Up to 16.6% weight loss with clinically proven tablets*

Currently, there are weight loss capsules available that can support weight reduction, provided they are deemed suitable following a successful clinical assessment. Some of the most commonly recognised options include: 

• Orlos (Orlistat 60mg) - is a weight loss pill that blocks digestive enzymes so some of the fat you eat passes through your body instead of being absorbed. 

• Alli (Orlistat 60mg) - is a weight loss pill that reduces the absorption of around a quarter of the fat you eat. For every 2 kg you lose through dieting alone, orlistat 60mg (Orlos and Alli) may help you lose up to 1 kg more.

• Formoline L112 – is a weight loss device that looks like a tablet, clinical studies demonstrate that Formoline L112 can bind to dietary fats in the gastrointestinal tract, effectively reducing the number of calories absorbed from food.‡

‡ L112.com - Guideline-based use and efficacy of the lipid binder formoline L112 in the treatment of overweight and obesity

Weight loss capsules support weight management through one of the following mechanisms: 

• Blocking fat absorption - Orlos and Alli prevent some dietary fat from being broken down and absorbed, so it passes through the body instead. 

• Binding dietary fats - Formoline L112 physically binds fats in the stomach, reducing calorie intake from fatty foods. 

 
All options may offer improved results when paired with a balanced diet and exercise. 

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP‑1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone regulating appetite. It reduces hunger, increases fullness, slows stomach emptying, and helps regulate blood sugar. 

Wegovy works systemically, affecting the brain’s appetite centres, and leads to reduced calorie intake. 

Orlistat works in the gut to reduce how much dietary fat your body absorbs. Semaglutide (Wegovy) works differently, affecting appetite and how full you feel.

It’s not yet known whether Wegovy tablets will be available on the NHS. At the moment, only Wegovy injections are offered through NHS services for those who fulfil a number of requirements.  

If semaglutide tablets are introduced on the NHS for weight management in the future, the criteria would be determined by NHS guidance at that time. For now, the only established criteria relate to Wegovy injections, which are currently the form available through the NHS. 

Current NHS criteria for Wegovy injections include:

• Meeting the NHS BMI requirements for treatment 

• Having at least one weight‑related comorbidity listed in NICE guidance 

• Being referred to a specialist weight‑management service 

Even though Wegovy injections and tablets contain the same active ingredient, they don’t work in exactly the same way. Both forms have similar effects on appetite and feelings of fullness, but because injections and tablets deliver the medicine into the body differently. This can influence how well the treatment works for each person and their effects and clinical outcomes may vary. 

Wegovy tablets have been shown to be effective for weight loss when compared with a placebo (a tablet with no active medicine). The OASIS 4 clinical study reported that people taking Wegovy tablets achieve an average weight loss of up to 16.6% of their body weight over 15 months with Wegovy tablets.

The studies also show: 

• 28% lose at least 20% 

• 47% lose at least 15% 

• 60% lose at least 10% 

• 76% lose at least 5% of their starting weight 

These results reflect how semaglutide tablets can support meaningful weight loss when used alongside lifestyle changes and under clinical supervision.

Like all medicines, Wegovy can cause side effects in some people. These are usually mild and tend to settle as your body adjusts to treatment. Side effects are most common when you first start the tablets or after a dose increase.  

If Wegovy tablets are approved in the UK, a full list of side effects will be provided in the patient information leaflet. 

Some of the most common and very common side effects of Wegovy tablets can include: 

• stomach pain 

• feeling tired 

• Diarrhoea 

• Bloating 

• feeling dizzy 

• Burping 

• Constipation 

• low blood sugar 

• runny nose or sore throat 

• Gas 

• Headache 

• feeling sick (nausea) 

• Heartburn 

• Vomiting 

This is not a full list of side effects. For complete information, please read the patient leaflet or speak to a healthcare professional.

At Pharmacy2U, the standard cost of Wegovy tablets is as follows (pending a full and successful clinical consultation):

Dose level 1 – 1.5mg - £109.99

Dose level 2 – 4mg - Coming soon

Dose level 3 – 9mg - Coming soon

Dose level 4 – 25mg - Coming soon

If Wegovy tablets are eventually offered on the NHS for weight loss, they may be available for the standard prescription charge, or free of charge for people who do not pay for prescriptions.