--- title: "Weight Loss Tablets Sevenoaks, Oral GLP-1 Treatment" date: 2026-10-02T08:13:00+01:00 author: Paulina Charlesworth canonical_url: "https://drcharlesworth.co.uk/weight-loss/weight-loss-tablets-sevenoaks" section: Weight Loss --- Another option ## Several GLP-1 medicines are now available as tablets Until recently, the newer generation of medical weight-loss treatments was largely associated with weekly injections. That is changing as, there are now several GLP-1 medicines available as tablets, including Wegovy tablets (semaglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Foundayo (orforglipron). Although these medicines are sometimes grouped together as “weight loss tablets”, there are important differences between them. Wegovy tablets and Foundayo are authorised in the UK for weight management in eligible adults, while Rybelsus contains semaglutide but is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes rather than specifically for weight loss. For people who would prefer not to use injections, oral GLP-1 treatment provides another option to discuss as part of medically supervised weight management. At Dr Paulina’s clinic in Sevenoaks, Kent, treatment begins with an individual medical assessment. The aim is to understand your health, weight history, previous treatments and goals before discussing the options that may be appropriate for you. ![](https://drcharlesworth.co.uk/images/trans/_standard/4863/weight-loss-tablets-sevenoaks-clinic3.avif)Learn more ### What Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Tablets? GLP-1 receptor agonists are medicines that mimic some of the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone naturally released by the body after eating. GLP-1 is involved in appetite and feelings of fullness. Medicines that act on this pathway can help people feel fuller for longer, reduce hunger and decrease food intake. This is one reason modern obesity medicine involves more than simply telling somebody to “eat less”. Appetite, hunger and body-weight regulation involve complex biological processes, and medication can be one part of a wider approach to managing them. There are now different oral GLP-1 medicines, however, and they should not be regarded as interchangeable. All tablets require liver and / or kidney metabolism so blood tests are recommended and all tablets can interact with other medications so it’s important to have a consultation and ongoing support. [Book A Consultation](https://drpaulina.zenoti.com/webstoreNew/services) ## Wegovy Weight Loss Tablets – Oral Semaglutide Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide when used for weight management. It has become well known as a weekly injection, but Wegovy is now also available in the UK as a once-daily tablet. Wegovy tablets are authorised alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults living with obesity, or overweight accompanied by certain weight-related health conditions. The tablet contains semaglutide, which acts on the GLP-1 receptor and can reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness and help reduce food intake. **How Do You Take Wegovy Tablets?** Wegovy tablets are taken once every day. They need to be taken in a particular way to allow the medicine to be absorbed effectively. The tablet is taken whole on an empty stomach following a fast of at least eight hours, with a small amount of water. After taking the tablet, you need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. Treatment starts at a low dose and is gradually increased according to the prescribed dosing schedule. This gradual increase can help the body adjust to treatment. **Potential Advantages of Wegovy Tablets** - Specifically authorised for weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults. - Provides an oral alternative for people who would prefer not to inject. - Contains semaglutide, a medicine with an established role in medical weight management. - Taken once daily. **Potential Disadvantages of Wegovy Tablets** - It needs to be taken every day rather than once weekly. - The fasting and timing instructions may not suit everybody’s routine. - Gastrointestinal side effects can occur. - As with other prescription weight-management medicines, it is not appropriate for everyone. ## Rybelsus – Semaglutide Tablets Rybelsus is another tablet containing semaglutide, but there is an important distinction between Rybelsus and Wegovy tablets. Rybelsus is licensed in the UK to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. It is not specifically licensed as a weight-loss treatment. People taking Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes may experience changes in weight, but Rybelsus and Wegovy tablets should not be regarded as the same treatment simply because both contain semaglutide. They have different licensed indications and prescribing considerations. This is particularly worth explaining because the terms “oral semaglutide”, “semaglutide tablets”, “Rybelsus” and “Wegovy tablets” are sometimes used interchangeably online when they should not be. **Potential Advantages of Rybelsus** - An established oral form of semaglutide. - Taken as a tablet rather than an injection. - Licensed to improve blood-glucose control in appropriate adults with type 2 diabetes. - Some patients treated for diabetes may also experience weight reduction. **Potential Disadvantages of Rybelsus** - It is not licensed in the UK specifically as a weight-loss treatment. - It should not be regarded as interchangeable with Wegovy tablets. - It has specific administration instructions that need to be followed carefully. - Gastrointestinal side effects can occur. - Suitability depends on your individual