*OASIS-4, estimated average weight loss of 16.6% if participants remained on Wegovy (oral semaglutide) 25mg for 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo. Individual results vary.
**based on a survey of over 2,000 ZAVA weight loss patients, reporting results after 3 to 6 months of treatment.
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GLP-1 tablets available in the UK
There are currently 2 GLP-1 tablets approved for weight loss in the UK, the Wegovy pill and Foundayo.
Semaglutide
Lose 16.6% starting weight on average*
Price from £97.99 for 4 weeks, £24.49 per week
Active ingredient semaglutide, GLP-1 receptor agonist
Starting dose 1.5mg, increasing to 25mg
Daily pill, taken after > 8hr fast with no food or drink. Wait >30 mins before food.
*OASIS-4, estimated average weight loss of 16.6% if participants remained on Wegovy (oral semaglutide) 25mg for 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo. Individual results vary.
**ATTAIN-1, estimated average weight loss of 12.4% if participants remained on Foundayo (orforglipron) 17.2mg for 72 weeks, compared with 2.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
Both the Wegovy pill and Foundayo are daily GLP-1 tablets licensed in the UK for supporting weight loss. They are prescription-only so they need to be approved by a doctor before you can take them. You can request treatment for either online from ZAVA’s online doctor service.
About the Wegovy pill
The Wegovy pill is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, the same manufacturer who makes Wegovy injections. This new daily tablet contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient used in the weekly Wegovy injections.
How effective is it?
In the Phase 3 OASIS 4 trial, patients lost an average of 16.6% of their starting weight* after 64 weeks at the highest dose of 25mg, and:
79.2% of people lose at least 5% of their starting weight
63.0% of people lose at least 10% of their starting weight
50.0% of people lose at least 15% of their starting weight
29.7% of people lose at least 20% of their starting weight
*OASIS-4, estimated average weight loss of 16.6% if participants remained on Wegovy (oral semaglutide) 25mg for 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo. Individual results vary.
How is the Wegovy tablet taken?
The Wegovy tablet is swallowed whole, with a small amount of water if needed. It has to be taken:
after 8 hours of fasting (when you first wake up)
with 4oz (120ml) of water or less, and not with any other drink
at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking any other medications
These guidelines help make sure the medication is absorbed properly by the body. Food, drink, and other medications can all stop the pill being absorbed and reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
The side effects of Wegovy pills are similar to the injections. The main difference might be an increased chance of stomach-related side effects due to the pill being absorbed in the digestive system, compared to the injection which is absorbed under the skin.
Foundayo is slightly different from the Wegovy pill in that the active ingredient orforglipron is not already available as approved injection medication.
Unlike semaglutide tablets, orforglipron is a small-molecule GLP-1 medication rather than a peptide-based drug. This means it’s a different kind of medication that can be taken without having to wait before eating, since food and drink won’t stop it being absorbed properly.
How effective is it?
In the Phase 3 ATTAIN-1 trial, patients lost an average 12.4% of their starting weight* after 72 weeks on the highest dose of orforglipron – 17.2mg, and:
77.1% of people lose at least 5% of their starting body weight
59.6% of people lose at least 10% of their starting body weight
39.6% of people lose at least 15% of their starting body weight
20.1% of people lose at least 20% of their starting body weight
**ATTAIN-1, estimated average weight loss of 12.4% if participants remained on Foundayo (orforglipron) 17.2mg for 72 weeks, compared with 2.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
How is Foundayo taken?
Like the Wegovy pill, Foundayo is swallowed whole with a drink if needed. But, Foundayo offers more flexibility, because unlike the Wegovy pill it can be taken:
any time of day
with or without food
with any amount of water
These advantages in convenience may make it easier for some people to stick to their treatment long term.
Possible side effects
According to the ATTAIN-1 trial, most common side effects included:
feeling sick
constipation
diarrhoea
throwing up
indigestion
Since Foundayo is a GLP-1 medication, it’s likely to cause side effects similar to other GLP-1s like weight loss injections and the Wegovy pill.
