There are lots of products marketed as weight loss aids, but the only licenced medicine is orlistat. The drug works by preventing the body from digesting fat, and should only be used in conjunction with exercise and a low-fat diet by people with a BMI of 28 or higher for no longer than six months at most. One capsule should be taken just before, during or up to an hour after each main meal, up to three times a day. If a meal is missed, the dose should not be taken.

Orlistat is not suitable for many people €“ including children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those on certain medicines €“ so refer anyone asking to buy, or for information about, orlistat to the pharmacist.

Meal plans or replacement meals may also be an option if people feel they need a more structured approach to losing weight. Example: Atkins Nutritional Approach.

Other options include weight loss support groups available online or within local meetings, and weight management aids, such as tablets. These are available through pharmacy for customers who are following routine, but need extra help to lose excess weight.

There are three types of weight management aids commonly available to suit different customer needs and dietary habits. These include products to:

• Reduce some dietary fats absorbed by the body €“ suitable for customers who have a high-fat diet
• Reduce some calories absorbed from dietary carbohydrates suitable for customers who have a high carbohydrate diet
• Reduce appetite €“ suitable for customers who want an aid that helps make them feel fuller to control their appetite. Examples: XLS-Medical Fat Binder, XLS-Medical Carb Blocker.