The Wegovy pills are the first of its kind to get MHRA approval (Image: GETTY)
As of July 6, Wegovy weight loss pills are now available to buy from high street and online pharmacies. It’s the first pill of its kind to be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) back in June and offers Brits an alternative to the Wegovy injections.
However, the pills are not yet available through the NHS but even people who plan to cover the cost out of their own pocket might not be able to buy the medication. This is because some strict eligibility requirements have been put in place, similar to those for buying the injectable version of the medication
The tablets can now be prescribed to adults in the UK who:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above
- Have a BMI or 27 or above and at least one weight-related comorbidity
BMI is calculated by comparing your height to your weight. Throughout recent years expected have highlighted flaws in the calculation as it doesn’t tell the difference between fat mass and muscle mass, but it is still widely used in healthcare settings as a benchmark of measuring someone’s health.
The NHS has a free BMI calculator which can be found online. To use it, you will need to know your height and weight. Those who don’t have the right BMI likely won’t be allowed to buy the medication.
People wanting to get the medication will also need a consultation, which can be done online or face-to-face, to ensure the medication is the right fit for them according to the BBC.
The new weight loss pill has launched at Boots Online Doctor alongside other high street and online pharmacies. Boots reported that nearly two-thirds of people who completed consultations will be able to access the weight loss pills for the first-time.
Dr. Anju Verma, Clinical Lead for Weight Loss at Boots Online Doctor said: “Having an effective oral treatment available gives customers and healthcare professionals greater choice when considering the most appropriate treatment approach.
“Weight management is not one-size-fits-all, and expanding the range of clinically proven options at different price points allows treatment decisions to be tailored more closely to an individual’s preferences, lifestyle and clinical needs.
“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.
“Medication can be a valuable tool, but it works best as part of a broader, long-term approach to weight management.”
The Wegovy pill is essentially just a tablet version of Wegovy weight loss jab, which is available on the NHS already. Although to qualify for it you must be referred to a weight management service by your GP.
The tablet and the injection have the same main ingredient, semaglutide. Studies have found the two types of medication are ‘similarly effective’ at helping people lose weight.
Unlike the injections, people taking the pills will need to follow a strict routine to ensure the medication is effective including not eat for eight hours before taking the pill and having it at the same time each day.
The cost of the Wegovy tablets will depend on the dosage you are prescribed and the treatment plan you are on. Although it’s hoped that in the long-run, it could be cheaper than opting for the injections.
People who are interested in getting the Wegovy tablets have also been urged to only put in their requests through trusted sources as counterfeit or fake pills are being an increasing concern.