Comparing GLP-1 tablets
The Wegovy pill and Foundayo are both GLP-1 tablets, but there are some key differences between them, as well as similarities.
Wegovy pill
Foundayo
Manufacturer
Novo Nordisk
Eli Lilly
Active ingredient
Semaglutide
Orforglipron
Type of medication
Peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist
Small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist
Daily tablet
Yes
Yes
Approved in the UK for weight loss
Yes
Yes
Average weight loss in trials
16.6% of starting weight after 64 weeks on 25mg*
12.4% of starting weight after 72 weeks on 36mg**
Needs to be taken first thing?
Yes
No
Need to limit water when taking it?
Yes
No
Need to wait to eat, drink, or take other meds?
Yes
No
Needle-free?
Yes
Yes
Wegovy pill
ManufacturerNovo Nordisk
Active ingredientSemaglutide
Type of medicationPeptide GLP-1 receptor agonist
Daily tabletYes
Approved in the UK for weight lossYes
Average weight loss in trials16.6% of starting weight after 64 weeks on 25mg*
Needs to be taken first thing?Yes
Need to limit water when taking it?Yes
Need to wait to eat, drink, or take other meds?Yes
Needle-free?Yes
← Swipe left to view Foundayo
Foundayo
ManufacturerEli Lilly
Active ingredientOrforglipron
Type of medicationSmall molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist
Daily tabletYes
Approved in the UK for weight lossYes
Average weight loss in trials12.4% of starting weight after 72 weeks on 36mg**
Needs to be taken first thing?No
Need to limit water when taking it?No
Need to wait to eat, drink, or take other meds?No
Needle-free?Yes
Swipe right to view Wegovy pill →
Swipe sideways to view more information
How to choose between the Wegovy pill and Foundayo
Both treatments have been shown to be effective for weight loss in clinical trials. The main factors for choosing between them are:
how effective they are
how easy they are to take
The Wegovy pill has been found to be more effective (16.6% of starting weight lost after 64 weeks on 25mg)* compared to Foundayo (12.4% of starting weight lost after 72 weeks on 36mg).** If you're actively trying to lose weight, our doctors recommend that Wegovy may be the better option for you. Foundayo is a good option for maintaining your goal weight if you’ve already reached it.
Foundayo is generally more convenient to take. With the Wegovy pill, you have to not eat for 8 hours beforehand, taking it when you wake up, then only take it with a small amount of water and wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. Foundayo only requires you to take it at the same time each day, but this can be any time that suits you, and you can eat and drink with it.
Please note – If you switch to Foundayo from another GLP-1 medication, you may regain some weight. Our doctors recommend staying on your current GLP-1 medication if this is effective for you, rather than switching to Foundayo.
What are GLP-1 tablets?
Like GLP-1 injections, GLP-1 tablets are medications that mimic the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone naturally produced in the gut.
They work to:
help regulate appetite
slow stomach emptying
increase feelings of fullness
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone released after eating. This hormone sends signals to the brain that help control hunger and appetite. They can be used to support weight loss when used alongside a diet and exercise plan. Because they reduce appetite and increase feelings of fullness, making it easy to eat less and hit the calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
Why do some people prefer tablets over injections?
They are taken once daily, which can be easier to remember
Some people find planning their weekly injections a hassle and a daily pill can be less difficult to remember.
They are easier to travel with than GLP-1 injections
You don’t need to worry as much about temperature for tablets compared to injections. This means you don’t need to travel with a cool bag or make sure you have access to a refrigerator at your destination.
They don’t need to be self-injected
Since you just swallow them whole, you don’t need to worry about injecting yourself. Some people don’t feel comfortable with needles or don’t feel confident giving themselves injections.
They are easier to manage and store
You don’t have to worry about refrigeration, replacing needles, or using sharps bins for throwing away needles.
They do not cause injection-site reactions, like bruising or irritation
There is no chance of side effects related to injecting yourself with GLP-1 tablets.
