, and rebound weight regain.
All MedsBase Weight Loss products ship from WHO-GMP certified manufacturers with discreet packaging and are covered by our Reshipment Assurance Policy.
2026 buyer’s guide: See our shortlist Best Weight Loss Medications 2026 for ranked picks, comparison table, dosing notes and decision shortcut.