Mounjaro
Up to 20.7% body weight loss in clinical studies[10]
Weight Loss Treatments at Pharmacy Online
Prescription weight loss treatment. Start a free online consultation and a UK clinician will find the right treatment for you.
Weight loss injections (Mounjaro, Wegovy & Saxenda)
Weight loss pills (Foundayo, Wegovy & Orlistat)
UK registered pharmacy
Prescriber review, usually within 2 hours
Speedy, discreet delivery
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Weight Loss Injections UK
Weight loss injections offer clinically proven support when diet and exercise alone aren't enough. Prescribed following a clinician-led assessment, they work by regulating appetite to help you achieve steady, sustainable progress.
Once-weekly GLP-1 injection
Wegovy Injection
Average 20.7% weight loss on the 7.2mg dose in trials when taken as prescribed [11]
Saxenda
A well-established option if weekly treatments aren’t suitable for you[11]
Nevolat
An alternative liraglutide pen where once-weekly treatment isn’t suitable
Weight Loss Pills & Tablets
Weight loss pills offer a needle-free option that fits easily into your daily routine. Prescribed following a clinical assessment by our UK clinicians, they are designed to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy Pill
Up to 16.6% body weight loss in clinical studies[13]
Foundayo Pill
Up to 12.4% body weight loss in clinical studies[12]
Orlistat 120mg Capsules
Reduces the fat your body absorbs, for adults with a BMI of 28+
Xenical 120mg Capsules
Almost twice the weight loss of lifestyle changes alone [4]
Weight loss injections vs weight loss tablets
Both approaches are designed to help you lose weight, but they differ in how you take them, how often, and how they act on the body. The table below compares the two at a glance. Which is right for you depends on your BMI, your medical history, any other conditions, and your own preferences. A prescriber will help you weigh this up during a consultation.
| Weight loss injections | Weight loss tablets | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | GLP-1 and GIP hormones that reduce appetite and slow digestion | Fat blocker, appetite suppressant, or oral GLP-1, depending on the medicine |
| Treatment options | Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda & Nevolat (liraglutide) | Orlistat (Xenical), Alli, Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) & Foundayo pill (orforglipron) |
| Reported weight loss in trials | Up to around 15 to 20% of body weight with tirzepatide, alongside diet and exercise | Around 9% of body weight with orlistat, and up to around 15 to 17% with the oral semaglutide (Wegovy) pill, alongside diet and exercise. |
| Dosing | Once-weekly injection | Depends on the tablet or pill |
| Common side effects | Mainly gastrointestinal | Mainly gastrointestinal |
*Ranges are drawn from separate trials of different medicines and are not a direct comparison. Injections [7][10][11], oral treatments [12][13]. Individual results vary, and every treatment is supplied only after a prescriber assessment.
What to consider
- The medicines work in different ways, and study averages can't predict an individual result.
- Your medical history, current medicines, experience of side effects, cost and availability can all affect the decision.
- Neither option suits everyone. A prescriber will assess which treatments are safe and appropriate for you.
How to get started
Step 1
Complete a simple assessment
Answer questions about your health, lifestyle and goals. It takes about 3 minutes.
Step 2
A prescriber reviews it
A UK-registered prescriber carefully reviews your assessment to make sure treatment is safe and suitable for you.
Step 3
Receive discreet delivery
Your medication is dispensed by our registered pharmacy and delivered to your door in plain packaging.
Step 4
Stay supported
Our pharmacists check in as you go, monitor your progress and adjust your plan when needed.
How much weight could you lose?
In clinical trials, people taking weekly weight management injections alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost an average of 15 to 21% of their body weight over 68 to 72 weeks [1,2]. Results vary from person to person, and your prescriber will talk you through what to expect based on your health and goals.
This is an illustration of study averages only, not a prediction of your result. Individual results vary, and a prescriber will confirm whether any treatment is suitable for you. See References.
Average weight loss in clinical studies
19 kg
It's not willpower. It's biology.
Hormones regulate hunger
When you lose weight, levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin rise, and your fullness hormones fall. Research shows these changes can last for at least a year [1]. That's why weight so often returns, even when you stick to the plan.
