For many people considering GLP-1 medication, one question has always come up: "Can I take it as a tablet instead of an injection?"

The answer is now yes.

Oral Wegovy, the first GLP-1 tablet licensed in the UK for weight management, is now available through Habitual. It contains the same active ingredient as the Wegovy injection (semaglutide) but is taken as a once-daily tablet rather than a weekly injection. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved oral Wegovy for adults living with obesity or those who are overweight with at least one weight-related health condition in June 2026.¹

Whether you're new to weight loss medication or looking for an alternative to injections, here's everything you need to know.

What is Oral Wegovy?

Oral Wegovy is a prescription-only medication containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

It works by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which helps to:

• Reduce appetite
• Help you feel fuller for longer
• Slow the rate at which food leaves your stomach
• Reduce food cravings and "food noise"

Like injectable Wegovy, oral Wegovy works best when combined with a healthy diet, increased physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes.¹

Is Oral Wegovy available in the UK?

Yes. Oral Wegovy was approved by the MHRA in June 2026 and is now available privately through selected providers, including Habitual.¹

If you're interested in starting treatment, you can find our latest prices and available doses here.

How do you take Oral Wegovy?

Unlike the weekly injection, Oral Wegovy is taken once every day.

For the medication to be absorbed properly, it's important to follow these instructions:

• Take it first thing in the morning
• Swallow the tablet whole with a small amount of plain water (around 120 mL)
• Take it on an empty stomach
• Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking any other medication²

Following these instructions helps your body absorb the medication as effectively as possible.

Oral Wegovy dosing schedule

To help reduce side effects, your dose is increased gradually over time.

The typical dosing schedule is:

Weeks

Daily dose

Weeks 1–4

1.5 mg

Weeks 5–8

4 mg

Weeks 9–12

9 mg

Week 13 onwards

25 mg

Our clinical team will advise whether this schedule is suitable for you.

What side effects can you expect?

Like all GLP-1 medications, oral Wegovy can cause side effects, particularly during the first few weeks or after increasing your dose.

The most common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Bloating

These side effects are usually mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to treatment.¹

Eating smaller meals, staying hydrated and avoiding high-fat foods can often help minimise digestive symptoms.

How much weight can you lose on oral Wegovy?

Everyone responds differently to treatment, but clinical trials have shown encouraging results.

During the phase 3 OASIS 4 clinical trial—the pivotal study leading to the MHRA's approval of the 25 mg daily tablet—participants combining the medication with lifestyle adjustments achieved an average weight loss of 13.6% after 64 weeks. In comparison, the group receiving a placebo saw only a 2.2% reduction in body weight.³

As with any weight loss medication, your results will depend on a number of factors, including:

• Taking the medication consistently
• Following the recommended dose escalation
• Nutrition and physical activity
• Individual response to treatment

It's important to remember that healthy, sustainable weight loss takes time. While some people notice appetite changes within the first few weeks, the greatest weight loss is typically seen over several months.

Ready to get started?

If you're considering oral Wegovy, you can see if it’s the right treatment for you here.

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