The Wegovy pill is a once-daily weight loss tablet containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the Wegovy injection. It was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in June 2026, and will be available from the 6th July 2026. The pills are made by Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Saxenda. Both Wegovy tablets and injections contain semaglutide and work in the same way to reduce appetite. Tablets may suit people who: Prefer not to use injections Like taking medication as part of a daily routine Don't mind taking medication before breakfast Injections may suit people who: Prefer once-weekly treatment Want greater flexibility around meal timing Are comfortable with self-injection Your healthcare professional can help you decide which option best fits your lifestyle and weight loss goals.

Wegovy pills are a GLP-1 receptor agonist and work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone your body naturally produces. It activates receptors in the brain to increase feelings of fullness, reduces hunger, and slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach), helping you feel satisfied for longer. What makes the pill possible is a clever bit of science. Your stomach can't tell the difference between medicine and food, so it would normally just break the semaglutide down before it can do anything. To get around this, the semaglutide is combined with a carrier molecule that acts like a bodyguard, protecting it just long enough to be absorbed into your bloodstream. Once it's there, it works exactly the same way as the injection. This can mean people taking it may: feel fuller faster during meals have fewer cravings and less of an urge to snack find it easier to eat less without feeling deprived However, they're not a quick fix. Wegovy pills work best when you're also eating well and moving more.

Doesn’t require needles or sharps bins: Pills may be preferred by people who are uncomfortable with injections, potentially making this type of weight loss treatment accessible to a wider group. Proven weight loss in clinical trials: A recent analysis of the OASIS 4 trial suggested patients can lose up to 22% of your body weight after 64 weeks. Daily routine: Some people find it easier to stick to their treatment with a daily tablet over a weekly injection. This is where pills may have more appeal for some. There’s no need for needles, sharps bins, or keeping the medication refrigerated. If the idea of self-injecting puts you off, pills could be a better option. However, whereas Wegovy injections can be administered with or without food, Wegovy pills must be taken on an empty stomach. So, while taking a tablet might be more appealing for some, planning when you can and can’t eat in the morning can have its drawbacks. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which is more convenient for you, day-to-day or week-to-week.

In the OASIS 4 clinical trial: Participants lost an average of around 17% of their starting body weight over 64 weeks. People who responded particularly well during the first 16 weeks achieved an average weight loss of up to 22% by the end of the study. This study followed overweight or obese adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related condition taking the highest 25mg dose over 64 weeks. Adults with type 2 diabetes were excluded. It's important to note that individual results can vary, too, and that these results were in a clinical trial environment. Some people lose less weight, while other lose more. For example, researchers found: 76% of people (8 in 10) lost at least 5% of their body weight. 60% of people (6 in 10) lost at least 10%. 47% of people (5 in 10) lost at least 15%. 28% of people (1 in 4) lost 20% or more. In comparison, the STEP-1 trial found that Wegovy injections led to an average weight loss of around 17% over 68 weeks. The newer STEP UP trial in 2025 looked at the higher 7.2mg dose and found average weight loss of 21% over 72 weeks.

Wegovy tablets are suitable for adults who have: A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or A BMI of 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels. However, the medication can be used for those with a BMI over 25 (if new to the medication) as we take into account a range of factors such as: ​ BMI Medical History Current Medication Body measurements Eating habits Past diets Current exercise levels ​ The programme is not suitable for: ​ Under 18's Ladies who are breastfeeding, pregnant or actively trying to get pregnant. Type 1 diabetics Anyone with a history of pancreatitis or thyroid tumours Anyone with direct family members who have had thyroid cancer Before treatment begins, a healthcare professional will review your medical history, current medications, and overall health to determine whether Wegovy tablets are safe and appropriate for you.

