If you're considering weight loss pills, Wegovy tablets are one of the most talked-about options right now. But they aren't available in the UK just yet. Approved in the US in December 2025, they're expected to arrive here later in 2026.
Until then, here's everything we know so far about the dosing schedule and what you can expect.
Three key takeaways
Wegovy tablets aren't available in the UK yet. They're expected to launch later in 2026, and everything we know about the dosing schedule is based on clinical trial and US data.
The dosing schedule is gradual, starting at 1.5mg, then 4mg, 9mg, and working up to a maintenance dose of 25mg each month.
You can stay on the same dose for longer than a month, especially if you’re experiencing side effects and need more time to adjust.
Wegovy tablets dosages
Based on clinical trial data and the dosing schedule used in the US, Wegovy tablets are expected to come in four doses:
1.5mg (starting dose, taken for the first month)
4mg (month two)
9mg (month three)
25mg (maintenance dose, from month four onwards)
“Each dose is designed to be taken for around 30 days before moving up to the next level. But your prescriber may keep you on the same dose for longer, if needed, to give you more time to adjust.
“The idea is to start gently and give your body time to get used to the medication before increasing the amount. This is the same titration approach used with Wegovy injections.”
The 1.5mg dose is the starting dose, taken for the first 30 days. It's designed to introduce semaglutide to your system gradually, giving your body time to adjust before the dose increases.
Side effects are most common when you first start treatment, so beginning at the lowest dose helps keep those to a minimum.
4mg
The 4mg dose is taken from days 31 to 60. This is the second step in the titration schedule, and as with any dose increase, side effects may temporarily return or worsen before settling down as your body adjusts.
The 9mg dose is taken from days 61 to 90, and it's the final step before you reach the highest, maintenance dose. Again, some temporary side effects may reappear or intensify briefly when you move up to this dose, before settling as your body gets used to the higher amount.
“It's also important to know that, based on current evidence, the lower doses of Wegovy tablets (like 9mg) don't appear to be used for long-term maintenance. The aim is to reach the highest dose to see meaningful weight loss, as demonstrated in clinical trials.
“This is different to Wegovy injections, where some people stay on a lower dose to maintain their weight. However, this could change upon release in the UK.”
To put that into context, someone starting at around 106kg (approximately 16 stone) could expect to lose around 15kg (roughly two stone) on average, based on that trial data. Results varied quite a bit across participants too:
76% of people (eight in 10) lost at least 5% of their body weight
60% (six in 10) lost at least 10%
47% (five in 10) lost at least 15%
28% (one in four) lost 20% or more
Remember, though, that these are clinical trial results, and individual responses to any medication vary.
Do you lose more weight at the highest dose of Wegovy tablets?
The OASIS trial used the 25mg maintenance dose, and that's where the average 14% weight loss figure comes from. Most of the clinical data we have relates to that highest dose, so it's difficult to draw firm conclusions about how much weight loss the lower doses produce on their own.
Individual results in the trial also varied quite a bit, so while the average was 14%, some people lost more and some lost less.
Example Wegovy tablets dosing schedule
Based on the schedule used in clinical trials and the US prescribing information, here's what a standard Wegovy tablet dosing schedule is expected to look like:
Dose
When to take it
1.5mg once a day
Days 1-30 (month one)
4mg once a day
Days 31-60 (month two)
9mg once a day
Days 61-90 (month three)
25mg once a day
Day 91 onwards (maintenance dose)
What might affect your dosing schedule
Based on how similar semaglutide treatments are managed in practice, a few things could mean your dosing schedule looks a little different to the one above:
Tolerance: If you're experiencing significant nausea, vomiting, or other side effects, a prescriber may suggest staying at your current dose for longer before increasing. There's no rush, and it's better to move up when you're ready rather than pushing through and feeling unwell.
Progress: If you're already losing weight well at a lower dose, a prescriber might suggest staying there rather than increasing. That said, the current dosing guidance points to 25mg as the maintenance dose, so this may be less flexible with Wegovy tablets than it is with injections. We’ll know more upon UK release.
Missed doses: If you miss several doses in a row, you should speak to your prescriber before continuing. They may want to review your dose to make sure it's still appropriate.
