Wegovy tablets
A daily GLP-1 weight loss tablet containing semaglutide that can help you lose weight by reducing your appetite.
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First GLP-1 weight loss tablet approved in the UK
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17% weight loss on average in 64 weeks
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Needle free alternative to weekly injections
Wegovy tablets have now been approved in the UK, and we’re getting ready to offer them at ZAVA. The launch date and price are still being confirmed. Join the waitlist, and we’ll let you know as soon as our doctors start prescribing Wegovy tablets online.
What is the Wegovy tablet?
The Wegovy tablet is the first oral GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) weight loss treatment approved in the UK. It is a tablet version of the once-weekly injection of Wegovy (semaglutide). It was approved by the MHRA on 11 June 2026 for adults with obesity, or adults who are overweight and have at least one weight related health condition.
The tablet contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as the Wegovy injection. It is taken once a day in the morning rather than as a weekly injection. It works by reducing your appetite and slowing down how quickly your stomach empties, helping you feel fuller for longer and lose weight alongside diet and exercise.
How effective is the Wegovy tablet?
The OASIS 4 trial, which is a study of people taking the Wegovy tablet at a dose of 25mg for 71 weeks, shows that by week 64, patients lost 17% on average of their starting body weight. This is compared to those who lost 2% of their starting body weight on the placebo (no medication) tablet.
Could the Wegovy pill be right for you?
You may benefit from a needle-free, daily semaglutide tablet compared to the injection form if you:
- worry about weekly injections
- have a preference for taking medication daily or find it easier to keep track of this way
- travel often, and find yourself concerned about making sure your medication is stored correctly
- have anxiety or phobias about needles
- get strong reactions or side effects around the site of injections
Potential side effects and safety considerations
Wegovy in an oral form has similar side effects and safety considerations compared to injections. However, injections may cause side effects at the injection site, which will not happen when taking semaglutide orally. Taking Wegovy pills may have a higher chance of stomach-related side effects since the medication is absorbed in the digestive system.
Like with Wegovy injections, side effects are more likely when starting the Wegovy tablet, and when increasing the dosage.
You should speak to your doctor before starting Wegovy (pill or injection) if you:
- have kidney or liver problems
- are diabetic
- have had pancreatitis
- have severe heart failure
- have severe gastrointestinal disease including gastroparesis
- have been diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
- are due to have surgery under anaesthetic
- have had allergic reactions to other GLP-1 receptor agonists
- are pregnant or are thinking about becoming pregnant
- are breastfeeding
- are using contraception
Common side effects of Wegovy
Common side effects of Wegovy (semaglutide) include:
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- constipation
- low blood sugar
- gas
- stomach ache or pain
- heartburn
- belching or bloating
- dizziness
- tiredness
- headache
- changes to taste
- altered skin sensation
- hair loss
- injection site reactions
Has the Wegovy tablet been approved in the UK?
Yes. Wegovy tablets were approved by the MHRA on 11 June 2026 for weight management in adults. They are licensed for adults with obesity, or adults who are overweight and have at least one weight related health condition.
We’re getting ready to offer Wegovy tablets at ZAVA soon. The launch date and price are still being confirmed, but you can join our waitlist to be notified as soon as our doctors start prescribing them online.
When will the Wegovy tablet be available in the UK?
Wegovy tablets have been approved in the UK, and we’re planning to offer them at ZAVA soon. The launch date and price are still being confirmed, so they are not available to request from us yet. Join our waitlist and we’ll let you know as soon as our doctors start prescribing Wegovy tablets online.
How much will the Wegovy tablet cost?
The price for Wegovy tablets at ZAVA is still being confirmed. We’re getting ready to offer them soon, and we’ll update this page as soon as the price is available. You can join our waitlist to be notified when our doctors start prescribing Wegovy tablets online.
Will oral Wegovy be available on the NHS?
Wegovy tablets have been approved in the UK, but this does not automatically mean they are available on the NHS. We’ll update this page when more information is available.
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Medication
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Wegovy tablet
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Orlistat
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Alli
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Xenical
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Mysimba
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Orlos
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How it works
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Lowers appetite, increases fullness | Limits fat absorbed by the body | Limits fat absorbed by the body | Limits fat absorbed by the body | Boosts fullness by targeting the brain | Limits fat absorbed by the body |
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Available over the counter?
