Cross-category comparison
Orlistat vs Structured Lifestyle
Different categories, normalised only where comparison is meaningful.
Orlistat
Typically produces more modest average loss than GLP-1/GIP medicines; individual response varies
VS
Structured lifestyle programme
Moderate on average, highly variable
Shared dimensions
| Dimension | Orlistat | Structured lifestyle programme |
|---|---|---|
| Relative weight-loss potential / intensity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
| Typical speed / access to effect | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Lower procedural / medical burden | 6/10 | 10/10 |
| Ease of stopping, reversing or changing route | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Lower cost / easier access | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Long-term maintenance simplicity | 6/10 | 10/10 |
| Evidence maturity / depth | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Day-to-day or pathway convenience | 4/10 | 10/10 |
Category-specific detail
| Issue | Orlistat | Structured lifestyle programme |
|---|---|---|
| Appetite support | Not applicable | Does not directly pharmacologically suppress appetite |
| Approach | Not applicable | Nutrition + physical activity + behavioural support |
| Cost | Not applicable | Can be low |
| Evidence anchor | Typically produces more modest average loss than GLP-1/GIP medicines; individual response varies | Not applicable |
| How it works | Gastrointestinal lipase inhibitor | Not applicable |
| How taken | Capsule with meals — Up to three times daily with fat-containing meals | Not applicable |
| Main trade-offs | Lower average efficacy; Oily stools/urgency and other GI effects can be disruptive; Must be taken around fat-containing meals; Fat-soluble vitamin considerations | Not applicable |
| Maintenance | Can be continued where effective/tolerated; diet composition affects tolerability | Skills can be maintained indefinitely; relapse plan still needed |
| Medical intensity | Not applicable | Low |
| Muscle support | Not applicable | Strength training + adequate protein can actively support lean mass |
| NHS context | Long-established NHS option; prescribing criteria and local practice apply | Not applicable |
| Speed | Not applicable | Gradual |
| UK licence | UK weight management licence | Not applicable |
| Weight-loss potential | Not applicable | Moderate on average, highly variable |
Do not add the scores together.
The bars are there to expose trade-offs. They are not a validated overall suitability index.
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