Genetics influence weight
Twin and family studies suggest that 40 to 70% of the differences in body weight between people are inherited [2]. Your genes influence how hungry you feel, how quickly you feel full and how your body stores energy.
Treatment that works with your biology
Weight loss injections contain medicines that act like GLP-1, a hormone your gut releases after eating. They help you feel fuller for longer and quieten persistent food cravings, giving you a better chance to make lasting changes to your diet and activity [3].
What our Superintendent Pharmacist says:
“"For too long, people struggling with their weight have been told it's simply a matter of willpower. Weight is influenced by biological systems that regulate appetite and metabolism. Modern treatments work with those systems to support sustainable, healthier outcomes."”
Umar Razzaq
Superintendent Pharmacist · GPhC 2064448
Why choose Pharmacy Online for weight loss treatment
Trusted by more than 5,000 customers and rated 4.73 out of 5, Pharmacy Online makes starting your weight loss journey simple, safe and discreet. Complete a free five-minute consultation from home, and our UK-registered prescribers will review it personally to find the injection or pill that's right for you. Approved treatments arrive in discreet packaging, with next day delivery on orders before 3:30pm.
As a GPhC-registered pharmacy, we give you the confidence of expert care without the wait for an appointment.
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Weight loss treatment on your terms
Your treatment should adapt to you, not the other way round. Whether you choose weight loss injections or weight loss tablets, you stay in control of every step.
No commitments
Order your weight loss injections or tablets only when you need them. There's no subscription, no automatic renewals and nothing to cancel.
Effortless reordering
When you're ready for your next dose, reordering is quick and simple. Your details are securely saved, and a UK-registered prescriber reviews every order to make sure your treatment remains safe and suitable for you.
Expert support, when you need it
Our pharmacy team is on hand if you're managing side effects, your weight has changed, or you'd like guidance on your next dose. It's clinical advice with no pressure and no upselling.
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A fully qualified team
Our experienced team of Pharmacists and Doctors are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council and General Medical Council.
Umar Razzaq
Pharmacist
MPharm, University Of Strathclyde
GPhC Number: 2064448
Dr Liam Piggott
Medical Director
MB BS, BSc (Hons) BDS, MRCDP, MRCS (Ed) St Georges University of London
GMC Number: 6155990
Nish Fayyaz
Pharmacist
MPharm, University Of Strathclyde
GPhC Number: 2225257
Radman Hojati
Pharmacist Prescriber
MPharm, University Robert Gordon
GPhC Number: 2213685
Clinical Guide
Written and reviewed by our pharmacy team. This guide is for information only and is not a diagnosis or a recommendation to take any specific medicine. Any prescription treatment depends on an assessment by a prescriber.
Weight loss injections
What are the weight loss injections currently available in the UK?
The main weight loss injections names you are likely to come across in the UK are:
- Mounjaro weight loss injections (tirzepatide): a once-weekly injection that acts on both GLP-1 and GIP.
- Wegovy weight loss injections (semaglutide): a once-weekly GLP-1 injection.
- Saxenda weight loss injections (liraglutide): a once-daily GLP-1 injection.
- Nevolat weight loss injections (liraglutide): a once-daily GLP-1 injection.
Mounjaro, Wegovy, Saxenda and Nevolat are prescription-only medicines. They can only be supplied after a prescriber has confirmed that treatment is suitable for you.
NHS vs private, eligibility and BMI
Weight loss injections are available both on the NHS and privately, but NHS access is limited and usually reserved for people who meet specific criteria, often through a specialist weight management service. Privately, eligibility is based mainly on your BMI.
As a general guide, the BMI for weight loss injections is usually a BMI of 30 or more, or 27 or more if you also have a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
Lower thresholds often apply if you are from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background, as these groups can face a higher risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes at a lower BMI. In practice this usually means around 2.5 points is taken off the figures above, so a BMI of 27.5 or more, or 25 or more with a weight-related condition [8].
Your prescriber will confirm the exact thresholds for each medicine. Your assessment is how we check this. If a treatment is not appropriate, our prescribers will tell you and, where relevant, suggest speaking to your GP.
How to use weight loss injections
Injections are given into the fatty layer just under the skin (known as a subcutaneous injection), usually into the stomach area, thigh or upper arm, using a pre-filled pen.
