For the first time, adults in the UK have access to an oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a tablet form of semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight management, offering an alternative to the weekly injections that have become widely known over the past few years.

This is an important milestone in obesity treatment, but it is equally important to understand who the medication is for, how it works, and why it should always be used under medical supervision.

What is the new GLP-1 tablet?

The newly approved medication contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Until now, semaglutide for weight management in the UK was only available as a weekly injection. The new approval means eligible patients can now receive the same active ingredient in a once-daily tablet.

The tablet is a prescription-only medicine and has been approved after meeting the MHRA’s standards for safety, quality and effectiveness.

How does it work?

GLP-1 medications mimic a naturally occurring hormone that is released after eating.

They work by:

  • Reducing appetite
  • Helping you feel fuller for longer
  • Slowing stomach emptying
  • Reducing food cravings

These effects can help patients consume fewer calories and achieve clinically meaningful weight loss when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. However, the medication is not a substitute for a balanced diet or regular physical activity.

Who is eligible?

According to the MHRA, the tablet may be prescribed to adults who have:

  • A Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or
  • A BMI between 27 and 30 together with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea or type 2 diabetes.

Treatment should always be part of a comprehensive weight management plan that includes dietary advice, exercise and ongoing medical follow-up.

How is the tablet taken?

Unlike the weekly injection, the tablet is taken once every day.

To ensure proper absorption, it should:

  • Be taken on an empty stomach after at least 8 hours of fasting
  • Be swallowed whole with a small amount of water
  • Be followed by at least 30 minutes without eating or drinking

Following these instructions is essential to ensure the medication works effectively.

What are the possible side effects?

As with injectable GLP-1 medications, the most commonly reported side effects affect the digestive system and may include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation

These symptoms are often more noticeable when treatment begins or when the dose is increased, and they usually improve over time. Any concerning or persistent symptoms should be discussed with your healthcare professional.

Is the tablet available on the NHS?

Although the medication has been approved for use in the UK, it is not currently available through the NHS.

Before NHS availability, the treatment will need to undergo assessment by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), which evaluates both clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. At present, access is through private prescription only.

Is medication alone enough?

Weight loss medications can be highly effective for carefully selected patients, but they are not a cure for obesity.

Long-term success depends on addressing the wider factors that influence weight, including:

  • Nutrition
  • Physical activity
  • Sleep quality
  • Psychological wellbeing
  • Management of underlying medical conditions

For many patients, combining medical treatment with sustainable lifestyle changes provides the best opportunity for maintaining weight loss over time.

How Dottore London can help

At Dottore London, we believe every patient’s weight management journey should begin with a comprehensive medical assessment.

Our clinicians evaluate your medical history, current health, lifestyle and treatment goals before recommending the most appropriate approach. For some patients, lifestyle interventions may be sufficient. For others, prescription medications such as GLP-1 therapies may form part of a personalised treatment plan.

If you are considering medical support for weight management, our experienced team can help you understand your options and determine whether treatment is suitable for you.

Book a consultation

If you would like to discuss weight management with one of our specialists, contact Dottore London to arrange a personalised consultation. Together, we can develop a safe, evidence-based plan tailored to your individual health needs.