The first over-the-counter slimming pill to go on sale in Britain could be available in pharmacies as early as next year. The drug, which has been marketed in the US under the name Alli since June, is a half-strength version of a pill called Xenical that is currently only available in Britain under prescription for treating obesity.
The active ingredient of the drug, orlistat, does not affect diet but works by reducing the body’s ability to absorb fats from food, and is taken as 60mg capsules three times a day with meals.
