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Weight-loss treatment has changed dramatically over the last few years, with GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy becoming an increasingly important option for people living with overweight and obesity.
Until recently, Wegovy for weight management was only available as an injection.
But in June 2026, the MHRA approved oral Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets, making this the first GLP-1 tablet approved in the UK specifically for weight loss and weight management.
For people who don’t like injections — or simply prefer taking a tablet — this offers another potential treatment option.
But how does it work, and is taking a tablet really as simple as it sounds?
What is semaglutide and how does it work?
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a type of medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
GLP-1 is a hormone naturally released by our body after we eat. It plays an important role in regulating appetite and how much we eat.
Semaglutide mimics the effects of GLP-1 and acts on areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation.
Put simply, it can help you:
- Feel fuller for longer
- Feel less hungry
- Reduce food cravings
- Eat less without constantly feeling hungry
Semaglutide can also affect blood glucose regulation and causes a small delay in stomach emptying after eating.
The result? For appropriate patients, it can be a useful tool to support weight loss alongside changes to nutrition, physical activity and lifestyle.
How is oral Wegovy taken?
Unlike injectable Wegovy, which is taken weekly, oral Wegovy is taken every day.
Treatment starts at a low dose and gradually increases:
Month 1: 1.5 mg daily
Month 2: 4 mg daily
Month 3: 9 mg daily
Month 4 onwards: 25 mg daily
It needs to be taken after fasting for at least eight hours, with a small amount of water. You then need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medication.
Oral Wegovy: Your Questions Answered
Will I lose as much weight with the tablet as the injection?
Oral semaglutide has produced significant weight loss in clinical trials. However, everyone responds differently, and oral and injectable Wegovy aren’t simply interchangeable dose-for-dose.
Is the tablet better than the injection?
Not necessarily.
Some people may prefer avoiding injections. Others may actually find one weekly injection easier than remembering a tablet every morning and following the fasting instructions.
It’s about finding the right treatment for you.
Can I switch from Wegovy injections to the tablets?
Potentially, but this should be discussed with your prescriber rather than simply swapping from one to the other yourself.
Can I take oral Wegovy with my other tablets?
Possibly, but your medication needs to be reviewed.
Oral Wegovy has specific instructions around when you can take other oral medication, so always tell your prescriber everything you’re taking.
Can I split the tablet to take a smaller dose?
No. Wegovy tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be split, crushed or chewed.
What happens if I forget a dose?
Don’t double up. Follow the instructions supplied with your medication and speak to your prescriber or pharmacist if you’re unsure.
What are the most common side effects?
The most common are digestive symptoms, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting.
Starting at a low dose and gradually increasing it allows the body time to adjust.
Is oral Wegovy suitable for everyone?
No.
Your BMI is only one part of the picture. Your medical history, current medication, previous treatments and individual risk factors all need to be considered before prescribing.
Do I still need to think about diet and exercise?
Absolutely.
Medication is only one part of successful weight management. Good nutrition, adequate protein, maintaining muscle mass, physical activity, sleep and sustainable lifestyle changes remain extremely important.
Tablet or Injection — Which Is Right for You?
Having another treatment option is good news — but new doesn’t automatically mean better.
For some people, a daily tablet may be an attractive alternative. For others, a weekly injection may be more convenient.
The important question isn’t simply:
“Which medication should I take?”
It’s:
“Which weight-loss strategy is most appropriate for me?”
An individual medical assessment can help you understand the different options and decide on a strategy that takes into account your health, lifestyle and weight-loss goals.
Not sure which weight-management option is right for you?
Book a Weight Loss Strategy Consultation to discuss your individual circumstances and the treatment options that may be appropriate for you.
