The UK medicines regulator has approved the Wegovy weight-loss pill for patients who meet certain criteria, making it available for purchase with a private prescription. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced the decision on Thursday, marking the first approval of a GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss in the UK. The UK becomes the third country to authorise the pills, following the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Previously, UK patients using the drug had to rely on injectable versions. The pills, containing semaglutide, are approved for adults who are obese (BMI of 30 or above) or overweight (BMI of 27-30) with at least one weight-related health condition. Clinical trials showed that those on the highest dose lost 14-17% of their body weight after 64 weeks.
Until the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) approves the tablets, they will not be available on the NHS. Eligible patients will need a private prescription, with prices yet to be agreed. Private prescriptions for Wegovy injections typically cost between £90 and £300 per month. New patients will start on 1.5mg, with doses increasing to 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg, with at least one month at each level.
The MHRA advises that the pills must be taken whole with a sip of water on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours, followed by a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking. Common side effects include gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. Patients experiencing side effects should consult their doctor or pharmacist and report them via the yellow card scheme.
Health professionals have welcomed the approval but caution against viewing the medication as a magic solution. Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown of the Royal College of GPs emphasised that weight-loss medication should be part of a broader approach including nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural support. Jason Murphy of Chemist4U called the announcement a major step forward, predicting high demand for the pills.
