The UK medicines regulator has approved the Wegovy weight-loss pill, making it the first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss to be authorised in the country. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) announced the decision on Thursday, positioning the UK as the third country globally to approve the pills, following the US and the United Arab Emirates.
Previously, UK patients could only access Wegovy via injections. The oral form, containing semaglutide, is approved for adults with a BMI of 30 or above (obese) or those with a BMI of 27-30 (overweight) who have at least one weight-related health condition. Clinical trials showed that participants on the highest dose lost 14-17% of their body weight after 64 weeks.
Emil Kongshøj Larsen, executive vice-president for international operations at Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, said: “This is a landmark approval, making the UK the first country in Europe to approve Wegovy pill. We hope this approval supports increasing access to obesity care in the UK.”
Wegovy tablets will not be available on the NHS until approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). Eligible patients will initially need a private prescription. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but private prescriptions for Wegovy injections typically cost £90-£300 per month. New patients will start on 1.5mg, increasing to 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg, with at least one month at each level. Those already on 2.4mg injections may switch directly to 25mg tablets once daily, if suitable.
The MHRA advises taking the tablets whole with a sip of water on an empty stomach after an eight-hour fast, then avoiding food or drink for at least 30 minutes. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. Patients experiencing side effects should consult their doctor and report them via the yellow card scheme.
Prof Victoria Tzortziou Brown, president of the Royal College of GPs, welcomed the approval but cautioned: “It remains essential that this medication is not seen as a magic solution for weight loss as it does come with potential side effects and won’t be appropriate for everyone.” She emphasised that weight-loss medication should be part of a broader approach including nutrition, physical activity, and behavioural support.
