Weight Loss Treatments

Weight Loss Pills Overview

Wegovy Pill (Semaglutide)

Wegovy Pill is a once-daily oral weight loss treatment containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It provides a needle-free alternative for eligible adults who prefer a tablet rather than a weekly injection.

How Wegovy Pill Works

Semaglutide mimics the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake. By activating GLP-1 receptors, Wegovy Pill can reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness and support blood sugar regulation.

How to Take Wegovy Pill

Wegovy Pill is taken once daily. Treatment starts at 1.5 mg daily for 30 days before increasing to 4 mg, followed by 9 mg and then the maintenance dose of 25 mg. Each dose level is generally taken for 30 days before increasing. The tablet should be taken on an empty stomach after fasting for at least 6 hours, with up to 120 ml of water. Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines.

How Effective Is Wegovy Pill?

Clinical studies found that oral semaglutide resulted in an average body weight reduction of approximately 16.6% over 64 weeks at the 25 mg dose in adults with overweight or obesity when used alongside lifestyle changes. Individual results can vary depending on factors such as treatment adherence, dose, diet and physical activity.

Foundayo Pill (Orforglipron)

Foundayo is a once-daily oral weight loss treatment containing orforglipron, a non-peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist. It provides another needle-free treatment option for eligible adults with obesity or overweight and weight-related health conditions.

How Foundayo Works

Orforglipron activates GLP-1 receptors involved in appetite regulation and blood glucose control. This can help reduce hunger, increase feelings of fullness and support lower food intake as part of a wider weight management plan.

How to Take Foundayo

Foundayo is taken once daily and can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Treatment starts at 0.8 mg daily for 30 days before increasing to 2.5 mg. Further dose increases may be recommended according to the prescribed dosing schedule, individual response and tolerability.

How Effective Is Foundayo?

Clinical studies found that orforglipron achieved an average body weight reduction of approximately 12.4% over 72 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight. Results vary between individuals, and treatment should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity as part of a comprehensive weight management approach.

Side Effects of Weight Loss Treatments

Weight loss injections and weight loss pills can cause side effects, although these vary depending on the medicine, dose and individual response. Digestive symptoms are among the most commonly reported, particularly when starting treatment or increasing the dose.

Common side effects across these weight loss treatments may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Indigestion
• Reflux or heartburn
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Injection-site reactions
• Fatigue
• Low blood sugar, particularly when used with certain diabetes medicines such as insulin or sulfonylureas

Some side effects are specific to certain treatments. Injectable medicines may cause reactions at the injection site, while other effects can vary according to the active ingredient, dose and medicines taken alongside treatment.

Not everyone will experience side effects, and their frequency and severity can differ between Mounjaro, Wegovy Injection, Saxenda, Wegovy Pill and Foundayo. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine for treatment-specific side effects and warnings. Speak with our healthcare professional if you experience persistent, severe or concerning symptoms.

Physical Changes During Weight Loss

Significant or rapid weight loss can lead to physical changes that are not necessarily side effects of the medication itself. As body weight decreases, some people may notice looser skin or changes in the appearance of stretch marks, particularly following substantial weight loss.

Changes in body weight can also affect menstrual cycles. Being overweight may contribute to irregular or missed periods, while losing weight may temporarily cause further changes in the timing or regularity of periods. As weight stabilises following weight loss treatment, menstrual cycles may become more regular for some women. Speak with a healthcare professional if menstrual changes persist or cause concern.

Can I Switch Weight Loss Treatments?

Yes, switching between treatments may be possible if another option is more suitable for your needs. However, these medicines are not directly interchangeable. A clinician must review your current treatment, dose, medical history and response before approving a change.

If a switch is suitable, our clinician will advise when to take your final dose of your current medicine and when to begin the new treatment. The starting dose and any gap between treatments will depend on the medicines involved and your individual circumstances.

Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy

Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy may be considered because of treatment response, side effects, availability, cost or individual preference. Both are once-weekly injections, but they contain different active ingredients and work differently. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and targets GLP-1 and GIP receptors, while Wegovy contains semaglutide and targets GLP-1 receptors.

If you request a switch, a clinician will assess your medical history, current Mounjaro dose and eligibility for Wegovy. If approved, you will be advised which Wegovy dose to start and when to take it after your final Mounjaro injection.

Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro

You may be able to switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro if Mounjaro is considered more appropriate following a clinical assessment. Your current Wegovy dose, treatment response, medical history and any side effects will be reviewed before the change is approved.

Mounjaro uses a dual GLP-1 and GIP mechanism, whereas Wegovy acts on GLP-1 receptors. If the switch is approved, our clinician will advise on the appropriate Mounjaro starting dose and when treatment should begin. The dose can then be gradually increased according to the recommended schedule and your response.