medical circumstances. ## Foundayo – Orforglipron Weight Loss Tablets Foundayo is the brand name for orforglipron, a newer once-daily GLP-1 tablet developed by Eli Lilly. It was authorised in the UK in 2026 for weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults. It is also authorised to improve blood-glucose control in appropriate adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. Although Foundayo works on the GLP-1 receptor, it contains a different active ingredient from Wegovy and Rybelsus. One practical difference between Foundayo and oral semaglutide is the way the tablet is taken. Foundayo can be taken once daily at any time of day without restrictions around food or water. Treatment begins at a low dose before being increased gradually according to the prescribed schedule. **Potential Advantages of Foundayo** - Specifically authorised for weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults. - Provides another needle-free GLP-1 treatment option. - Taken once daily. - Can be taken at any time of day. - Does not have the same fasting, food and water restrictions as oral semaglutide. **Potential Disadvantages of Foundayo** - It still needs to be taken every day. - It is a newer medicine than semaglutide. - Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting can occur. - It will not be suitable for everybody. - As a prescription-only medicine, treatment requires appropriate medical assessment and supervision. ## Wegovy vs Rybelsus vs Foundayo: What Is the Difference? Although all three are oral GLP-1 medicines, there are some important differences. Wegovy tablets contain semaglutide and are authorised specifically for weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults. Rybelsus also contains semaglutide, but is licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes rather than specifically for weight management. Foundayo contains orforglipron, a different GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is authorised for weight management as well as certain adults with type 2 diabetes. There are also practical differences, oral semaglutide needs to be taken according to specific fasting instructions, whereas Foundayo can be taken without restrictions around food and water. These differences mean that choosing treatment involves more than simply asking which tablet causes the most weight loss. Your health, current medication, previous treatment, potential side effects, daily routine and individual preferences all need to be considered. ## How Effective Are Weight Loss Tablets? Weight-loss tablets are not a guarantee of a particular amount of weight loss. Clinical studies of oral GLP-1 treatments have demonstrated significant average reductions in body weight, but trial results represent averages across groups of participants rather than a prediction of what will happen to an individual patient. Some people respond particularly well to treatment, others experience more modest changes, develop side effects or do not achieve a sufficient response. This is why progress should be reviewed rather than assuming that one medicine or dose will be right indefinitely. ### Weight Loss Tablets vs Weight Loss Injections A common question is whether weight-loss tablets are “as good as” injections, the answer is, there isn't one answer that applies to everybody. Some people strongly prefer a tablet because they dislike needles, others find the convenience of taking an injection once a week preferable to remembering a tablet every day. There can also be differences in effectiveness, side effects, dosing and administration between medicines. A tablet is therefore not automatically better than an injection, nor is an injection automatically better than a tablet. The appropriate choice depends on your medical circumstances, previous treatment, response to medication and personal preferences. ### Can I Switch From a Weight Loss Injection to Tablets? Potentially, but changing from an injectable weight-loss medicine to an oral medicine should be medically supervised. If you are currently using an injectable treatment such as Wegovy or Mounjaro and would prefer a tablet, discuss this with Dr Paulina rather than trying to calculate an equivalent dose or switching treatment yourself. Different medicines have different doses, effects and side-effect profiles. Your previous treatment and current dose may also affect how a new medicine should be started. ### What Are the Side Effects of Weight Loss Tablets? The side effects associated with GLP-1 medicines commonly involve the digestive system. **These can include:** - nausea - diarrhoea - constipation - vomiting - abdominal discomfort. Digestive side effects can sometimes lead to dehydration, particularly when vomiting or diarrhoea is significant. There are also less common but potentially serious complications associated with GLP-1 medicines, which is why treatment requires appropriate prescribing and medical supervision. Medication should be taken according to the instructions provided by Dr Paulina. If you experience concerning or persistent symptoms while taking medication, seek medical advice. ### Will I Lose Muscle as Well as Fat? When somebody loses a significant amount of body weight, they do not lose body fat alone and some loss of lean tissue, including muscle, can also occur. This is one reason good medical weight management involves more than medication. Adequate nutrition and protein intake, together with appropriate physical activity and particularly resistance exercise, can help support muscle mass, strength and physical function during weight loss. At our Sevenoaks weight-management clinic, the aim is therefore to support improvements in wider health