By Dr Tracey Bell and the Weight Management Team
SEO Summary
The MHRA has approved Wegovy® tablets (oral semaglutide) for weight management in the UK. This new development means patients may soon have access to a tablet alternative to weekly injections. In this article, we explain how Wegovy tablets work, who may be suitable, expected weight loss results, side effects, likely costs, and what this means for patients seeking medically supervised weight loss treatment in the Isle of Man.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy® contains semaglutide, a medication belonging to a group known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Many people will already be familiar with semaglutide as the active ingredient found in the once-weekly Wegovy injection.
The recent MHRA approval means semaglutide may soon be available as a daily tablet, providing an alternative option for patients who prefer not to inject.
How Does Wegovy Work?
Obesity is now recognised as a complex chronic medical condition involving hormones, metabolism, genetics, appetite regulation and environmental factors.
Many patients tell us:
“I am always hungry.”
“I think about food all day.”
“I can lose weight but I can never keep it off.”
This is because the body actively fights weight loss.
When we diet:
- Hunger hormones increase
- Fullness hormones decrease
- Metabolism slows
- Cravings often intensify
GLP-1 medications help address some of these biological challenges.
Semaglutide mimics a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which is released by the intestine after eating.
It works by:
| Effect | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Reduces appetite | Less hunger |
| Increases fullness | Smaller portions feel satisfying |
| Slows stomach emptying | Patients remain fuller for longer |
| Reduces food noise | Fewer cravings and obsessive food thoughts |
| Improves blood sugar regulation | More stable energy and appetite control |
Many patients report that the biggest change is not simply eating less, but thinking less about food.
Who Is It Approved For?
Wegovy tablets are licensed for adults with:
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Obesity | BMI of 30 or above |
| Overweight | BMI of 27 or above with a weight-related medical condition |
Examples include:
Type 2 diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Sleep apnoea
Cardiovascular disease
Important
At present, this approval applies to adults only.
It is not currently licensed for children or adolescents under the age of 18 years for weight management.
What Weight Loss Can Be Expected?
The approval was based largely on the OASIS 4 clinical trial.
Patients taking oral semaglutide achieved an average weight loss of approximately 13.6% of their starting body weight over 64 weeks when combined with lifestyle changes.
| Starting Weight | Average Weight Loss |
| 90kg | Approximately 12kg |
| 100kg | Approximately 14kg |
| 120kg | Approximately 16kg |
| 140kg | Approximately 19kg |
Individual results vary and depend on:
- Adherence to treatment
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Sleep quality
- Existing medical conditions
Wegovy Tablets vs Wegovy Injections 
| Feature | Wegovy Tablet | Wegovy Injection |
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Frequency | Daily | Weekly |
| Needles | No | Yes |
| Refrigeration | No | Yes |
| Weight loss results | Similar | Similar |
| Administration | Daily fasting required | Weekly injection |
For some patients, avoiding injections may be a major advantage. Others may prefer the simplicity of a once-weekly treatment.
How Is The Tablet Taken?
Unlike many medications, Wegovy tablets have strict administration requirements.
The tablet must be taken:
First thing in the morning
With a small amount of plain water
On an empty stomach
Patients must then wait at least 30 minutes before:
- Eating
- Drinking anything other than water
- Taking other medications
This is essential because food and drink significantly reduce absorption of the medication.
Side Effects
The side-effect profile is similar to injectable semaglutide.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
Most side effects occur during dose escalation and improve as the body adjusts.
How Much Will Wegovy Tablets Cost?
At present, official UK pricing has not been announced.
However, based on manufacturing complexity, development costs and pricing of existing semaglutide products, we anticipate that Wegovy tablets are likely to be priced similarly to, or potentially slightly higher than, injectable Wegovy when launched privately.
This remains speculative until Novo Nordisk publishes official UK pricing.
Will Wegovy Tablets Be Available On The NHS?
Not initially.
Although approved by the MHRA, approval for NHS prescribing follows a separate assessment process through NICE.
This process can take many months following regulatory approval.
Therefore:
Not currently available on the NHS
Not currently available privately
No confirmed NHS launch date
Expected to become available privately first
When Will It Be Available?
Current expectations suggest availability later in 2026.
We are closely monitoring developments and will update patients as soon as official launch dates and pricing are confirmed.
Our View At Tracey Bell Clinic
This approval represents another important step forward in obesity medicine.
Having additional treatment options allows us to tailor weight management plans more effectively to individual patient needs and preferences.
Whether treatment involves tablets, injections, nutritional support or behavioural change, our goal remains the same:
Helping patients achieve safe, sustainable and long-term improvements in their health.
Interested In Medical Weight Loss?
Our experienced team offers personalised consultations and ongoing support for patients seeking evidence-based weight management solutions.
Tracey Bell Dental & Aesthetic Medical Clinic
Kensington Road, Douglas
Isle of Man IM1 3PE
01624 613323
WhatsApp 613323
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