Switching from Mounjaro to Saxenda

A switch from Mounjaro to Saxenda may be considered if Mounjaro is not suitable or well tolerated, or if a daily injection is preferred. Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, whereas Saxenda contains liraglutide and acts on GLP-1 receptors.

Our clinician will determine when Mounjaro should be stopped and when Saxenda can be started. Saxenda treatment usually begins at a low dose and is gradually increased to help improve tolerability.

Switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro

Switching from Saxenda to Mounjaro may be considered if your current treatment is not providing the desired response or a once-weekly injection would better suit your routine.

Because Saxenda and Mounjaro contain different active ingredients and follow different dosing schedules, they should not be treated as equivalent medicines. A clinician will assess your current treatment and health before recommending an appropriate Mounjaro starting dose and switching schedule.

Can I Switch from Weight Loss Injections to Wegovy Pill?

Yes, switching from a weight loss injection to Wegovy Pill may be possible following a clinical assessment. This provides a needle-free option for people who prefer a daily tablet instead of regular injections.

If you are taking Wegovy Injection at the 2.4 mg once-weekly maintenance dose, you may be able to switch to Wegovy Pill 25 mg once daily. The tablet can be started one week after your final Wegovy injection, subject to approval by our clinician.

If you are taking a different Wegovy Injection dose or another weight loss injection such as Mounjaro or Saxenda, there is no direct dose-for-dose conversion. Our clinician will review your current treatment, dose, response and medical history before advising when to stop your injection and which Wegovy Pill dose to start.

Can I Switch from Wegovy Pill to Foundayo?

Yes, you may be able to switch from Wegovy Pill to Foundayo if a clinician determines that Foundayo is appropriate for you. Wegovy Pill contains semaglutide, while Foundayo contains orforglipron. Both act on GLP-1 receptors but are different medicines with their own dosing schedules and instructions.

Foundayo may appeal to people looking for a daily tablet with more flexible administration because it can be taken with or without food. Our clinician will consider your current Wegovy Pill dose, treatment response, tolerability and when you last took the medicine before recommending how to begin Foundayo.

Can I Switch from Weight Loss Injections to Foundayo?

Yes, it may be possible to switch from a weight loss injection such as Mounjaro, Wegovy or Saxenda to Foundayo following clinical review. Foundayo is a once-daily oral GLP-1 treatment and may provide an alternative for people who prefer a tablet rather than an injection.

Foundayo may be considered for people who prefer an oral treatment option or want to move away from injectable medicines following clinical advice. However, Foundayo and injectable treatments have different clinical evidence and may produce different weight loss results.

The appropriate starting dose and timing will depend on the injection you currently use, your dose, when you last took it and how you have responded to treatment. Foundayo should not be considered a direct dose-for-dose replacement for an injectable medicine. Our clinician will assess whether changing treatment is appropriate and provide instructions on stopping your current medicine and starting Foundayo safely.

Why Testing Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Matters

Your weight is influenced by more than diet and exercise alone. Blood sugar and cholesterol levels play an important role in how your body uses and stores energy. Checking these markers can help identify factors that may affect weight management and overall health.

HbA1c (Blood Sugar)

HbA1c measures the amount of glucose attached to red blood cells. It shows your average blood sugar levels over the past few months and helps identify prediabetes or diabetes. When your body does not regulate glucose effectively, sugar can build up in the bloodstream.

Higher HbA1c results may indicate an increased risk of diabetes and can also affect energy levels and weight management.

Cholesterol (Heart Health)

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat produced by the liver and found in some foods. It helps your body produce hormones, vitamin D and bile, which supports digestion.

However, having high levels of certain types of cholesterol can increase health risks. The two main types are:

• HDL (good cholesterol) – helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream
• LDL (bad cholesterol) – can build up in arteries and increase the risk of heart disease

Your test may also check triglycerides, another type of fat found in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What Your Results Mean

Your results provide insight into how your body is managing blood sugar and fats. If your results fall outside the healthy range, our doctors can explain what they mean and advise on suitable next steps, which may include dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments or further testing.

Understanding your results can help you make informed decisions about your health and support your weight management journey.

Alternatives to Weight Loss Medications

Lifestyle changes can support weight loss without medication and remain important when using prescription treatment. A balanced diet and regular physical activity can help with long-term weight management and overall health.

Diet

Reducing your calorie intake can help you lose weight by ensuring your body uses more energy than you consume. As a general guide, men need around 2,500 calories per day and women around 2,000, although individual needs vary. The NHS advises that reducing daily intake by around 600 calories can support gradual weight loss. Checking food labels and choosing balanced, nutritious meals can help you manage your calorie intake.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can support weight loss by increasing the amount of energy your body uses. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Alternatively, aim for at least 75 minutes of vigorous activity, such as running, lifting heavy weights, football, basketball or boxing.

Staying active can also improve cardiovascular fitness, support healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise may also benefit your mood, sleep quality and energy levels.