Wegovy® tablets approved in the UK: what the new weight-loss pill actually means

Until now, semaglutide for weight loss has only been available as a once-weekly injection. Yesterday's MHRA decision changes that: the same active ingredient is now licensed as a once-daily tablet — the first oral GLP-1 medicine approved anywhere in Europe for weight management.

For the many people who are put off by needles, that's a genuinely significant moment. But as with everything in weight management, the headlines tell only part of the story. Here's the balanced version.

Who is it licensed for?

The tablet is licensed for adults with obesity (a BMI of 30 or above), or those who are overweight (BMI 27–30) with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea. It is licensed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity — not instead of them.

How is the tablet different from the injection?

• Daily, not weekly. The tablet is taken every day, whereas the injection is once a week.
• Strict timing rules. The tablet must be taken whole, on an empty stomach after fasting for at least 8 hours, with just a sip of water — and you must avoid food or drink for at least 30 minutes afterwards, or it won't absorb properly. In practice, most people take it first thing in the morning.
• Gradual dose build-up. Treatment starts at the lowest daily dose and is increased step by step over several months, with a minimum of one month at each level — this helps the body adjust and reduces side effects.

What did the trial actually show?

The approval was based on the OASIS 4 phase 3 trial. Adults taking the 25 mg tablet lost on average about 14% of their body weight after 64 weeks, compared with around 2% in the placebo group — both alongside lifestyle support. That's broadly comparable to the results seen with the weekly injection.

And the honest other half: like all GLP-1 medicines, side effects are common, particularly when starting or increasing the dose. Nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting are the most frequent. Most settle with time, but GLP-1 medicines aren't suitable for everyone — which is exactly why they're prescription-only and need a proper clinical assessment first.

Can I get it on the NHS?

Not yet. NICE — the body that decides which medicines the NHS funds — is still reviewing it. Until that process concludes, the tablet will only be available through private prescription from a qualified prescriber, following an individual assessment of whether it's clinically appropriate and safe for you.

A word of caution about where you buy

Every time a weight-loss medicine makes headlines, unlicensed sellers follow within days. Medicines bought from social media sellers or unregistered websites are frequently counterfeit, the wrong strength, or simply not the medicine at all — the MHRA seizes thousands of fake weight-loss products every year. Only ever obtain prescription medicines from a registered pharmacy or clinic, where a prescriber has actually assessed you. You can check any pharmacy's registration on the GPhC register.

Is it right for me?

That's not a question an article can answer — and you should be sceptical of anyone who claims otherwise. The right starting point is a conversation with a healthcare professional who can look at your full picture: your BMI, your health conditions, your medication, what you've already tried, and what you're actually trying to achieve. For some people a GLP-1 medicine is appropriate; for others, a structured diet and lifestyle programme delivers more durable results without the side effects.