You might have seen the headlines about a new weight loss pill. Two new oral medications for weight management are coming to the UK and for many people they represent something genuinely different – clinically proven treatments that are taken as a once-daily tablet rather than a weekly injection.
Here’s what they are, how they work, and what you need to know.
The two new weight loss pills coming to the UK
The two medications are the Wegovy pill and Orforglipron (UK brand name to be confirmed). Both are oral, once-daily tablets for weight management. They are not the same drug, and they work in slightly different ways. Which one is right for you – if either – is a clinical decision, not a product choice you need to make yourself.
The Wegovy pill
The Wegovy pill is made by Novo Nordisk and contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient as the Wegovy injection. It is expected to become available in the UK this summer, subject to MHRA approval.
Orforglipron
Orforglipron is made by Eli Lilly and is a structurally different type of medication – a small-molecule drug rather than a peptide – which has some practical implications for how it’s taken. In the US it is available under the brand name Foundayo. The UK brand name has not yet been confirmed. It is currently going through regulatory review and is expected to follow the Wegovy pill to market.
Are these the same as the injections?
Not exactly. The Wegovy pill contains the same active ingredient as the Wegovy injection, but it works differently in the body and has its own dosing requirements. Foundayo is a different molecule entirely, from a different manufacturer, with a different clinical profile.
What they share is their mechanism: both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they work by mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. This is the same class of medication as the injectable treatments that have attracted significant attention over the past few years.
The difference is the format. For the roughly 30% of UK adults who are significantly needle-averse, that’s not a small thing.
How effective are they?
Both have strong clinical trial data behind them.
The Wegovy pill showed around 16.6% average weight loss at its highest dose of 25mg over 64 weeks. Individual results may vary.
Orforglipron showed around 12.4% average weight loss at the highest dose over 72 weeks. Individual results may vary. While the headline figure is slightly lower, it has the strongest maintenance evidence in the oral class – meaning it is well-supported by data for people looking to hold weight they have already lost, including those switching from an injectable treatment.
Clinical trial results represent averages across large populations. Individual results vary, and any figures discussed here should be understood in that context.
How are they taken?
This is where the two medications differ most practically.
The Wegovy pill needs to be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, with up to 120ml of plain water. You then need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other oral medications. This isn’t an optional step – it’s how the drug absorbs into the body. Without it, the medication doesn’t work as intended.
Orforglipron is considerably more flexible. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, with no restrictions on other medications or drinks. It should be taken at the same time each day. This makes it a stronger practical fit for people with irregular routines – shift workers, frequent travellers, carers, or anyone on multiple daily medications.
What about people already on injectable treatment?
If you’re currently on Wegovy injection or Mounjaro and wondering whether switching to a pill is an option, the clinical evidence is encouraging.
The ATTAIN-MAINTAIN trial, published in Nature Medicine in May 2026, looked specifically at what happens when people on injectable treatment switch to orforglipron for maintenance. People switching from the Wegovy injection maintained 79% of their weight loss, compared with 38% in those who stopped active treatment. People switching from Mounjaro maintained 75%, compared with 49% on placebo.
For those currently on Mounjaro: tirzepatide produces higher initial weight loss than semaglutide, so there is naturally more weight to maintain when you switch. The trial shows orforglipron handles that well.
The key point for both groups is the same: switching to a pill, with the right clinical support, does not mean losing the progress you’ve worked for.
Switching follows a structured clinical protocol. If you are already on medication our Clinicians will let you know what’s the correct dose to start any new medication on.
Who are these medications for?
Both medications are indicated for adults with obesity, or those who are overweight or have a BMI over 27 and one weight-related comorbidity. Eligibility is assessed by a clinical team – it is not based on weight alone.
They are licensed medications, prescribed and monitored by qualified clinicians. They are not the same as compounded or unlicensed products, which have been circulating in the UK grey market. If you are considering weight management medication, licensed products prescribed through a regulated clinical pathway are the only safe option.
How much do they cost?
Pricing for both products in the UK has not yet been confirmed. We will update this page as soon as pricing is available. In the meantime, you can join the waitlist to be among the first to hear when the products are available and what they cost.
What happens next?
The Wegovy pill is expected to become available in the UK this summer. Orforglipron is anticipated to follow. Both are subject to MHRA approval and confirmed supply.
CheqUp will be offering both medications through its existing programme – one clinical team, one coach, everything included – as soon as they are available. The medication format changes. The level of care does not.
This article is for informational purposes. All treatment decisions are made by CheqUp’s clinical team based on your individual profile. Product availability is subject to MHRA approval. Clinical trial figures represent population averages; individual results will vary.
