Wegovy injections have become one of the most well-known weight loss treatments in recent years. The medication contains semaglutide, a drug that helps regulate appetite and support weight loss.
More recently, researchers have been developing Wegovy tablets, an oral version of the same medication. Instead of using a weekly injection, the tablet version is taken as a daily pill.
Both treatments contain the same active ingredient and work in similar ways. However, there are a few key differences between Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections that are worth understanding.
Table of Contents
1. What Are Wegovy Injections?
3. Key Differences Between Wegovy Tablets and Wegovy Injections
4. Which One Is More Effective?
5. Which Option Might People Prefer?
What Are Wegovy Injections?
Wegovy injections are a prescription medication used to support weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity.
They contain semaglutide, which belongs to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These medications mimic a natural hormone in the body that helps control appetite.
Wegovy injections work by helping people:
- feel fuller after eating
- reduce hunger between meals
- eat smaller portions
- manage calorie intake more easily
The medication is taken once a week using a small injection under the skin.
What Are Wegovy Tablets?
Wegovy tablets are an oral version of semaglutide that researchers are currently studying for weight loss.
Instead of injecting the medication, the tablet version would be swallowed and absorbed through the digestive system.
Like the injections, Wegovy tablets work by influencing appetite signals in the brain and helping people feel satisfied with less food.
However, because the medication is absorbed differently in the body, the tablets are taken once a day rather than once a week.
Key Differences Between Wegovy Tablets and Wegovy Injections
Although both treatments contain semaglutide, there are a few important differences.
| Wegovy Tablets | Wegovy Injections |
| Taken once a day |
Taken once a week |
|
Swallowed as a pill |
Injected under the skin |
|
Must be taken on an empty stomach |
Can be taken any time of day |
| Still being studied in some regions | Already approved in many countries |
The biggest difference is simply how the medication is taken.
For some people, injections may feel more convenient because they only need to be used once a week. Others may prefer taking a daily tablet instead.
Which One Is More Effective?
Both versions of semaglutide can lead to meaningful weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
However, current research suggests that Wegovy injections may lead to slightly greater average weight loss.
In studies:
- Semaglutide tablets have shown around 14% average weight loss
- Wegovy injections have shown around 20% or more average weight loss
This difference may be due to how the medication is absorbed in the body.
Even so, the tablet version still produces significant results in clinical trials.
Which Option Might People Prefer?
The choice between tablets and injections often comes down to personal preference and convenience.
Some people prefer injections because they only need to take the medication once a week.
Others may prefer tablets because they avoid needles and feel more like taking a regular daily medicine.
If both versions become widely available, patients may have more flexibility in choosing the treatment that suits them best.
Are Wegovy Tablets Available in the UK?
At the moment, Wegovy injections are available in the UK with a prescription. However, Wegovy tablets have not yet been approved for weight loss in the UK.
The tablet version of semaglutide is already available in some countries, including the United States. Before it can become available in the UK, it must first be reviewed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
This regulatory process ensures that the medication meets strict standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness before it can be prescribed to patients.
There is currently no confirmed timeline for when Wegovy tablets may become available in the UK. However, many experts believe semaglutide tablets could be introduced in the coming years as research continues.
If Wegovy tablets are approved in the UK, they may eventually be available to purchase online through regulated pharmacies such as Pharmacy Planet after completing a clinical consultation with one of our prescribing pharmacists. Once prescribed, the medication could then be delivered directly to your door to help you begin your weight management journey.
The Bottom Line
Both Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections use the same medication to help regulate appetite and support weight loss.
The main differences are how the treatment is taken and how often it needs to be used.
While injections are currently more established, the development of semaglutide tablets could give people another option for managing their weight in the future.
