This marks the first time that a weight-loss drug in tablet form has been given approval for the UK market and comes off the back of a surge in popularity in GLP-1s.
Estimates suggest that as many as 1.9 million adults are now using weight-loss medication across Britain.
According to figures released by Worldpanel by Numerator, 6.3% of households now include at least one user, with uptake seeing steep year-on-year climbs (2.3% in 2024 and 4.1% in 2025).
Danish pharma giant Novo Nordisk will manufacture the pill under the Wegovy brand name, which has already enjoyed considerable success in the US – having surpassed three million prescriptions in just over five months in 2026 so far.
The firm says that the pill is more convenient than the widespread use of GLP-1 injections, and that it does not need to be stored in a fridge.
The drug has been approved for prescription to UK adults with a body mass index of 30 or above, or who are overweight with a BMI between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related condition.
According to the BBC, some high street and online pharmacies have already said that they plan to add it to their doctor-led prescribing services in the coming weeks.
“We’re aware that there is considerable and growing public interest in the evolving landscape of weight management treatments,” said Superdrug online doctor GP Clair Grainger.
“As new options become available, it’s essential that people have access to reliable information from qualified healthcare professionals.”
The food and drink industry is facing a considerable readjustment as the popularity of drugs like Wegovy rises, as they operate by restricting appetite.
Worldpanel’s figures indicated that the medications have wiped £780 million from UK household grocery spending in the year to the end of February 2026.
