People in the UK now have access to a newly approved Wegovy weight loss tablet, and one doctor has outlined the key details patients should know before considering it.
The tablet form of semaglutide was approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on 11 June 2026, making it the first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss and weight management to be authorised in Britain. It can be prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to adults with obesity, or to people who are overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition.
The MHRA says the treatment is prescription-only and is not currently available through the NHS, with any future NHS access expected to go through the usual assessment process. For now, patients interested in the medicine would need a private consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Unlike the injectable version, this option is taken orally once a day. It must be used on an empty stomach, after at least eight hours without food.
Guidance states it should be swallowed with no more than 120ml of water, and patients should then wait about 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other medication.
Medical professionals also advise taking it at roughly the same time each day for the best routine and consistency.
The recommended starting dose is 1.5mg once daily, increasing step by step to 4mg, 9mg and then 25mg, with each dose generally taken for at least a month before moving up.
Patients already using private Wegovy injections may be switched directly to the 25mg tablet, but only if a prescriber confirms the change is appropriate for them.
Explaining what the launch means, Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said:
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said: “The arrival of the Wegovy Pill in the UK is an exciting step forward in weight management, giving eligible patients even greater choice in how they access clinically proven treatment.
“For many people, the availability of a daily tablet may make treatment feel more accessible and convenient. Like injectable GLP-1 medicines, the Wegovy Pill works by helping to regulate appetite, supporting patients alongside healthy lifestyle changes.”
He also pointed to the results seen during research into the treatment.
The health expert added: “Clinical trials have produced encouraging results, with participants achieving an average weight loss of around 17%, while some responders lost up to 22% of their body weight. These outcomes highlight the potential benefits of the treatment when used under appropriate medical supervision.
“It’s important that the tablet is taken correctly for it to work effectively. The starting dose for the tablet is 1.5 mg once daily, escalating to 4 mg, 9 mg, and 25 mg, with a minimum duration of 1 month at each dose level.
“If you’re using Wegovy injections, it’s best to wait a week after your last injection. Then take the pill daily at the switching dose that aligns with your current strength.”
Dr Grant further stressed that patients should only seek this type of medication through approved medical channels.
Dr Grant went on to say that patients should always obtain the pill through ‘regulated pharmacies and qualified healthcare professionals’.
The doctor added: “A clinical consultation is essential to ensure treatment is appropriate, safe and supported throughout the journey.
“Fake or unsafe weight loss medications pose a risk to wellbeing, as there is no medical supervision alongside the treatment and no way to prove what the product actually contains.
“The Wegovy Pill represents another valuable option for people managing their weight, but it should always be viewed as part of a broader, long-term approach that includes healthy eating, physical activity and ongoing medical support.”