Other medications: Some medications can interact with Wegovy tablets, which may influence how treatment is managed. Always let your prescriber know everything you're taking.
When should you increase your Wegovy tablets dose?
Based on the US schedule, the general timeframe is to move up to the next dose after around 30 days, as long as you're tolerating the current one well. In practice, when Wegovy tablets are available in the UK, the decision to increase would always be guided by your prescriber.
When Wegovy tablets do become available, don't increase your dose without speaking to your prescriber first. They're there to support you and make sure your treatment is as safe and effective as possible.
What happens when you increase your dose?
When you increase your dose, you’re more likely to notice a reduced appetite, feel fuller quicker after meals, and have fewer cravings. In turn, this may lead to more noticeable weight loss, especially at the highest dose of 25mg.
But based on what we know from Wegovy injections, it’s fairly common to experience a temporary return or increase in side effects when moving up to the next dose, especially nausea, stomach discomfort, or changes in digestion.
This happens because the body is adjusting to a higher amount of semaglutide, and it typically settles down within a few weeks.
The following may help manage side effects when increasing the dose:
Eat smaller, lighter meals, especially in the first few days after increasing your dose.
Avoid rich, fatty, or heavily spiced foods, as these can make nausea worse.
Stay well hydrated, particularly if you're experiencing any vomiting or diarrhoea.
If side effects are severe or don't improve after a couple of weeks, your prescriber would be the right person to speak to. They may suggest slowing your dose increase or offer advice on managing your specific symptoms.
Why are Wegovy tablet doses different to injections?
You might have noticed that the doses for Wegovy tablets and Wegovy injections look very different. The injections go up to 7.2mg, while the tablets go all the way up to 25mg. So, why is this?
“The difference comes down to how the body absorbs each form of the medication. When semaglutide is injected, it goes directly into the tissue and is absorbed very efficiently into the bloodstream.
“Tablets, on the other hand, have to survive the digestive process, and the gut doesn't absorb oral semaglutide anywhere near as efficiently.
“To compensate for this, the tablet doses used in clinical trials are significantly higher, so that enough semaglutide reaches the bloodstream to have the desired effect.”
Ian Budd, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U
That could explain why, based on US prescribing information, Wegovy tablets have specific instructions around taking them on an empty stomach with plain water, as food and drink can interfere with absorption.
In terms of how they work in the body once absorbed, both forms of Wegovy contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way. They just get there via a different route.
How Chemist4U can help
Wegovy tablets aren't available in the UK yet, and a confirmed launch date hasn't been announced.
While you wait, if you're ready to start your weight loss journey sooner, Wegovy injections are available privately with us after a short online consultation.
Our expert clinicians will review your answers to make sure treatment is safe and suitable for you, and we'll be on hand to support you throughout. Once Wegovy tablets launch in the UK and more information is available, we'll update this page with the latest guidance on availability, eligibility, and pricing.
To find out if you're eligible for Wegovy injections with us, complete your online consultation today.
Frequently asked questions about Wegovy tablets dosage
How often should you take Wegovy tablets?
Based on US prescribing information, Wegovy tablets are taken once a day, every day. You'd take your tablet first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, and wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything other than water, or taking any other oral medication.
Can you start on the highest dose of Wegovy tablets?
No. Based on the US schedule, the dosing for Wegovy tablets is gradual by design, starting at 1.5mg and increasing monthly up to the 25mg maintenance dose.Starting on a high dose increases the risk of side effects, so titration is used to give the body time to adjust.
However, if you switch from Wegovy injections to Wegovy tablets, you may be able to start at a higher dose. This, of course, will be at your prescriber's discretion and may change upon the tablet’s release.
What is the Wegovy tablets maintenance dose?
The maintenance dose for Wegovy tablets is 25mg, taken once a day. This is the dose used in the OASIS 4 trial, where participants lost an average of 14% of their starting body weight over 64 weeks.
If suitable, you could stay on this dose long-term to help prevent weight regain, which is why it's called a maintenance dose. A prescriber would guide you on whether this is right for you when Wegovy tablets become available in the UK.
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