If you’re already aware of how weight loss injections work, then GLP-1 tablets also work in a similar way. They reduce your appetite, making it easier to eat less and hit a calorie deficit for weight loss. The main difference is that, because it’s absorbed through the digestive system and not under the skin, the pill is slightly less effective.
GLP-1 pills contain the same active ingredients as injections, so they work the same way. They help support weight loss by:
lowering your appetite, meaning you do not feel as hungry
reducing ‘food noise’, so you do not feel like you need to think about food as often
slows digestion, which means food stays in your stomach and you feel fuller for longer
More about how GLP-1 pills works
The active ingredients in GLP-1 pills belong to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. They work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which is responsible for controlling appetite, digestion, and blood sugar.
These pills reduce your appetite and slow down your digestive system. This makes following a diet and exercise plan easier, allowing you to eat fewer calories without feeling as hungry.
Because GLP-1 pills are absorbed after swallowing them, they are not absorbed like the injections, which go directly under the skin. As a result, GLP-1 pills have the same effect as injections, but lead to less average weight loss.
What can you expect from GLP-1 tablets?
GLP-1 tablets work gradually, just like weight loss injections. Most people notice changes to their appetite before they see significant weight loss. You’ll usually start to notice weight loss over months rather than within the first few weeks.
Month 1
2%* weight loss
Swipe to view more →
Month 2
4%* weight loss
← Swipe to view more →
Month 3
5 to 6%* weight loss
← Swipe to view more →
Month 4
7 to 8%* weight loss
← Swipe to view more →
Month 6
10%* weight loss
← Swipe to view more →
1 year+
12.4 to 16.6%* weight loss
← Swipe to view previous
*OASIS-4, estimated average weight loss of 16.6% if participants remained on Wegovy (oral semaglutide) 25mg for 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo & ATTAIN-1, estimated average weight loss of 12.4% if participants remained on Foundayo (orforglipron) 17.2mg for 72 weeks, compared with 2.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
Remember that everyone’s weight loss journey is different and it may take time before you notice significant weight loss.
What to expect for the first 6 months and beyond
Month 1
Estimated 2% average weight loss.*
This is the early phase. You will have just started treatment and hopes will be high. You may notice right away that you feel less hungry, which can be encouraging. However, it’s important to remember that it won’t translate into noticeable weight loss right away, and you could get some side effects. Don’t let any setbacks get you down and stick to your plan.
You may notice:
reduced hunger
feeling fuller after smaller meals
fewer cravings
some mild, stomach-related side effects
Some people may lose a small amount of weight during this period, but again, this is not guaranteed.
Month 2
Estimated 4% average weight loss.*
By this point you should be comfortably settled into your new lifestyle. You’ll be used to your new appetite and how to manage eating less, but still having a balanced diet. You should also be keeping up your exercise routine.
The great news is that by now you should have seen noticeable weight loss, which can be very encouraging. Once you make it to this stage, you’ll be able to see your treatment is making a difference, and that can help you stay motivated to keep at it.
You may begin to notice:
more consistent weight loss
easier portion control
improved confidence around food choices
increased energy levels, as weight starts to decrease
You may continue to increase your dose gradually during this period, taking into account whether you feel you need a stronger dose and if you’ve had any difficult side effects.
Months 3 to 6
Estimated 5 to 10% average weight loss.*
By this point you should be comfortably settled into your new lifestyle. You’ll be used to your new appetite and how to manage eating less, but still having a balanced diet. You should also be keeping up your exercise routine.
The great news is that by now you should have seen noticeable weight loss, which can be very encouraging. Once you make it to this stage, you’ll be able to see your treatment is making a difference, and that can help you stay motivated to keep at it.
You may begin to notice:
more consistent weight loss
easier portion control
improved confidence around food choices
increased energy levels, as weight starts to decrease
You may continue to increase your dose gradually during this period, taking into account whether you feel you need a stronger dose and if you’ve had any difficult side effects.
