Boots launches the UK’s first oral Wegovy weight loss pill today, and thousands have already signed up.
The pharmacy giant said demand has been strong even before the tablet officially became available, with thousands completing consultations to be among the first eligible patients to receive the medication.
The launch marks a major expansion of weight loss treatment options in the UK, particularly for people who are uncomfortable with self-injecting medicines or simply prefer taking a daily tablet instead.
How do people get the new weight loss pills?
Eligible patients approved through Boots Online Doctor can choose to have the medication delivered to their home or collect it in-store from today.
The service starts from £79 for new customers prescribed the lowest 1.5mg dose using Boots’ introductory offer. Existing customers will pay from £99.
The tablet contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, as Wegovy injections. It works by mimicking the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness and slow stomach emptying, helping people eat less.
The medicine was approved by the UK’s medicines regulator last month and is the first GLP-1 tablet licensed for weight management in Britain.
Boots said almost two-thirds of people who completed consultations before launch will be accessing weight loss medication through the retailer for the first time, subject to clinical assessment.
Customers using the service will also receive additional support, including online coaching, webinars, a free 10-week lifestyle programme, progress tracking tools and a 12-month aftercare programme once treatment ends.
The oral Wegovy treatment will also become available through Boots’ in-store weight loss service from 12 July, with consultations currently offered in 62 stores and another 25 locations due to be added in the coming weeks.
Jamie Kerruish, Chief Healthcare Officer at Boots, said: “The introduction of the new oral Wegovy pill is an important addition to our weight loss service. It forms part of our continued support for weight management through both in-store support, including our new dedicated weight loss journey support zones, and online through the wealth of resources available on Boots Online Doctor.”
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The retailer has also introduced dedicated weight loss support areas in 70 stores, stocking health, wellness and beauty products aimed at helping customers during their weight loss journey.
The medication is available for adults aged 18 and over who meet the clinical eligibility criteria. Current guidance states it may be suitable for people with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 or above with at least one weight-related health condition, following a medical assessment.
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.”
