Semaglutide tablet approved in the UK for weight loss
- Jun 11
- 2 min read
The UK’s first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss and weight management has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.
The semaglutide tablet, marketed as Wegovy by Novo Nordisk, has been approved for use alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Until now, semaglutide tablets were licensed for adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes, while semaglutide for weight loss was available as an injection.
The MHRA said the tablet may now be prescribed to adults in the UK with obesity, meaning a Body Mass Index of 30 or above. It may also be prescribed to adults who are overweight, with a BMI between 27 and 30, if they also have at least one weight related health condition.
How semaglutide works
Semaglutide mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, known as GLP-1. This is a hormone released by the body after eating.
It acts on areas of the brain involved in appetite, helping people feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and decreasing food cravings.
The MHRA said the medicine can help people eat less and support weight reduction when used alongside appropriate diet and lifestyle measures.
How the tablet is taken
The starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily, increasing to 4 mg, 9 mg and then 25 mg, with at least one month at each dose level.
The tablet must be taken whole on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours, with a sip of water. After taking it, no food or drink should be taken for at least 30 minutes, as eating or drinking too soon can reduce absorption.
The MHRA also said that patients currently treated privately with a 2.4 mg semaglutide injection once weekly for weight loss can be transitioned straight to 25 mg semaglutide tablets once daily.
Not currently available on the NHS
Although the tablet has been approved for use in the UK, it is not currently available through the NHS.
The MHRA said decisions on NHS use will follow established processes, including evaluation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
The most common side effects of semaglutide are gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting.
Anyone who suspects they are experiencing side effects should speak to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse, and can report suspected side effects through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.