Weekly injections are taken on the same day each week; daily ones at a similar time each day. Doses are normally started low and increased gradually to reduce side effects. Your prescriber or pharmacist can show you how to inject safely and how to store your pen.
Are weight loss injections safe?
Side effects of weight loss injections
When prescribed and monitored properly, GLP-1 injections have an established safety profile, but like all medicines they can cause side effects.
The most common side effects of weight loss injections are digestive:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Stomach discomfort
Side effects are most likely to be experienced when first starting treatment or as the dose is increased; these typically settle over time.
Less common but more serious side effects of weight loss injections can include gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Warning signs to watch for include severe or ongoing tummy pain, particularly pain that spreads to your back, along with nausea, vomiting or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
If you notice any of these, stop taking the medication and contact your prescriber or seek urgent medical advice straight away.
You can report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Who should not use weight loss injections
GLP-1 injections are not suitable for everyone. You should not use them if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby. Because their effects in pregnancy are not known, women who could become pregnant are usually advised to use reliable contraception while on treatment.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can also make the contraceptive pill less effective, so an additional method, such as condoms, is recommended for 4 weeks after starting and for 4 weeks after each dose increase [8].
These medicines are also not recommended if you or a close family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or the condition MEN 2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2).
Tell your prescriber about any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, diabetes or other health conditions. This is not a complete list. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine, and your prescriber will confirm whether treatment is right for you.
What happens when you stop weight loss injections?
As these medicines work by regulating appetite, appetite tends to return once treatment stops, and some people regain weight.
In a clinical trial extension, participants who came off semaglutide regained around two-thirds of the weight they had lost within a year, with appetite returning towards its starting level in the first weeks off the medication [1]. That is why NICE frames these medicines as part of a wider weight management plan rather than a short course [2].
If you want to stop, reduce, or switch between treatments, message our pharmacy team first. We can advise on tapering, what to expect, and whether a different option may suit you better.
Weight loss injections cost and where to buy weight loss injections
The cost of weight loss injections varies by medicine, dose and how long you take them. The prices on the treatment cards above are starting prices. Because these are prescription-only medicines, the exact cost and brand that will be prescribed to you are confirmed only after one of our pharmacists has assessed your eligibility.
If you are wondering where to buy weight loss injections safely, choose a UK-registered pharmacy like Pharmacy Online that requires a proper clinical consultation before dispensing any medication. The MHRA has warned about unlicensed and falsified weight loss products sold online, some of which have contained undeclared ingredients or the wrong medicine entirely [5]. Buying from a GPhC-registered pharmacy means your medicine is dispensed against a prescription written for you.
Weight loss pills & tablets
What weight loss pills are currently available in the UK?
- Orlistat weight loss capsules and Xenical (orlistat 120mg): a prescription fat blocker taken with meals.
- Alli weight loss capsules (orlistat 60mg): a lower-dose pharmacy medicine version of orlistat.
- The Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide): the first GLP-1 tablet approved for weight loss in the UK.
- Foundayo (orforglipron): a once-daily oral GLP-1 tablet.
Prescription vs over-the-counter weight loss pills - UK
Prescription weight loss pills such as Xenical (orlistat 120mg) and the Wegovy pill require an assessment by a prescriber. Orlistat 120mg is licensed from a BMI of 28 with a weight-related risk factor, or 30 without [3].
The lower-dose Alli (orlistat 60mg) is a pharmacy (P) medicine, which means a pharmacist can supply it after a suitable conversation, without a prescription (always read the label).
Whichever route applies, a pharmacist or prescriber will check it is appropriate for you. Higher-dose orlistat and the GLP-1 options are only available as prescription weight loss pills UK-wide.
What are the new weight loss pills?
New oral GLP-1 tablets
The approval of the Wegovy pill means an oral semaglutide is now a licensed option for weight loss in the UK, giving people who prefer tablets for weight loss access to GLP-1 treatment without injecting.
A further oral GLP-1, orforglipron (Foundayo), has been licensed in the UK and is currently available.
Are weight loss pills safe?