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No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
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Active ingredient
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GLP-1 Semaglutide | Orlistat (120mg) | Orlistat (60mg) | Orlistat (120mg) | Naltrexone & bupropion | Orlistat (60mg) |
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When to take it
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Once daily 30 minutes before a meal | 3 times daily | 3 times daily | 3 times daily | 2 times daily at maintenance dose | 3 times daily |
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Effectiveness
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People lose an average of 17% of their starting weight within 64 weeks | 37% of people lose 5% or more of their starting weight within 12 weeks | 46.7% of people lose 5% or more of their starting weight within 6 months | 37% of people lose 5% or more of their starting weight within 12 weeks | People lose 8% of their starting weight on average | 46.7% of people lose 5% or more of their starting weight within 6 months |
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Cost (ZAVA)
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Price not confirmed yet | From £99.99 | From £99.00 | From £99.99 | From £99.00 | From £99.00 |
Frequently asked questions
Is oral semaglutide the same as Wegovy?
Oral semaglutide contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, you just take it by swallowing it with water instead of injecting it. Oral semaglutide is taken once a day, unlike injections which are given once a week. The benefits and potential effects of it are reported to be similar. With the oral semaglutide however, you will not experience reactions at the site of injection and average weight loss will be slightly lower.
Is the Wegovy tablet more effective than orforglipron?
Clinical trials have found that people lost on average 17% of their starting weight on the Wegovy tablet in 64 weeks. In comparison, in phase 3 trials for orforglipron, after 72 weeks people achieved an average of 10.5% weight loss.
Since people lose more weight on average in just under the same amount of time, Wegovy pills appear to be more effective than orforglipron. But, it’s important to remember results vary for different people taking the same medications.
Is the Wegovy tablet safe?
Yes. Wegovy tablets have been reviewed and approved by the MHRA in the UK. They are a prescription only medication and are not suitable for everyone. They should only be prescribed after a qualified prescriber or doctor has reviewed your health, medical history and any medication you take, to make sure treatment is safe and suitable for you.
How quickly will you see results with the Wegovy tablet?
Patients in the US taking part in the OASIS 4 trial lost on average 17% of their starting weight in 64 weeks. Like with the Wegovy injection, depending on whether you follow an adjusted diet and lifestyle routine alongside taking the Wegovy pill, this will determine how quickly you see results.
Is the Wegovy tablet safe to take long term?
Studies show it is safe to take Wegovy tablets for 64 weeks. It’s hard to say what the safety will be long term. Rybelsus tablets, which contain the same active ingredient, can be safely taken long term to help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar.
In the US, Wegovy tablets have a maintenance dose of 25mg. Like with the Wegovy injection maintenance dose of 7.2mg, this can be taken for as long as needed, if a doctor approves ongoing treatment.
Dr Clair Grainger did her undergraduate studies at The University of Edinburgh between 2004 to 2009. She completed her training as a GP at North Middlesex Hospital in 2017. Her experience includes hospitals throughout Edinburgh and London. Clair has been at ZAVA since 2018, and also works as an NHS GP. Her professional interests include respiratory, sexual, and reproductive health.
Last reviewed: 01 Jun 2026
Sources
- What to Know About the New Semaglutide Pill for Obesity, JAMA Network [accessed February 2026]
- FDA Approves Oral Wegovy Following Positive Phase III OASIS 4 Trial Result, Applied Clinical Trials [accessed February 2026]
- Wegovy pill guide, Novo Nordisk [accessed February 2026]
- Weight-loss results with Wegovy pill, Novo Nordisk [accessed February 2026]
- Oral Semaglutide at a dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, New England Journal of Medicine [accessed February 2026]
- Research Study Looking at How Well Semaglutide Tablets Taken Once Daily Work in People Who Have a Body Weight Above the Healthy Range (OASIS 4), Novo Nordisk [accessed February 2026]
- Wegovy, emc [accessed February 2026]
- Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, phase 3 trial, The Lancet [accessed February 2026]
- Orlistat, emc [accessed February 2026]
- Alli, emc [accessed February 2026]
- Mysimba, emc [accessed February 2026]
- Lilly’s oral GLP-1 orforglipron, demonstrated statistically significant efficacy results and a safety profile consistent with injectable GLP-1 medicines in successful Phase 3 trial, Eli Lilly [accessed February 2026]
- Once-weekly semaglutide 7·2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial, The Lancet [accessed February 2026]
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The experts behind your care
Our doctors are regulated by the CQC and GPhC, the same bodies overseeing NHS care.
Dr. Anca Vasilis-Peter
Endocrinologist & Nutrition Specialist
Dr. Kathryn Basford
GP & Doctor Team Lead
Fenja Nolte
Nutritionist