Health chiefs have approved a tablet version of the popular weight loss injection Wegovy for use in the United Kingdom. On Thursday, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) gave the green light to the UK's first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss and weight management.
Who Qualifies for the Tablet?
To be eligible for the Wegovy tablet, a patient must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above. Alternatively, they can be overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related comorbidity. The starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily, increasing to 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg, with a minimum of one month at each dose level. Patients currently on a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection once weekly can transition directly to 25 mg tablets once daily.
How Does It Work?
The MHRA explained: "Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is released by the body after eating. Semaglutide acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings." The tablet should be taken whole on an empty stomach after fasting for at least 8 hours, with no food or drink for at least 30 minutes after taking it.
How to Get It
Julian Beach, Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access at the MHRA, stated: "As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication." However, the tablet is not currently available via the NHS. Decisions on NHS use will follow evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Patients can access it through private services, which they must pay for.
What Are the Side Effects?
The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. The MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness under close review. Anyone experiencing side effects should report them via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
Will the Pills Replace Weight Loss Jabs?
Suhail Jamil, Superintendent Pharmacist at Ashcroft Pharmacy, said: "Many are assuming that the tablet will be the most convenient option, but that won't necessarily be the case. The Wegovy injectables may be considered less of a commitment, having to only administer them once weekly, instead of every day. The tablet also calls for more planning and sticking to a strict schedule." The best option will depend on an individual's lifestyle and preferences.
How Much Will They Cost?
No official price has been announced for the UK. In the US, they cost $149–$299 (£111-£222) per month, with insurance reducing it to as little as $25 (£18). Oral Wegovy is generally cheaper than the injection.
When Will They Be Available?
The UK release timeframe is unconfirmed. Following FDA approval in December 2025, the tablet became available in US pharmacies in January 2026. Patients are advised to avoid purchasing the 'Wegovy Pill' before it is fully approved in the UK and to consult their doctor.