Side effects of weight loss pills
When prescribed and supplied by a registered pharmacy, licensed weight loss tablets have a well-established safety profile, but like all medicines they can cause side effects, and these differ depending on how the tablet works.
With fat blockers such as orlistat, the most common side effects relate to the way undigested fat passes through the gut, particularly if your meals are high in fat:
- Oily or fatty stools
- Urgent or more frequent bowel movements
- Wind, sometimes with an oily discharge
- Stomach pain or discomfort
These effects are usually milder when you keep to a lower-fat diet, and they tend to ease as your body adjusts.
With GLP-1 tablets for weight loss, the side effects are mainly digestive, similar to the injectable versions: nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and stomach discomfort. They are most likely when first starting treatment or as the dose is increased, and typically settle over time.
Less common but more serious side effects can include gallbladder problems, such as gallstones, and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which are linked to the GLP-1 tablets in particular. Warning signs to watch for include severe or ongoing tummy pain, particularly pain that spreads to your back, along with nausea, vomiting or yellowing of the skin or eyes. If you notice any of these, stop taking the medication and contact your prescriber or seek urgent medical advice straight away.
Who should not use weight loss pills
Not everyone can take weight loss tablets, and who they suit depends on the type.
GLP-1 tablets such as the Wegovy pill carry the same cautions as the injections. They should not be used in pregnancy, breastfeeding or while trying for a baby, or by anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2). Reliable contraception is usually advised for women who could become pregnant.
Orlistat (including Xenical and Alli) is also not suitable in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for people with chronic malabsorption syndrome or cholestasis (a problem with bile flow). Because it can reduce how well your body absorbs some vitamins and medicines, tell your prescriber or pharmacist what else you take [3].
This is not a complete list. Always read the patient information leaflet, and your prescriber or pharmacist will check that treatment is right for you before you start.
Starting weight loss treatment with Pharmacy Online
Whether you feel injections or tablets would suit you better, weight loss treatment at Pharmacy Online always begins with a short online consultation. A prescriber reviews your answers, your BMI and your medical history to decide what is safe and appropriate for you. You receive treatment only once your eligibility has been assessed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about weight loss treatments and our service.
How do weight loss injections work?
Weight loss injections copy natural gut hormones (GLP-1, and GIP with Mounjaro) that reduce appetite, help you feel full sooner and slow digestion, so many people naturally eat less. They work best alongside a healthy diet and regular activity.
Do weight loss injections work?
In clinical trials, GLP-1 and GIP injections helped many people lose a meaningful amount of weight when combined with diet and exercise, with some medicines showing average losses of around 15 to 20% of body weight [6][7]. Individual results vary, and weight can return if treatment stops [1].
Are weight loss injections safe?
When prescribed and monitored by a suitable prescriber, these medicines have an established safety profile. The most common side effects are digestive, such as nausea and constipation. Rarer but serious effects can include gallbladder problems and pancreatitis, so report any severe symptoms and read the patient information leaflet.
How to get weight loss injections
You can get weight loss injections through the NHS if you meet specific criteria (usually via a specialist service), or privately from a UK-registered pharmacy, like Pharmacy Online, after an online consultation. A prescriber checks your BMI and medical history before any medicine is supplied.
Can you get weight loss injections on the NHS?
Yes, but NHS access is limited and typically offered through specialist weight management services to people who meet set criteria. Many people who do not qualify on the NHS choose a private consultation instead.
How much do weight loss injections cost?
The cost depends on the medicine, dose and length of treatment. You can see prices before you start, but as these are prescription-only medicines, the treatment can only be supplied once a prescriber has assessed your eligibility and confirmed it is suitable for you.
What happens when you stop weight loss injections?
Appetite usually returns once the medicine is stopped, and some people regain weight. That is why treatment is best seen as part of a longer-term plan with lasting diet and lifestyle changes. Talk to your prescriber before stopping.
Do weight loss pills work?
Licensed weight loss pills can help people lose weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and more activity, though results are usually more modest than with injections and vary from person to person. Avoid unlicensed slimming pills sold online, which can be unsafe.
Are weight loss pills safe?
When prescribed and supplied by a registered pharmacy, licensed weight loss tablets have a well-established safety profile, though like all medicines they can cause side effects.
