Quote:
Originally Posted by KforKitty
I really don't get it. Why pay £50 for Orlistat when you can get it legitimately on prescription from your doctor for £7.20 (or free if you get free prescriptions)? Some might argue as their Dr. wouldn't prescribe it for them, if that's the case surely it means its not safe/suitable for them to take.
Kitty
(an Orlistat user btw)
Exactly Kitty - it's a money-spinner, and more worringly it's something with people other weight problems (eg anorexia) may abuse.
I'm not sure if I'm correct here, but I think a person must have a BMI of 30 or over to get Orlistat from their GP, and they also have to show they have made a consistent effort to lose weight, so this means people who are either over-weight, or too embarrassed to visit a doctor are going to be taking these.
At £50 for just a one month supply, it will be an expensive medication. It should also be noted that Alli only provides HALF the dosage of a standard NHS prescription of Orlistat, so if a person wants the full effect they really need to be buying £100's worth a month (obviously not advisable without visiting a medical doctor).
I'm not taking Orlistat but I have considered it, and if I do go down that route (maybe if I plateau) then I'll be going to a local GP rather than forking out £50.