Just like Wegovy injections, treatment begins at a low dose and is increased gradually over several months. This process, known as dose titration, helps reduce the likelihood of side effects while allowing your body to adjust. We will advise you when it’s best to increase your dose based on how well you’re tolerating the medicine and your progress. Below is an example dosing schedule. Not everyone will need the highest dose to achieve meaningful weight loss, and you can stay at each dose as long as you need to:

If you're currently using Wegovy injections or another injectable weight loss medicine such as Mounjaro, it may be possible to switch to Wegovy tablets. Any switch should always be done under clinical supervision. You can find which dose you can safely switch to below:

Switching from Mounjaro to the Wegovy tablet is possible, but it would need to be done under your prescriber's guidance, and depends on the side effects you've experienced while using the injection. Below is an example of what your dose conversion could look like:

Wegovy and Rybelsus are both oral tablet versions of Semaglutide from the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. However, they are licensed for different things. Rybelsus: licensed for type 2 diabetes available in doses of 1.5mg, 4mg, and 9mg (formally 3mg, 7mg and 14mg) Wegovy pills: licensed for weight management available in doses of 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg, and 25mg Because they're different products with different licences, using Rybelsus for weight loss would be off-label use. This is common, safe, and legal, if it’s appropriate for you.

Take one tablet first thing in the morning. Take it on an empty stomach. Swallow the tablet whole with no more than 120 ml of plain water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking other oral medicines. Do not crush, split or chew the tablet. Try to take it at the same time every day. If you forget a dose, skip it and take your next tablet the following morning as usual. Do not take two tablets together. If you miss several consecutive doses, contact your prescriber before restarting treatment.

Wegovy tablets have been approved following extensive clinical research and are considered safe and effective for eligible adults when prescribed appropriately. As with all prescription medicines, they are not suitable for everyone and that is why a health screening must occur before any medication can be safely prescribed.

Most side effects occur when starting treatment or increasing the dose and often improve as your body adjusts. They are usually mild and can be managed at home with some simple home-based remedies. Everyone is different. You may not experience any side effects, you may experience one side effect or several side effects. Common side effects include: Nausea Diarrhoea Constipation Indigestion Bloating or wind Sulphur burps / acid reflux Headache Tiredness We will send you aftercare information on how to deal with any potential side effects, along with the Patient Information Leaflet which goes into greater detail. We can also provide advice on managing side effects and adjusting treatment if necessary. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any support on dealing with side effects. We are more than happy to advise you. Contact 111 or seek urgent medical help if you experience any of the following: Pancreatitis: Severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without nausea or vomiting. The pain may also spread to your back. Gallbladder problems (like gallstones): Pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-coloured stools. Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia): Particularly if you also take insulin or sulfonylureas. Signs include dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, sweating, slurred speech, shakiness, confusion, a fast heartbeat or feeling jittery. Dehydration and kidney problems: Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which can affect your kidneys. Make sure you're drinking plenty of fluids. Severe stomach problems: Stomach issues that are severe or won't go away. Serious allergic reaction: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting, or a very rapid heartbeat. Changes in vision: If you have type 2 diabetes and notice any changes in your vision, speak to your GP. Increased heart rate: Your heart feels like it's racing or pounding at rest, and it lasts for several minutes. Anaphylaxis: ​ There have been no documented cases of an anaphylactic reaction to Liraglutide, Dulaglutide or Semaglutide but as this is a new medication being introduced to your body, we want to make you aware of the possible signs of anaphylaxis. ​ If you experience swelling of the lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, a severe rash or severe itching, discontinue use immediately and call 999.

Wegovy tablets are not suitable for everyone. You should not take Wegovy pills if: you're allergic to semaglutide or any of the other listed ingredients you've previously had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Wegovy you or a close family member has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) Please tell us before starting treatment if you: have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys have type 2 diabetes with a history of diabetic retinopathy are due to have surgery or a procedure involving anaesthesia are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Wegovy may harm your unborn baby, so you should stop taking it at least two months before trying to conceive are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Breastfeeding isn't recommended while taking Wegovy pills Tell us about all medications you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter treatments, vitamins and supplements. Wegovy can affect how some medicines work, and some medicines can affect how Wegovy works. This is especially important if you take diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, as using Wegovy alongside these treatments increases your risk of hypoglycaemia.

Store your tablets in a dry place away from moisture. They do not need to be refrigerated.

Will I need ongoing monitoring? Yes. Regular reviews allow your clinician to monitor your progress, manage any side effects, adjust your dose if needed, and provide support with nutrition and lifestyle changes to maximise long-term success. Are Wegovy tablets a long-term treatment? For many people, obesity is a long-term medical condition. Your healthcare professional will regularly review whether continuing treatment remains appropriate based on your weight loss, overall health, and individual goals.