With orlistat these are mainly digestive, such as oily stools, wind and urgent bowel movements, and tend to be milder on a lower-fat diet.
With GLP-1 tablets they are usually nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, and rarely gallbladder problems or pancreatitis. Avoid unlicensed slimming pills sold online, which the MHRA warns can contain undisclosed or dangerous ingredients [5].
How do weight loss pills work?
Weight loss pills work in different ways depending on the type. Fat blockers such as orlistat act in the gut, stopping around a third of the fat in your meals from being absorbed so it passes out of the body instead.
GLP-1 tablets, such as the Wegovy pill, work instead on the brain's appetite signals to reduce hunger and help you feel fuller for longer, so you tend to eat less overall. They work best alongside a reduced-calorie diet and regular activity.
Where can I get weight loss pills?
Prescription weight loss pills, such as Xenical (orlistat 120mg) and the Wegovy pill, are available from a UK-registered pharmacy like Pharmacy Online after an online consultation with a prescriber, who checks your BMI and medical history first.
Lower-dose Alli (orlistat 60mg) is a pharmacy medicine that a pharmacist can supply without a prescription. Avoid buying unlicensed slimming products online, as these can be unsafe [5].
How much are weight loss pills?
The cost of weight loss pills depends on the medicine, the dose and how long you take them. As most are prescription-only medicines, we confirm the exact brand and price only after a prescriber has assessed your eligibility during your consultation, rather than advertising prices upfront.
How long do weight loss pills take to work?
Weight loss pills do not work overnight. Orlistat starts blocking fat absorption from your first doses, but visible weight change is gradual and builds over weeks and months alongside a lower-fat, reduced-calorie diet [4].
GLP-1 tablets tend to reduce appetite within the first few weeks, with more meaningful weight loss developing over several months of treatment [9]. Results vary from person to person, and no tablet is a shortcut.
Content written by:Nish FayyazMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2225257 | University of Strathclyde
Date Published:02/10/2026
Role:Pharmacist
Medically reviewed by:Umar RazzaqMPharm | GPhC Reg: 2064448 | University of Strathclyde
Last reviewed:02/10/2026
Role: Superintendent Pharmacist
Last updated: 2 October 2026
References
Clinical sources used on this page. Trial figures are averages from separate studies and are not a direct comparison between medicines.
- [1]
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: The STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism. 2022;24(8):1553-1564. https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.14725
- [2]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Semaglutide for managing overweight and obesity. Technology appraisal guidance TA875. 2023. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta875
- [3]
British Heart Foundation. Weight-loss injections explained. https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/weight-loss-injections-explained
- [4]
Torgerson JS, Hauptman J, Boldrin MN, Sjöström L. XENical in the Prevention of Diabetes in Obese Subjects (XENDOS) study: a randomized study of orlistat as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. Diabetes Care. 2004;27(1):155-161. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14693982/
- [5]
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Dodgy diet pills: dying to lose weight. GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dodgy-diet-pills-dying-to-lose-weight
- [6]
Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989–1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- [7]
Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3):205–216. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
- [8]
NICE (2025) Overweight and obesity management (NG246). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng246
- [9]
Knop FK, Aroda VR, do Vale RD, et al. Oral semaglutide 50 mg taken once per day in adults with overweight or obesity (OASIS 1): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. The Lancet. 2023;402(10403):705–719. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01185-6/abstract
- [10]
Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. Oral semaglutide at a dose of 25 mg in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2025;393(11):1077–1087. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2500969
- [11]
Wharton S, Freitas P, Hjelmesæth J, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide 7·2 mg in adults with obesity (STEP UP): a randomised, controlled, phase 3b trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2025;13(11):949–963. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2213-8587(25)00226-8
- [12]
Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management. New England Journal of Medicine. 2015;373(1):11–22. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1411892
- [13]
Wharton S, Aronne LJ, Stefanski A, et al. Orforglipron, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity treatment. New England Journal of Medicine. 2025. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2511774
- [14]
Anderson JW, Schwartz SM, Hauptman J, et al. Low-dose orlistat effects on body weight of mildly to moderately overweight individuals: a 16 week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2006;40(10):1717–1723. https://doi.org/10.1345/aph.1H234
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