Thousands of people have already signed up to express interest in the new Wegovy weight loss pill, which was approved for use in the UK on Thursday. Experts suggest that more than 100,000 individuals could benefit from the tablet once it becomes available. The medication must be used alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased exercise.
High Demand for Oral Semaglutide
According to Simple Online Healthcare, 55,000 people have already registered their interest with the firm for the newly approved pill, which is the first tablet form of semaglutide to be made available in the UK. Mr. Abdal Alvi, Chief Clinical Officer at Simple Online Healthcare, welcomed the approval, stating: "For many people, a tablet may feel more familiar and less daunting than an injection, and oral GLP-1s have the potential to widen access to effective obesity treatment."
He added: "However, it is important that patients understand these are still powerful prescription medicines. They need to be used correctly, under appropriate clinical supervision, and alongside lifestyle change and ongoing support."
How Wegovy Works
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medication that mimics a naturally occurring hormone involved in appetite regulation. It helps people feel fuller for longer, reduces hunger, and can support significant weight loss when combined with diet and lifestyle changes. Clinical trials found that people taking oral semaglutide lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks, with some participants achieving weight loss approaching 17%.
Important Usage Instructions
Experts caution that the tablet is not simply a more convenient version of the injection. Unlike most medications, oral Wegovy must be taken under specific conditions to work effectively. Patients need to take it on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medication, and swallow the tablet whole.
Mr. Alvi explained: "While a tablet may appear simpler, patients should be aware that the tablets work under specific conditions - for example, taken fasted, with a specific amount of water and taken whole. Even small changes in how it is taken will considerably affect how well the medication works."
Potential for Switching from Injections
Research also indicates significant interest among existing GLP-1 users. Nearly half of current patients said they would prefer a pill format, although 88% said they would only switch if it delivered equal or better results than their current treatment. Looking ahead, the company estimates that up to 500,000 existing GLP-1 users could consider switching to an oral option if pricing and real-world effectiveness meet expectations.
Availability and Next Steps
Mr. Alvi said the approval represents an important step forward in obesity care: "The approval of oral Wegovy gives patients and healthcare professionals another evidence-based option for managing obesity. What matters most is ensuring patients receive appropriate clinical support and choose a treatment that they can use safely, effectively and consistently over the long term."
While the pill has been approved for use in the UK, it has yet to be made available on the NHS. Anyone wishing to use it will have to go through a private doctor and pay for the medication. There is also likely to be a wait of several weeks before the drug is available for use, even when purchased privately.
