June 12th 2026

By Ailsa Colquhoun

First GLP-1 tablet approved for weight loss

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 (MHRA).

The semaglutide (Wegovy) tablet may now be prescribed to adults in the UK with obesity, who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above, or who are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related comorbidity.

The starting dose for the semaglutide tablet is 1.5mg once daily, increasing to 4mg, 9mg and 25mg with a minimum duration of one month at each dose level.

Patients currently treated privately with a 2.4mg semaglutide injection once weekly can be transitioned straight to semaglutide 25mg tablets once daily.

All semaglutide tablets are classified as 'Discount not deducted' - a concession that does not apply to dispensing GPs.