Weight loss medications- FAQ

Medicines for weight management can be effective when they are combined with dietary and lifestyle changes, and when they are supplied safely and appropriately. Read the sections below to find out more.

There are a variety of medicines used for weight management available in the UK. Examples include:

  • Orlistat (also called Xenical® or alli®)
  • Liraglutide (also called Saxenda®)
  • Semaglutide (also called Ozempic®, Rybelsus® and Wegovy®)
  • Tirzepatide (also called Mounjaro®) 

Orlistat (Xenical® or alli®) works by reducing the fat absorbed by the body from food. It is available as a capsule and is licensed for weight management. This means that it has been licensed for this use by the medicines regulator (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency [MHRA]). It is classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine which means it can only be bought from a pharmacy either online or in-store. 

Liraglutide (Saxenda®), and semaglutide (Wegovy®, Rybelsus® and Ozempic®) mimic a gut hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 and are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is a GLP1-RA that is combined with a GIP analogue (short for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These medicines make people feel fuller and less hungry. 

Liraglutide (Saxenda®), and semaglutide (Wegovy®) are available in an injectable form and are licensed for weight loss. 

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) is available in an injectable form and is licensed for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss. 

Rybelsus® tablets and Ozempic® injectable pens which contain semaglutide, are licensed to treat type 2 diabetes, but they are also prescribed 'off label' for weight loss (see below for explanation regarding ‘off label’ use). 

Medicines containing GLP1-RAs are prescription only medicines (POMs). This means they can only be supplied when they have been prescribed for someone by an appropriate practitioner such as a doctor, a nurse independent prescriber or a pharmacist independent prescriber. This would involve having an appropriate consultation with a prescriber who will jointly make a decision, based on the information provided, about whether it is appropriate to issue a prescription.