Wegovy pill for weight loss: what are they and how do they work?
Wegovy is now also available in tablet form for the treatment of obesity and overweight. The pills contain semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Wegovy injections, but are taken once a day instead of once a week.
The treatment affects the body’s regulation of hunger and satiety and is used alongside reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity. Wegovy pills are a new option for those who prefer tablets to injections.
What is the Wegovy pill?
Wegovy pill is a prescription medicine for weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight combined with at least one weight-related health condition.
The active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Semaglutide mimics the effect of the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, which is involved in regulating appetite and food intake, among other things.
Wegovy pill is approved in the EU and began launching on the European market during the second half of 2026. It is the first GLP-1 medicine in tablet form to be approved for weight management.
Wegovy pill dosage
Wegovy pill is taken once a day. Because semaglutide is a peptide-based medicine, the tablet needs to be taken in a specific way so that the body can absorb the medicine.
The pill is taken on an empty stomach after fasting for at least eight hours. You should then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other medicines by mouth.
To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea and abdominal pain, treatment starts with a lower dose, which is then gradually increased over 16 weeks.
Who can take Wegovy pill?
Wegovy pill iss approved for adults with a BMI of at least 30, which corresponds to obesity.
They can also be used by adults with a BMI between 27 and 30 who also have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels, sleep apnoea, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Wegovy pill is a prescription medicine. A doctor must therefore assess whether treatment with Wegovy pills is suitable based on the individual’s medical circumstances.
Results: How much weight do people lose with Wegovy pill?
The effects of Wegovy pill has been studied, among other studies, in the phase 3 clinical trial OASIS 4. The study included just over 300 adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related health condition.
After 64 weeks, participants who took oral semaglutide 25 mg and followed the treatment had lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight, compared with 2.7% with placebo. Just over half achieved at least 15% weight loss and around one-third achieved at least 20%. Participants also received support with diet and physical activity.
In clinical studies, Wegovy in tablet form has been shown to contribute to long-term weight loss and offers an alternative to injectable weight loss medicines.
Side effects and risks of Wegovy pill
Side effects often occur at the beginning of treatment and when the dose is increased. The dose is therefore gradually increased during the first 16 weeks of treatment to reduce the risk of side effects.
Other possible side effects include low blood sugar, particularly if Wegovy is used together with insulin, as well as sudden changes in vision. If you experience serious or persistent symptoms, you should contact a doctor.
Treatment with Wegovy should only take place when prescribed by a doctor and under medical supervision. It is important to use Wegovy as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that also includes lifestyle changes to achieve the best possible effect on weight loss.
FAQs:
When will Wegovy pill become available in Europe?
Wegovy pill 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.
Is the Wegovy pill approved for weight management or type 2 diabetes?
Wegovy pill is approved for weight management in adults living with obesity, or with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition. It isn't approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, even though it contains the same active ingredient as Rybelsus, which is approved for treating type 2 diabetes.
Can you switch from another medication to Wegovy pill 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 does Wegovy pill 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.