The way people access medical weight management is evolving. Alongside weekly injections, there is now another option available for eligible patients: the Wegovy® tablet.
As the first oral GLP-1 tablet approved for weight management in the UK, it offers an alternative for adults who may prefer taking a daily tablet instead of using a weekly injection.
If you're wondering how the Wegovy tablet works, how it compares with injections, or whether you may be eligible, here's everything you need to know.
What is the Wegovy tablet?
The Wegovy tablet is a prescription medicine used to support weight management in eligible adults. It belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by helping regulate appetite, increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger.
Unlike the injectable version, the tablet is taken once a day, making it another treatment option for people looking for clinically supervised weight management.
Is the Wegovy tablet the same as the injection?
Both the tablet and the injection contain semaglutide, the active ingredient used to support weight management.
While they belong to the same family of medicines, they are taken differently and follow different dosing schedules.
| Wegovy Tablet | Wegovy Injection |
|---|---|
| Daily tablet | Weekly injection |
| Oral medication | Injectable medication |
| Different dosing schedule | Weekly dose escalation |
Your clinician will help determine which treatment is most appropriate based on your medical history, lifestyle and treatment goals.
Why are people interested in the Wegovy tablet?
One of the biggest reasons is convenience.
Some people feel uncomfortable using injections, while others simply prefer taking tablets as part of their daily routine.
The Wegovy tablet may be particularly suitable for people who:
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Prefer tablets over injections
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Feel anxious about needles
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Travel frequently
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Already take daily medication
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Want another clinically approved treatment option
There is no "best" option for everyone. Some patients prefer a weekly injection because they only need to think about treatment once every seven days, while others prefer incorporating a tablet into their morning routine.
How does the Wegovy tablet work?
Like other GLP-1 medicines, semaglutide works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone involved in appetite regulation.
It helps by:
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Reducing feelings of hunger
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Helping you feel fuller after eating
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Supporting portion control
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Helping reduce food cravings
The treatment is designed to be used alongside healthy eating habits, increased physical activity and ongoing clinical support.
How much weight can you lose with the Wegovy tablet?
Clinical research has shown encouraging results.
In a 64-week clinical study, adults taking the Wegovy tablet lost an average of 14% of their body weight (approximately 33 lb / 15 kg) when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Individual results vary, and no treatment can guarantee a specific amount of weight loss. Your clinician will discuss realistic expectations based on your circumstances.
Who may be eligible?
Weight management medication is not suitable for everyone.
Eligibility is determined by a qualified clinician after reviewing your health history, medical conditions and current medications.
Many adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with weight-related health conditions, may be considered. Some clinics also assess patients individually where appropriate.
What are the benefits of the Wegovy tablet?
Potential benefits include:
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No weekly injections
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Once-daily tablet
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Same active ingredient family as Wegovy injections
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Clinically supervised treatment
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Supports long-term weight management
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Alternative treatment option for eligible adults
Wegovy tablet vs injection: which is right for you?
Neither option is automatically better.
The right treatment depends on factors such as:
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Your lifestyle
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Your preference for tablets or injections
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Your medical history
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Previous weight management treatments
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Your clinician's recommendation
A personalised assessment is the best way to determine which option may be most suitable.
Start your weight management journey
If you're considering medical support for weight management, the first step is completing a clinical assessment.
Our healthcare team reviews every application individually to understand your health history, goals and whether treatment is appropriate for you.
Whether you choose a daily tablet or another treatment option, you'll receive clinically guided support throughout your journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wegovy tablet available in the UK?
Yes. The Wegovy tablet is available in the UK for eligible patients following approval and clinical assessment.
Is the Wegovy tablet better than injections?
Not necessarily. Some people prefer the convenience of a daily tablet, while others find a weekly injection easier to remember. Your clinician can help determine which option is most suitable.
Does the Wegovy tablet contain semaglutide?
Yes. The tablet contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in Wegovy injections, although it is taken differently.
Can anyone get the Wegovy tablet?
No. It is a prescription-only medicine and is only suitable for eligible patients following a medical assessment.
How do I get started?
Complete our online health questionnaire. A clinician will review your information and advise whether the Wegovy tablet or another treatment may be appropriate for you.