Beyond 6 months
Estimated 12.4 to 16.6% average weight loss.*
Remember that weight loss treatment is a long term commitment and the full benefits take years to see, not weeks. Still, in 64 to 72 weeks, you could be reaching the goal weight you’re looking forward to right now.
enjoying a new you, healthier, more energetic, and more confident
*OASIS-4, estimated average weight loss of 16.6% if participants remained on Wegovy (oral semaglutide) 25mg for 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo & ATTAIN-1, estimated average weight loss of 12.4% if participants remained on Foundayo (orforglipron) 17.2mg for 72 weeks, compared with 2.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
Who can take GLP-1 tablets?
GLP-1 tablets may be right for:
People who have a BMI of 30 or more
People who have a BMI of 27 or more and a weight-related health condition, like high blood pressure
People who are already receiving injection weight loss treatment and want to switch
If you meet the body mass index (BMI) requirements for GLP-1 treatment, tablets could be a good choice for you. As long as you meet the criteria and there are no safety reasons why you cannot use GLP-1 tablets, they should be right for you.
A doctor can check if the GLP-1 tablets are a suitable treatment for you. Our consultation service includes a doctor assessment and BMI verification.
Why is BMI verification important?
GLP-1 tablets are only meant as a weight loss treatment for people who are obese, or overweight with certain other risk factors. We can only safely and legally prescribe them online if we check to make sure people meet the prescribing criteria.
This includes checking that people are the BMI they say they are. As well as asking people to tell us their BMI during their treatment consultation, we also ask them to take pictures so we can confirm their BMI and prescribe treatment safely.
For more information about how we verify BMI, see the section on ‘how our service works’. If you need to check your BMI before ordering treatment, use our free online BMI calculator.
Is there anyone who can’t use the GLP-1 tablets?
GLP-1 tablets may not be right for you if you:
have an allergy to semaglutide, orforglipron, or the other ingredients in the tablets
are planning a pregnancy (semaglutide should be stopped 2 months before trying for a baby)
are pregnant or breastfeeding
You should also speak to your doctor before starting GLP-1 tablets if you:
have kidney or liver problems
are diabetic and have diabetic eye problems
have had pancreatitis or acute pancreatitis
have severe heart failure
have severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis
have been diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
have had allergic reactions to other GLP-1 receptor agonists
have gallbladder problems
have a problem with your eyes or vision
are due to have surgery and require anaesthesia
You may not be able to use Wegovy pill or may require doctor supervision if you are also taking:
other GLP-1 medications, like weight loss injections
levothyroxine for thyroid disease (a doctor may need to monitor your thyroid levels)
warfarin or similar medications to reduce blood clotting
You may not be able to use Foundayo or may require doctor supervision if you are also taking:
other GLP-1 medications, like weight loss injections
medication to manage high blood pressure
clarithromycin to treat bacterial infections
itraconazole or ketoconazole to treat fungal infections
ritonavir or telaprevir to treat viral infections
carbamazepine to treat seizures
bosentan for pulmonary hypertension
efavirenz to treat viral infections
rifampicin to treat bacterial infections
phenytoin to treat seizures
St. John’s wort
simvastatin to lower cholesterol
rosuvastatin for lowering cholesterol
topotecan to treat certain cancers
warfarin to prevent blood clots
levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism
are using oral contraception – side effects like vomiting and diarrhoea can reduce the absorption of the oral contraceptive pill and make it less effective
are using a sulfonylurea and/or insulin for diabetes
If you have a chance of getting pregnant and are sexually active, you must use contraception while taking GLP-1 tablets, as the effects of their active ingredients on an unborn baby has not been tested. If you get side effects that stop your oral contraceptive pill from being effective, or you miss a pill, use condoms and speak to your doctor or a sexual health clinic about the coil or implant.
How our service works
If you want convenient and discreet support on your weight loss journey, ZAVA’s service allows you to be assessed for weight loss treatment remotely. If a doctor approves treatment, it can then be posted to you.
1
Answer quick questions
Complete a short medical questionnaire online, take photos, and confirm your ID.
