The United Kingdom has officially approved a new daily weight-loss tablet, marking a significant step in obesity treatment. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has authorised the nation's first GLP-1 anti-obesity pill, known as Wegovy, a daily semaglutide tablet designed for adults living with obesity.
Who Can Take Wegovy?
The medication is intended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It will also be offered to people who are overweight if they suffer from related health conditions such as high blood pressure. The MHRA has authorised these tablets to assist significantly overweight individuals alongside an active lifestyle and a calorie-controlled diet.
Dosage and Administration
Patients will start on a 1.5mg dose before gradually stepping up to 4mg, 9mg, and eventually 25mg. Each specific dosage must be maintained for a minimum of four weeks before advancing to the next strength. Those currently receiving private care with a weekly 2.4mg Wegovy injection can transition directly to the daily 25mg tablets, according to the authority.
Availability and Prescription
The treatment is available on prescription and is expected to arrive in private clinics within weeks. However, health officials have not yet reviewed the medication for general use on the NHS. Julian Beach from the MHRA stated: "Having met the MHRA's rigorous standards of safety, quality and effectiveness, the semaglutide tablet has been approved in the UK for weight loss and weight management. As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication."
How to Take the Pill
Created by pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, the pill must be taken whole on an empty stomach with a small amount of plain water after an eight-hour fast. Patients cannot eat or drink anything for the next half hour to ensure proper absorption. The MHRA explains: "Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), which is released by the body after eating. Semaglutide acts on areas of the brain that regulate appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings."
Expert Comments
Sebnem Avsar Tuna from Novo Nordisk said: "This marks an important milestone for obesity care in the UK. For the first time, people living with obesity have access to a GLP-1 treatment in a daily pill, allowing them the choice and flexibility of oral treatment to support their long-term weight management."
Potential Side Effects
Some people may experience side effects, most commonly gastrointestinal disorders including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, and vomiting. The MHRA keeps the safety and effectiveness of semaglutide under close review. Anyone suspecting a side effect should consult their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse and report it via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
