GLP-1 Tablets for Weight Loss: Everything You Need To Know

Weight loss has entered a new era and GLP-1 tablets are quickly becoming one of the most talked about breakthroughs.
If you’ve heard about Mounjaro and Wegovy, you may be wondering about the new Wegovy tablets that have recently been approved for weight loss in the UK.
Orforglipron tablets are another GLP-1 treatment used in weight management, but have yet to gain approval for use in the UK.

For many individuals, taking a tablet is much more convenient than administering a weekly injection. As new oral GLP-1 medicines are becoming available, tablets are becoming an increasingly popular option for weight management.

What are GLP-1 tablets?

GLP-1 tablets (also known as GLP-1 pills) are medications that mimic a natural hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone:

• Helps to regulate appetite

• Reduces hunger

• Helps keep you fuller, quicker, for longer

• Slows down the emptying of your stomach

Naturally, this causes people to eat less, making it easier to lose weight alongside healthier lifestyle changes.

How do GLP-1 tablets work?

Whether you use GLP-1 treatment as an injection or tablets, they work in pretty much the same way.
By acting on receptors in the brain that control hunger and fullness, they help you to:

• Feel satisfied after a smaller meal

• Snack less in between meals

• Experience fewer food cravings

• Consume fewer calories

Most individuals achieve the best results when they combine oral GLP-1 treatment with a balanced diet, regular physical activity and healthier lifestyle habits.

When will GLP-1 tablets be available in the UK?

If you are considering starting treatment with GLP-1 tablets, you may be wondering when they will be available in the UK.

Wegovy Tablets

Wegovy tablets contain the same active ingredient as the Wegovy injections - semaglutide.
Wegovy tablets were approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on June 11 2026.

This means you can now request treatment for Wegovy tablets via Quick Meds.

Wegovy tablets work in the same way as the Wegovy injection.
It helps to:

• Reduce your appetite

• Keep you fuller, quicker and for longer

• Slows down the emptying of your stomach

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headaches

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal discomfort

Orforglipron Tablets

Orforglipron tablets (brand name Foundayo) are currently being developed by Eli Lilly and are not yet licensed for weight management in the UK.
There is no confirmed date as to when these may become available but they are expected in late 2026 or early 2027.

Orforglipron is also a GLP-1 and so works by making you feel fuller, quicker for longer - an effective mechanism for weight management.

Orforglipron tablets can be taken with or without food but if you take certain medications known as CYP3A4 inhibitors or simvastatin, you should inform your prescriber as your dose may need to be adjusted.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Headaches

• Constipation

• Diarrhoea

• Abdominal discomfort

Who may prefer GLP-1 tablets

GLP-1 tablets can be considered far more convenient than the injections. The tablets may particularly suit those who:

• Prefer taking tablets over using injections

• Feel anxious or nervous around needles

• Prefer a daily tablet that easily fits into their routine

• Find it easier to store tablets than injections

• Travel frequently and find it difficult to transport injections due to temperature requirements

• Prefer to avoid having to dispose of sharps appropriately

• Would rather have a painless, non-invasive option

Some may still prefer injections due to the less frequent dosing schedule. If you’re not sure which option is for you, contact one of our clinicians here at Quick Meds.

How effective are GLP-1 tablets?

A Clinical trial for Wegovy tablets showed that patients lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight over 64-weeks, in combination with increased physical activity.
In addition, 76.3% of patients taking Wegovy tablets lost at least 5% of their body weight, compared to just 30.5% taking a placebo.

A phase 3 trial for Orforglipron tablets detailed that after 72-weeks, patients lost up to 11.1% of their body weight. Treatment was used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
71.5% of patients lost at least 5% of their body weight and 18.4% of patients lost at least 20% of their body weight. This is compared to 26.8% and 2.9% respectively, of patients taking a placebo.

Results of treatment can vary depending on:

• The medication

• The dose

• The individual

• Diet and physical activity

GLP-1 Tablets vs Injections

Both the tablets and injections aim to achieve the same goal - helping patients lose weight through appetite reduction - but which is better?

Neither option is automatically ‘better’. The right choice depends on your preferences, your weight loss goals and your medical history.