rather than concentrating solely on the number on the scales. ### What Happens When My Weight Loss Stops? A slowing or plateau in weight loss is common and does not necessarily mean that your medication has suddenly stopped working. Weight loss often occurs during an initial active phase before the body reaches a new, lower weight plateau. At this stage, maintaining the weight already lost may itself represent an important part of successful treatment. Your progress, health improvements, treatment response and longer-term goals can then be reviewed by Dr Paulina. ### Do I Stop Taking Weight Loss Medication When I Reach My Goal? Not necessarily, obesity is increasingly managed as a long-term health condition, and some people regain weight after stopping effective treatment and reaching a particular target weight therefore does not automatically mean medication should immediately be discontinued. The decision may involve reviewing the benefits of continued treatment, side effects, health improvements, weight stability and your longer-term weight-management plan. ## Medical Weight Management in Sevenoaks, Kent There are now more medical options for managing overweight and obesity than there were only a few years ago. The arrival of oral GLP-1 medicines adds another potential option, particularly for people who would prefer a tablet to an injection. However, medication is only one part of successful medical weight management. At Dr Paulina’s clinic in Sevenoaks, treatment starts with understanding your health, previous experiences with weight loss and what you would realistically like to achieve. Where prescription treatment is medically appropriate, this is combined with ongoing clinical guidance and support with the aim of making weight loss as healthy and sustainable as possible. ### Frequently Asked Questions About Weight Loss Tablets *Are there now weight loss tablets instead of injections?* Yes. There are now oral GLP-1 medicines authorised in the UK specifically for weight management in eligible adults. Tablets provide another treatment option rather than completely replacing injectable medicines. *What is the new Wegovy weight loss tablet?* Wegovy tablets contain semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. The oral formulation is taken once daily and is authorised in the UK for weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity. *Are Wegovy tablets the same as Rybelsus?* No. Wegovy tablets and Rybelsus both contain semaglutide, but they should not be regarded as the same treatment. Wegovy tablets are authorised for weight management, while Rybelsus is licensed for adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes. *What is the Lilly weight loss tablet?* Foundayo is the brand name for orforglipron, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly. It is taken once daily and is authorised in the UK for weight loss and weight maintenance in eligible adults, as well as for certain adults with type 2 diabetes. *Does Foundayo need to be taken on an empty stomach?* No. Foundayo can be taken at any time of day without restrictions around food or water. This differs from oral semaglutide, which has specific fasting and administration instructions. *Do weight loss tablets work as well as injections?* It is not possible to give one answer that applies to everybody, effectiveness varies between medicines and between individuals, while tablets and injections also differ in dosing, administration and convenience. The appropriate treatment depends on your medical circumstances and individual response. *Which weight loss tablet is best?* There isn't one tablet that will be the best option for everybody. The decision depends on factors including your medical history, other medication, previous experience of weight-loss treatments, side effects, lifestyle and treatment goals. A medical assessment with Dr Paulina can establish which treatment options are appropriate before their individual advantages and disadvantages are discussed. *Are weight loss tablets taken every day?* The oral GLP-1 medicines discussed on this page are taken once daily. Their administration instructions differ, however, so it is important to follow the directions for the medicine you have actually been prescribed. *Can I change from Mounjaro to a weight loss tablet?* It may be possible for some patients, but switching from Mounjaro or another injectable medicine to an oral treatment needs to be assessed individually. Do not attempt to calculate an equivalent dose or change treatment without medical guidance. *Can I take weight loss tablets if I don't like needles?* A preference to avoid injections is one reason someone may wish to discuss oral treatment. However, whether a tablet is medically appropriate depends on your health and individual circumstances, not simply your preference for tablets over injections. *Where can I get advice about weight loss tablets in Sevenoaks?* Dr Paulina provides medical weight-management consultations in Sevenoaks, Kent. Your consultation includes an assessment of your health and weight history, current medication, previous treatments and goals, followed by a discussion of the treatment approaches that may be appropriate for you. ### Book a Weight Management Consultation in Sevenoaks If you are considering medical treatment for weight management, the first step is an individual medical consultation. Dr Paulina will review your health, weight history, current medication, previous weight-loss treatments and treatment goals before discussing the options that may be medically appropriate for you. [Weight Loss Consultation](https://drpaulina.zenoti.com/webstoreNew/services "Book a Weight Loss Consultation")