health
Wegovy weight-loss pills to be available for patients in UK to buy
Regulator approval means patients who meet criteria will be able to purchase tablets with private prescription
TL;DR
- The MHRA has approved the Wegovy pill for weight loss in the UK.
- This is the first GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet for weight loss approved in Europe.
- The pills, containing semaglutide, are for adults who are obese or overweight with a weight-related health condition.
- Patients will need a private prescription until NICE approves the drug for NHS availability.
- Clinical trials demonstrated significant weight loss, with 14-17% reduction in body weight over 64 weeks at the highest dose.
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea.
- Experts stress that weight-loss medication should be part of a broader strategy for healthy weight management.
- The pill form is expected to increase access and be more convenient for some patients compared to injections.