Dr Anju Verma answer five key questions about the weight loss pill (Image: Boots)
Experts at Boots have identified and answered the five most frequent questions associated with new weight loss tablets following their UK launch last month. Data from Boots Online Doctor shows that 80% of Wegovy tablet orders have come from customers new to its weight loss treatment service — meaning the majority of people taking up the tablet have no prior experience with weight loss medication, and are likely to have plenty of questions as they start out.
A further 10% of patients had previously used weight loss injections but were no longer taking them and are now choosing the tablet, while the remaining 10% are existing patients switching from injections. Dr Anju Verma, Clinical Lead for Weight Loss at Boots Online Doctor, answers the questions below.
Can I switch from weight loss injections to pill?
“Yes, but this transition must be managed under clinical supervision. As both the Wegovy injection and the new Wegovy tablet contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), switching is clinically possible but dependent on the dose you’re using, how long you’ve been using it for and any side effects. Switching from Mounjaro is also possible following a thorough clinical assessment. If you have taken an injection dose, then we recommend you wait at least seven days before taking the pill.
“Changing to the pill is a good option for those who are looking to maintain their weight loss progress or for those who are averse to needles. However, if you are happy with the injection and managing the side effects then there is no need to switch.”
Will my appetite come back if I switch?
“It’s possible some patients will notice a slight increase in appetite during switching, but significant weight gain is unlikely if the transition is managed correctly. Your body will need to adapt to a different way of processing the medicine, as the tablet is absorbed through the stomach rather than injected — this is true whether you’re switching from Wegovy injections or from Mounjaro. During this adjustment phase, which usually only lasts a couple of weeks, some patients report a temporary increase in appetite or a brief plateau in their weight loss.”
Is the pill as effective as injections and what are the side effects?
“Because the Wegovy tablet is taken daily rather than injected weekly, many people assume it won’t be as effective. However, studies have shown that at its highest dose, the pill is as effective as the injection. In a major clinical trial, people taking the highest dose (25mg) of the daily pill lost an average of 16.6% of their body weight over 64 weeks (about 15 months), along with other benefits including improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels and finding it easier to move around and stay active.
“The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and vomiting, which are similar with the injection and typically mild to moderate. To improve tolerability, treatment begins at a low 1.5mg dose and is increased gradually over several months.”
How do I take the tablet?
“Unlike injections, the tablet relies on being absorbed through the stomach, which is why timing is so important. Oral semaglutide is absorbed directly through the stomach, and as stomach acid naturally breaks down proteins, the tablet must be taken under very specific daily conditions to ensure the active ingredient can enter the bloodstream. Eating or drinking too soon significantly reduces the absorption of the medication, making the treatment much less effective.
- Take the tablet once daily after a fast of at least eight hours — for most people this will mean first thing in the morning, though shift workers or those with different routines should time their fasting window accordingly;
- Swallow the tablet whole with a small sip of water (up to 120ml);
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else (including tea, coffee, or more water), or taking other oral medications, for example levothyroxine or the contraceptive pill.”
Can the Wegovy pill be a long-term option?
“It’s important to remember that weight loss medications are not a quick fix. Whether taken as a pill or an injection, the best outcomes are achieved when treatment is combined with healthy lifestyle changes, appropriate clinical assessment, patient education and ongoing medical supervision.”
- The Wegovy tablet is available via the Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment service, following an online consultation to check eligibility
