GLP-1 Tablets: What They Are, How They Work And What's Available In The UK

If you’ve been exploring weight loss treatments, you’ve probably come across popular injectable weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy. However, there’s been growing interest in GLP-1 tablets as an alternative.

Our experts have created a full breakdown of exactly what a GLP-1 pill is, how it's designed to work compared with injections, and which oral GLP-1 treatments are available in the UK.

Article Summary:

• GLP-1 tablets are an alternative to injectable GLP-1 medications. They work in a similar way, by mimicking the hormone involved in digestion.
• Even though interest in an oral GLP-1 pill is growing, this is the first pill approved for weight loss in the UK.
• Learning how GLP-1 tablets work can help you choose the right weight loss treatment for you and your lifestyle.

What is a GLP-1 tablet?

A GLP-1 tablet is an oral medication belonging to a group of medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists.

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that’s naturally produced by your gut after eating. This hormone helps regulate several processes involved in appetite, digestion and blood sugar levels. [1] GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic the effects of this hormone to help your body similarly respond to food.

How do GLP-1 tablets work?

Rather than self-injecting these medications subcutaneously (which means just under the skin), GLP-1 tablets are ingested orally. Similar to the injectables, they also work by activating GLP-1 receptors in the body.

A GLP-1 tablet can help to:

• Reduce appetite in some people
• Increase feelings of fullness after eating
• Slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach
• Support blood sugar regulation

Just like injectable medications, a GLP-1 tablet works best alongside healthier lifestyle habits such as regular exercise, a balanced diet full of nutrition and quality rest. It’s important to remember that oral GLP-1s shouldn’t be considered a shortcut to losing weight. [2]

What’s the difference between a GLP-1 tablet and an injection?

The differences are both in how the medication is taken and the average weight loss seen over time at the highest dose. A GLP-1 tablet is taken by mouth once daily, while traditional GLP-1 pens are injected into the thigh, back of the upper arm or stomach area with a pre-filled device. [3] Because average weight loss may be lower with Wegovy tablets than with some injectable GLP-1 treatments, switching from an injectable treatment could affect your appetite, hunger levels or weight loss progress.

Tablets may be a preferable option for weight loss if:

1. Injections feel like a barrier to starting or continuing treatment.
2. You travel often, or find storing injectable pens in the fridge difficult.
3. You feel confident taking a tablet consistently every day, and following the dosing instructions for your specific treatment.

Can I switch between the two types of medication?

Although oral and injectable GLP-1 treatments are designed to work in similar ways, switching between them can affect your treatment experience. Injectable and oral GLP-1 medications have shown different average weight loss results in clinical trials, with injections generally showing higher rates of weight loss over time.

These results come from different trials in different populations, so they aren’t a direct comparison, but they do suggest that switching from an injectable GLP-1 to a tablet may mean slower progress or less total weight loss for some people.

If your injectable GLP-1 is working well for you, it’s worth keeping this in mind before deciding to switch. However, there may be other reasons to consider GLP-1 tablets, such as finding injections difficult, travelling often, or experiencing injection site reactions. Our clinical team can talk you through your options and help you understand what switching could look like for you. [3]

Are oral GLP-1 treatments available in the UK?

As of June 2026, the market for GLP-1 tablets is more limited than GLP-1 injections, with only one option approved for treating obesity. But, interest in alternative methods for weight loss treatment is growing. The availability of oral GLP-1 pills is an active area of research, and other tablets are also being studied. [4]

Can I take GLP-1 tablets with contraception?

It depends on the type of GLP-1 medication and the oral contraception you use.

If you could become pregnant, you should use contraception while taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss, as these treatments should not be used during pregnancy, while trying to get pregnant, or while breastfeeding.

Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is an active ingredient that is not expected to reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. But, you should still use contraception while taking it. If you’re planning to try for a baby or you become pregnant during treatment. Semaglutide should be stopped if pregnancy occurs, and it should usually be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.

If you’re unsure which contraception is right for you, speak to your clinician or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What are the side effects of GLP-1 tablets?

Although not everyone may experience them, GLP-1 tablets can cause side effects.

Some side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Everyone’s different, and the severity of these symptoms could vary from person to person. [6] Our medical professionals are here to offer support as your body adjusts to the treatment.

At MedExpress, we offer online consultations with regular clinical check-ins, and a range of weight loss treatments including Mounjaro, injectable Wegovy and Wegovy Pill (coming soon) and our team can help you find the right treatment for you.

References

1. Solan M. Understanding new weight-loss drugs [Internet]. Harvard Health. 2023 [cited 2024 Jul 3]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-new-weight-loss-drugs
2. Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 agonists [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
3. Taking Semaglutide: Oral Tablets vs. Injections [Internet]. Healthline. 2023. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/weight-loss/semaglutide-oral-vs-injection
4. PrivateDoc [Internet]. PrivateDoc®. 2026 [cited 2026 Jun 17]. Available from: https://www.privatedoc.com/weight-loss/blog/oral-glp-1-weight-loss-pills-uk-summer-2026
5. GLP-1 agonists (e.g. Mounjaro) and Contraception or HRT - Brig Royd Surgery [Internet]. Brig Royd Surgery. 2025 [cited 2026 Jan 29]. Available from: https://www.brigroydsurgery.co.uk/2025/10/08/glp-1-agonists-e-g-mounjaro-and-contraception-or-hrt/
6. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. GLP-1 receptor agonists: reminder of the potential side effects and to be aware of the potential for misuse [Internet]. GOV.UK. 2024. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/glp-1-receptor-agonists-reminder-of-the-potential-side-effects-and-to-be-aware-of-the-potential-for-misuse