The United Kingdom has reached a significant milestone in obesity treatment with the approval of the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has given the green light to the daily Wegovy (semaglutide) tablet, which works similarly to existing injections by mimicking a hormone that controls appetite and hunger.
How the Pill Works
Approved for use alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, the medication targets adults living with obesity. Julian Beach, executive director of healthcare quality and access at the MHRA, stated: “Having met the MHRA’s rigorous standards of safety, quality and effectiveness, the semaglutide tablet has been approved in the UK for weight loss and weight management. As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication.”
NHS Availability Pending
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will now determine whether the drug, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, should be made available on the NHS. The pill must be taken with a sip of water on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours. Users are advised not to eat or drink for 30 minutes after a dose to ensure proper absorption.
Clinical Trial Results
The MHRA based its approval on data from a trial where adults received 25mg per day alongside diet and exercise. After 64 weeks, participants who remained on treatment lost an average of 17% of their body weight, compared to 3% for those on a placebo. When including all participants, regardless of treatment adherence, the average weight loss was 14%.
Side Effects and Dosage
Common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. The Wegovy injection is administered once weekly, while the pill is taken daily, starting at 1.5mg and escalating monthly to 4mg, 9mg, and finally 25mg. Patients currently on a private 2.4mg weekly injection can switch directly to 25mg tablets daily.
Expert Reactions
Sebnem Avsar Tuna, general manager at Novo Nordisk, called the approval “an important milestone for obesity care in the UK,” highlighting the choice and flexibility of oral treatment. Professor Naveed Sattar from the University of Glasgow welcomed the news, emphasising the need for additional treatment options in an “obesogenic environment.” James O’Loan, chief executive of Chemist4U, predicted a “game-changing” impact, noting that over 10,000 people have already joined a waiting list for consultations.
However, Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, urged caution: “Avoid choosing a weight loss treatment based purely on whether it comes as a pill or an injection. Factors such as lifestyle, medical history, side effects, and adherence should all be considered. Medication should not be viewed as a standalone solution.”
