Wegovy tablets for weight loss – what are they and how do they work?

What are Wegovy tablets and how do they work?

Wegovy tablets are a once-daily oral treatment containing semaglutide. They reduce appetite by activating the body's GLP-1 receptors in the same way as the body's natural satiety hormones.

Traditional GLP-1 medicines are peptides that are normally broken down by enzymes in the digestive tract within minutes. To allow semaglutide to be absorbed as a tablet, a special absorption enhancer (SNAC) is used to temporarily raise the pH level in the stomach. This protects semaglutide from being broken down and allows the active ingredient to pass directly through the stomach lining into the bloodstream.

Once in the bloodstream, the medicine acts on the brain's hunger and fullness centres, helping people feel full sooner, eat smaller portions, and reduce persistent cravings for sweet foods.

Clinical results: How effective are Wegovy tablets?

Clinical trials show that Wegovy tablets at the highest dose of 25 mg per day result in an average weight loss of 13.6% of body weight in people who follow their daily treatment regimen for 64 weeks.

These results come from the OASIS 4 study and are comparable to the weight loss previously achieved only with once-weekly injections.

In addition to weight loss, research shows that semaglutide significantly improves blood pressure, waist circumference, and blood lipid levels.

Wegovy tablets vs Wegovy injections: What's the difference?

The main difference between Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections is how often they're taken and how sensitive absorption is to food and drink.

While Wegovy injections (2.4 mg) are given once a week, Wegovy tablets (25 mg) are taken once daily. This requires a more structured morning routine. Wegovy tablets must be taken on a completely empty stomach (after at least eight hours of fasting) with no more than 120 ml of plain water. After taking the tablet, you must wait at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast, drinking coffee, or taking any other medication to avoid blocking the absorption of semaglutide. At Yazen, we recommend waiting 60 minutes to ensure even more reliable absorption.

Storage is simpler, as the tablets can be kept at room temperature and don't require refrigeration like the injection pens. It's important to follow the dosing instructions carefully to achieve the best possible effect and reduce the risk of side effects.

Who is suitable for treatment with Wegovy tablets?

Treatment with Wegovy tablets is intended for adults living with obesity or overweight, defined as a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of at least 27 together with weight-related health complications. At Yazen, eligibility for treatment is based on an overall assessment of the individual ("beyond BMI"), taking into account body composition, any co-existing medical conditions, physiological risk, and quality of life.

Examples of these health conditions include high blood pressure (hypertension), type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, excess fat around the internal organs (often reflected by a large waist circumference), and elevated blood lipid levels. Because Wegovy tablets affect the body's physiological systems, a thorough medical assessment by a registered doctor is always required before a prescription can be issued. Treatment isn't suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and people should have already attempted lifestyle changes such as improving their diet and increasing physical activity before starting medical weight-loss treatment. The medication should also be used alongside lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of weight-related diseases.

Common side effects of Wegovy tablets

The most common side effects of Wegovy tablets are gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. These are generally mild and usually improve during the first few weeks of treatment.

These side effects occur primarily because stomach emptying slows down and the body adapts to a lower calorie intake. Acute pancreatitis is a rare but serious side effect, as with other weight-loss medicines in the same class. Hair loss has also been reported in a small percentage of people treated with Wegovy injections. This is usually reversible and associated with weight loss rather than the medication itself. If side effects affect your daily life, Yazen can provide support, including dose adjustments and dietary advice.

When will Wegovy tablets be launched?

Wegovy tablets were approved by the European Commission in July 2026 for weight management in adults living with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition. The approval applies across the EU and means that Wegovy is now available both as a weekly injection and as a daily tablet.

However, this doesn't mean that Wegovy tablets will become available in every European country at the same time. Novo Nordisk has announced plans to launch the tablets in selected markets outside the United States during the second half of 2026. The exact launch date may therefore vary from country to country.

For patients, availability will depend on where they live and when the treatment is introduced in their national market. Even after EU approval, factors such as launch timing, pricing, and reimbursement are managed separately in each country.

Frequently asked questions about Wegovy tablets (FAQ)

When will Wegovy tablets become available in Europe?

Wegovy tablets have been approved in the EU, but there isn't a single launch date across Europe. When treatment becomes available may therefore vary between countries. This depends on factors such as launch plans and national decisions regarding pricing and reimbursement. Wegovy is a prescription-only medicine and may be prescribed to people who meet the treatment criteria.

Are Wegovy tablets approved for weight management or type 2 diabetes?

Wegovy tablets are approved for weight management in adults living with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition. They aren't approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, even though they contain the same active ingredient as Rybelsus, which is approved for treating type 2 diabetes.

Can you switch from another medication to Wegovy tablets when they become available?

Yes. It's possible to switch between different forms of administration during treatment, but this should always be carefully planned together with your Yazen doctor to ensure the correct dose transition.

Why do Wegovy tablets have to be taken on an empty stomach?

Semaglutide is highly sensitive to acids and enzymes in the stomach. Even a small amount of food, coffee, or juice can prevent the body from absorbing the active ingredient. Waiting at least 60 minutes before eating or drinking after taking the tablet helps ensure optimal absorption.