2
Doctor review
One of our doctors will review your request, usually within a few hours, to check whether treatment is suitable.
3
FREE next-day delivery
If approved, your treatment is dispatched with tracked next-day delivery in discreet packaging.
Requesting weight loss treatment from ZAVA is simple:
Fill out a medical assessment – Tell us about your health by answering some simple questions. You can then sign in or set up your private ZAVA account.
Select your preferred treatment – Pick your Wegovy pill dose and enter your payment information.
Confirm your BMI and ID – To make sure weight loss medication is right for you, you need to take a few photos to verify your BMI. These are only seen by our doctors to be able to prescribe weight loss medications safely online. You will also need to provide proof of ID.
Clinical review and prescription – A doctor will check your consultation and images to authorise your treatment.
Discreet home delivery – Begin your journey with medication shipped directly to you in unbranded packaging.
Doctor's perspective
“As a doctor at ZAVA, I feel that we are able to confidently provide patients with weight loss treatment in a safe, accessible, and regulated way. It is great to know that we can help advise and support patients through their journey.”
Treatments that help reduce appetite, food noise and cravings.
Doctors who check in
Regular check-ins and messages for guidance when you need it.
Support beyond the medication
Guidance to help manage appetite, routines and consistency.
What you see is what you pay
No subscription, no hidden fees and no unexpected costs.
At ZAVA, we offer a comprehensive weight loss service that includes effective treatments, ongoing care and support, free weight loss guides and other materials, regular check-ins, and a weight loss maintenance service to help you keep the weight off once you reach your goal weight.
What our patients have to say
Over 200,000 patients trust us on their journey
feel better*
feel more confident*
have more energy*
*based on a survey of over 2,000 ZAVA weight loss patients, reporting results after 3 to 6 months of treatment.
Do they require reusing devices or throwing away needles?Yes
Are they easy to travel with?No
Do they have a higher risk of stomach-related side effects?No
Do they have a risk of injection site side effectsYes
Swipe right to view GLP-1 pills →
Swipe sideways to view more information
*OASIS-4, estimated average weight loss of 16.6% if participants remained on Wegovy (oral semaglutide) 25mg for 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo. Individual results vary.
**SURMOUNT-1, estimated average weight loss of 22.5% if participants remained on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 15mg for 72 weeks, compared with 3.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
➤ For a more detailed look at comparing GLP-1 pills and injections, see our GLP-1 injections vs pills page.
Choosing between injections and pills
For active weight loss, injections are the most effective treatments available. However, if you don’t feel comfortable self-injecting, or you find a daily pill easier to manage, you could try GLP-1 pills instead. The Wegovy pill is the better choice for active weight loss and Foundayo is better suited to maintaining your goal weight.
Can I switch from weight loss injections to GLP-1 pills?
Yes, it is possible. As long as it’s still safe for you to take your injections, you should be able to switch to a GLP-1 pill with a doctor’s approval. Depending on the dose of your current treatment, you may be able to switch to a dose higher than the starting dose of either GLP-1 pill. If you switch to Foundayo from a GLP-1 injection, you may regain some weight.
GLP-1 tablets are more effective overall. Existing oral weight loss treatments include fat-binding capsules that contain orlistat and Mysimba, which also lowers appetite.
