Orlistat works by inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipases, the enzymes that break down triglycerides in the intestine. When lipase activity is blocked, triglycerides from the diet are not hydrolyzed into absorbable free fatty acids, and instead are excreted unchanged. hey i started on orlistat two months ago they work if you use them in the right way i lost 3 Ibs in first two weeks then 5Ibs following two weeks and a pound a week thereafter i have now lost just over a stone when taking them i find they work better taking them ten minutes after you have eaten a meal did they give you a low fat diet plan to do for teh first two weeks before start of tablets. This article looks at whether they are actually worth taking to help you lose fat. Alli diet pills are the over-the-counter version of a weight loss drug called orlistat. Hi Miami. How did you get on at the docs yesterday? I have today stopped taking Orlistat as I have STILL not lost even a pound!!! Although I don't have my own docs appointment until Friday I have decided enough is enough with the Orlistat! Don't be disheartened, orlistat does work, it just take some time. How I wish I can attach a picture to show you how it worked on be in the period of 5 months of taking Aslene. How I wish I can attach a picture to show you how it worked on be in the period of 5 months of taking Aslene. Alli (orlistat) for Obesity: People keep saying all kinds of stuff about Alli does not work but it clearly states it is a weight loss aid and you need to exercise and eat right. Alli (orlistat) for Obesity: These do not work any more like they did back in 2010.You took out the ingredients that really worked WHY! Friends will definitely know not to but these they don't work.Waste of my money now. BUT if you are serious and watch what you eat then it is great and it does work. I did feel though that it worked by threatening me rather than anything else I did feel though that it worked by threatening me rather than anything else Continued When Shouldn’t I Take Alli? Always tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking. Alli can interact with certain drugs, affecting their levels or how they work in your. Orlistat inhibits the work of lipase. When you take the drug with a meal, about 25 percent of the fat you consume isn't broken down and is eliminated through bowel movements. When you take the drug with a meal, about 25 percent of the fat you consume isn't broken down and is eliminated through bowel movements.