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Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
Nicotinamide Riboside vs Orlistat: Nicotinamide Riboside has the stronger overall evidence (5.5 vs 6/10); they're alternatives for metabolic health — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
Nicotinamide Riboside wins 2 of 3 categories. Both are solid choices — the best pick depends on your specific goals.
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
2 of 2 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Mostly mechanism / observational
Top outcomes
300–500 mg daily
Morning with breakfast, Split dosing (morning and midday) for doses above 500 mg
Nicotinamide Riboside Chloride capsules or powder
Prescription Xenical: 120 mg three times daily (360 mg/day), taken with or up to 1 hour after each main fat-containing meal. Over-the-counter Alli: 60 mg three times daily (180 mg/day). Skip the dose if a meal is missed or contains no fat. Used alongside a reduced-calorie diet in which fat supplies roughly 30% of energy — a higher-fat meal makes the gastrointestinal side effects markedly worse, not the weight loss better.
with-meals
Xenical 120 mg capsule three times daily with meals (prescription)
1–2 weeks
4–8 weeks
8–16 weeks
4–8 weeks
4–12 weeks to onset; maximal by 6–12 months
Year 2 of continuous use
Years
3–12 months
The Effect of Nicotinamide Mononucleotide and Riboside on Skeletal Muscle Mass and Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Journal of cachexia, sarcopenia and muscle (2025) · Meta analysis
Systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs evaluating NMN and NR effects on skeletal muscle mass and function
NAD+ supplementation for anti-aging and wellness: A PRISMA-guided systematic review of preclinical and clinical evidence.
Ageing research reviews (2026) · Systematic review
PRISMA-guided systematic review of both preclinical and clinical NAD+ supplementation literature
NAD+ therapy in age-related degenerative disorders: A benefit/risk analysis.
Experimental gerontology (2020) · Systematic review
Systematic review of 147 articles (113 preclinical, 34 clinical) on NAD+ precursor therapy
XENical in the prevention of diabetes in obese subjects (XENDOS) study: a randomized study of orlistat as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese patients.
Diabetes Care (2004) · Rct · n=3305
4-year double-blind trial randomising 3,305 obese patients (BMI ≥30) to lifestyle changes plus orlistat 120 mg or placebo three times daily
Randomised placebo-controlled trial of orlistat for weight loss and prevention of weight regain in obese patients. European Multicentre Orlistat Study Group.
Lancet (1998) · Rct · n=688
743 obese patients (BMI 28–47) entered a 4-week placebo lead-in at 15 European centres; 688 were randomised double-blind to orlistat 120 mg three times a day or placebo for 1 year on a 600 kcal/day-deficit diet, then reassigned for a second 52-week weight-maintenance period
Weight control and risk factor reduction in obese subjects treated for 2 years with orlistat: a randomized controlled trial.
JAMA (1999) · Rct · n=892
2-year randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at 18 US research centres; 1,187 obese adults (BMI 30–43) entered and 892 were randomised, with 223 placebo- and 657 orlistat-treated subjects in the intent-to-treat analysis
Based on 8-week RCT showing dose-dependent increases of 22%, 51%, and 142% at 100, 300, and 1000mg respectively. Individual response varies significantly (30% show variable response). NR-SAFE trial confirmed safety up to 2000mg.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Nicotinamide Riboside has a higher evidence score (5.5/10 vs 6/10) and wins in 2 of 3 categories.
For metabolic health, Nicotinamide Riboside has a higher relevance score (80 vs 58).
No known interactions between Nicotinamide Riboside and Orlistat have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.