The once-a-day Wegovy weight loss pill, containing the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as the Wegovy injection, is now available to buy privately from High Street and online pharmacies in the UK, though it is not yet available on the NHS. The pill is advised for use alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity. Trials indicate that both the pill and the injection are similarly effective, offering an alternative for those who dislike needles, though the injection may be more convenient for those who cannot fast for eight hours before taking a daily pill. The medication is available to people with a BMI of 30 and above (obese) or a BMI of 27-30 (overweight) with certain weight-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. A consultation is required before obtaining the pill. The semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone that controls appetite, making people feel fuller and less hungry. Common side effects include stomach issues like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhoea, while more serious but rare complications can include low blood sugar, pancreatitis, or severe allergic reactions. Strict guidelines must be followed for taking the pill: it should be taken on an empty stomach after not eating for at least eight hours, at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else, with a sip of up to 120ml of plain water, and ideally at the same time every day. The starting dose is 1.5mg once a day for one month, typically increasing monthly up to a maximum of 25mg once a day. The medication should not be taken by those under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
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