If you’ve seen today’s headlines, you’ll have noticed that Wegovy weight loss tablets have officially gone on sale in UK pharmacies (as of Monday 6th July 2026). Unsurprisingly, I’ve already had people asking whether they’re better than the injections, whether they work the same way and whether they should wait for the tablets instead of starting Mounjaro or Wegovy injections now.
The short answer is that the tablets are a genuine alternative for some people, but there are a few important things you should know before deciding which option is right for you.
Is the Wegovy tablet a new medication?
Not really.
Although it’s new to the UK, the active ingredient isn’t new at all. The tablet contains semaglutide, which is exactly the same medication that’s found in Wegovy injections. In other words, the medication itself hasn’t changed. The main difference is simply how it gets into your body.
Like the injections, the tablet works by helping you feel fuller for longer, reducing hunger and quietening the food noise that so many people struggle with. It still needs to be used alongside healthier eating habits and increased physical activity, rather than replacing them.
How do you take the Wegovy tablet?
One of the biggest differences between the Wegovy tablet and the injection is how strict you need to be with taking it.
The injection is taken once a week, whereas the tablet is taken once a day. In the UK, the available strengths are 1.5mg, 4mg, 9mg and 25mg, with the dose increased gradually under the guidance of your prescriber.
The important thing is that it cannot simply be taken alongside your breakfast or morning coffee. To make sure the medication is absorbed properly, it needs to be taken after fasting for at least eight hours, with no more than 120ml of plain water. You then need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else or taking any other oral medication.
For some people, that routine will be absolutely fine. For others, especially if your mornings are busy, you work shifts, you already take several morning tablets or you simply can’t function without a coffee as soon as you wake up, a weekly injection may actually fit your lifestyle much better.
That is why I don’t think it’s as simple as saying a tablet is easier than an injection. If you’re nervous about needles, the tablet could be an excellent alternative. Equally, if remembering one injection a week sounds easier than following a strict morning routine every single day, the injection may still be the better choice.
Does the Weight Loss Pill Work as Well as the Injection?
Based on the evidence we have so far, the answer appears to be yes.
In the OASIS 4 clinical trial, people taking the 25mg Wegovy tablet lost up to 16.6% of their starting body weight over 64 weeks when the medication was taken as intended. When researchers included everyone in the study, including those who didn’t fully stick to treatment, the average weight loss was 13.6%.
For comparison, the original STEP 1 trial found that people taking the weekly Wegovy injection lost an average of 14.9% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) still appears to produce the greatest average weight loss overall. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants lost between 16.0% and 22.5% of their starting body weight, depending on the dose used.
So, if we compare the headline trial results:
- Wegovy tablet: up to 16.6% average weight loss over 64 weeks.
- Wegovy injection: 14.9% average weight loss over 68 weeks.
- Mounjaro injection: 16.0% to 22.5% average weight loss over 72 weeks.
It’s important not to get too hung up on those percentages, though. Clinical trials are carried out under tightly controlled conditions, and everyone’s results are different. In practice, choosing the medication that suits your lifestyle, sticking with it consistently and using it alongside healthier eating habits and regular physical activity will almost always have a bigger impact than chasing the highest number in a study.
Is it replacing Mounjaro?
No.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are different medications, and the arrival of the Wegovy tablet doesn’t change that.
Some people will still be better suited to Mounjaro, while others may prefer semaglutide in either tablet or injection form. The right choice depends on your medical history, your goals, and the advice you receive during your consultation with your GP or private prescriber.
If you’re already doing well on your current medication, I certainly wouldn’t be rushing to switch just because a tablet has become available. Always get the advice of a relevant medical professional first.
Who can get it?
The eligibility criteria are broadly the same as Wegovy injections. It’s available privately following a consultation for people who meet the prescribing criteria, which generally means adults living with obesity or those who are overweight and also have certain weight-related health conditions.
It’s worth remembering that this isn’t designed as a quick fix before a holiday or a way of losing a few pounds for cosmetic reasons. These are prescription medicines intended to help people improve their health.
One thing I would be careful about
One concern that’s already being raised is counterfeit medication.
Unfortunately, whenever a weight loss medication becomes popular, fake products seem to appear not long afterwards. If you come across websites selling tablets at prices that seem far cheaper than everyone else, or offering them without any consultation at all, I’d be extremely cautious.
Always use a regulated pharmacy that carries out a proper assessment before prescribing.
Saving a little money simply isn’t worth risking your health.
My thoughts as a Weight Loss coach
Overall, as a weight loss coach, I think having another option is a positive thing.
I’ve coached a growing number of people using GLP-1 medications. I think about 80% of my clients don’t use them and then about 20% at any given time do take them (or have taken them in the past).
One thing I’ve learnt is that there isn’t a single solution that’s right for everybody. Some people love the simplicity of a weekly injection, while others would much rather take a tablet every morning. And let’s not forget that, for some people, weight drugs are not the best option or something they want to do.
The important thing is remembering that whichever route you choose, the medication is only one part of the process and one option.
The people who tend to get the best long-term results are the ones who use the reduced appetite as an opportunity to build better habits. They prioritise protein, stay active, maintain as much muscle as possible, and gradually develop a way of eating that they can continue long after the medication has finished.
Whether that’s with a weekly injection or a daily tablet, that part hasn’t changed.
If anything, today’s news simply gives more people another way of getting started.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and should not be taken as medical advice. Weight loss medications are prescription medicines and aren’t suitable for everyone. Always speak to a qualified healthcare professional or prescriber, who can assess your individual circumstances and help you decide which treatment, if any, is right for you.