Wegovy pill
Foundayo
Orlistat
Mysimba
Active ingredient(s)
Semaglutide
Orforglipron
Orlistat
Naltrexone and bupropion
How they work
Lowers appetite
Lowers appetite
Stops fat being absorbed from food
Lowers appetite
Average starting weight loss
16.6%* after 64 weeks on 25mg
12.4%** after 72 weeks on 36mg
10.2%*** after 52 weeks on 120mg
8.1%**** after 56 weeks on 8mg/90mg
% of people losing at least 5% starting weight
79.2%* after 64 weeks on 25mg
71.8%** after 72 weeks on 36mg
-
48%**** after 56 weeks on 8mg/90mg
Availability
Prescription only
Prescription only
Over the counter options available
Prescription only
Wegovy pill
Active ingredient(s)Semaglutide
How they workLowers appetite
Average starting weight loss16.6%* after 64 weeks on 25mg
% of people losing at least 5% starting weight79.2%* after 64 weeks on 25mg
AvailabilityPrescription only
← Swipe left to view Foundayo
Foundayo
Active ingredient(s)Orforglipron
How they workLowers appetite
Average starting weight loss12.4%** after 72 weeks on 36mg
% of people losing at least 5% starting weight71.8%** after 72 weeks on 36mg
AvailabilityPrescription only
← Swipe left to view Orlistat and
swipe right to view Wegovy pill →
Orlistat
Active ingredient(s)Orlistat
How they workStops fat being absorbed from food
Average starting weight loss10.2%*** after 52 weeks on 120mg
% of people losing at least 5% starting weight-
AvailabilityOver the counter options available
← Swipe left to view Mysimba and
swipe right to view Foundayo →
Mysimba
Active ingredient(s)Naltrexone and bupropion
How they workLowers appetite
Average starting weight loss8.1%**** after 56 weeks on 8mg/90mg
% of people losing at least 5% starting weight48%**** after 56 weeks on 8mg/90mg
AvailabilityPrescription only
Swipe right to view Orlistat →
Swipe sideways to view more information
*OASIS-4, estimated average weight loss of 16.6% if participants remained on Wegovy (oral semaglutide) 25mg for 64 weeks, compared with 2.2% with placebo. Individual results vary.
**ATTAIN-1, estimated average weight loss of 12.4% if participants remained on Foundayo (orforglipron) 17.2mg for 72 weeks, compared with 2.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
***European Multicenter Orlistat Study, average weight loss of 10.2% during the first year with orlistat 120mg, compared with 6.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
****COR-1, average weight loss of 8.1% after 56 weeks among participants who completed the study while taking Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion) 8mg/90mg, compared with 1.3% with placebo. Individual results vary.
Choosing a weight loss pill
As long as a doctor agrees, you can try out any weight loss pill. However, the Wegovy pill is the most effective weight loss pill available in the UK. You can also get low-dose orlistat over the counter as alli or Orlos, but remember that you can request a range of prescription weight loss pills from ZAVA online.
The Wegovy pill does come with some restrictions around how you take it, requiring 8 hours of no food and water before you take it, taking it with a small amount of water (120ml), and then waiting 30 minutes before any other food and drink. Orlistat also has to be taken before every meal that contains fat and Mysimba can be taken up to twice daily, depending on the dose. Foundayo is the simplest to take – once daily, at the same time each day, whatever time suits you best. However, Foundayo is not as effective as Wegovy for active weight loss and is better for when you’ve reached your goal weight.
GLP-1 FAQs
How quickly will you see results?
Many people notice appetite changes within the first few weeks. However, it may be months before you see significant weight loss, as it takes time for changes to diet and lifestyle to take effect.
How long can you take oral GLP-1 pills for?
It is possible to stay on GLP-1 pills for years. Studies on GLP-1 weight loss treatments usually last over 1 year and that’s when they are proven to be effective. As long as it’s safe for you to keep taking them, doctors can approve you staying on GLP-1 medication for a number of years to reach and maintain your goal weight.
Can you get GLP-1 tablets for weight loss on the NHS?
No. Currently, neither the Wegovy pill nor Foundayo are available on the NHS. While both have been approved for weight loss in the UK, the NHS has not yet begun to offer weight loss treatment with either pill yet.
Is Mounjaro available in tablet form?
No. There is no Mounjaro pill available and there is unlikely to ever be a pill with the active ingredient in Mounjaro (tirzepatide) available for weight loss. This is because tirzepatide breaks down too quickly in the stomach for it to be absorbed properly in the body, which means it wouldn’t have any effect.
Dr Kathryn Basford is a GP based in London. She graduated from the University of Manchester and completed her GP training through Whipps Cross Hospital in London. Outside of work she enjoys baking and keeping active, running marathons, swimming, and triathlons.
