The once-a-day Wegovy weight loss pill is now on sale privately at High Street and online pharmacies across the UK, offering a needle-free alternative to the popular injection. But it comes with strict rules: take it on an empty stomach after an eight-hour fast, at least 30 minutes before any food or drink, with only a sip of up to 120ml of plain water, and swallow it whole – ideally at the same time each day. Miss a dose? Skip it and take the next scheduled one.
Containing the same active ingredient as the Wegovy injection – semaglutide, a hormone mimic that suppresses appetite – the pill works similarly well in trials, according to the manufacturers. But while the injection is once weekly and must be refrigerated, the tablet requires daily discipline and a fasting window, which might not suit everyone. If you dislike needles, the pill could be a better option; if you dislike daily fasting, the jab may be more convenient.
“The once-a-day Wegovy pill, containing semaglutide, can now be bought privately from UK pharmacies.”
Who can get it? People with a BMI of 30 or above – generally considered obese – or a BMI of 27-30 if they also have weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, the same criteria as for the injection. A consultation, online or face-to-face, is required to ensure the pill is suitable. Several pharmacies say stocks will be available soon; some suggest signing up to a waiting or mailing list. Officials warn buyers to stick to credible websites to avoid fake medicines.
Very common side effects with both forms include stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea. With the jab, there may be skin redness, itching or mild swelling at the injection site. Some people on the tablets or injections may also experience stomach pain, headaches and tiredness. More rarely, serious complications such as low blood sugar, pancreatitis or severe reactions can occur.
The pill is not yet available on the NHS, so patients must pay privately. It is still advised to be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity. As demand for weight-loss drugs surges, the arrival of a tablet form could reshape how obesity is treated on the high street – but the real test may be whether patients can stick to the daily fasting routine long enough to see results.