Semaglutide tablets for weight loss
Find out what the research says about oral semaglutide, why it is not licensed for weight loss yet, and how tablets compare with injections.
How effective are semaglutide tablets for weight loss?
Some clinical trials have explored the effect of semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus) on weight loss:
In the PIONEER 4 trial, people with type 2 diabetes took up to 14mg daily for 52 weeks, resulting in an average weight loss of around 4.4kg compared with placebo.¹
In the OASIS 1 trial, adults with obesity (without diabetes) received an experimental 50mg daily dose for 68 weeks, achieving an impressive 15.1% average body‑weight reduction.²
These results highlight a clear dose-response relationship: higher oral doses of semaglutide deliver more substantial weight loss, with the 50mg dose producing clinically significant results.
However, it’s important to note that these higher strengths remain experimental and are not currently licensed for obesity treatment.
Are semaglutide tablets licensed for weight loss?
No. Rybelsus (semaglutide tablets) is licensed only for type 2 diabetes in the UK. MHRA approval covers blood sugar control, not weight management.
Semaglutide injections (Wegovy) gained a licence for weight loss in 2023.
How to take semaglutide tablets
Rybelsus (semaglutide)
To ensure proper absorption, Rybelsus must be taken carefully:
Swallow one tablet with no more than 120ml (about half a glass) of plain water
Take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach
Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything else, or taking other medications
This routine helps the medicine absorb properly in the gut. Skipping or changing these steps can reduce its effectiveness.
Semaglutide tablets vs injections
Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus)
❌ Not licensed for weight loss in the UK
Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy)
✅ Licensed for weight loss in the UK
Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus)
Daily dose of 3-14mg.
Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy)
Weekly dose of 0.25mg-2.4mg.
Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus)
No injections, ideal if you have needle phobia.
Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy)
May cause needle anxiety for some people.
Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus)
Up to 15% weight loss in early clinical trials.
Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy)
Up to 15% weight loss in clinical trials.
Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus)
Empty stomach with a small amount of water.
Injectable semaglutide (Wegovy)
No specific food or water restrictions before dosing.
Semaglutide tablets FAQs
What doses do semaglutide tablets come in?
Rybelsus comes in three tablet strengths:
3mg - starting dose for the first 30 days
7mg - standard maintenance dose
14mg - higher maintenance dose if more blood sugar control is needed
Is the semaglutide tablet as effective as the injection?
No, at today’s licensed strengths it isn’t.
Tablet (14mg daily, Rybelsus). In diabetes studies this dose cut weight by about 4.5% of starting body weight.
Injection (2.4mg weekly, Wegovy). STEP trials showed an average 15% weight loss.⁴
Researchers have tested a 50mg daily semaglutide tablet that achieved roughly 15% loss in the OASIS-1 trial, but that higher dose is still experimental and not yet licensed². Until it’s approved, the weekly injection remains the stronger proven option.
Are semaglutide tablets safe?
Most side-effects are mild, such as nausea, diarrhoea and bloating. Serious problems like pancreatitis are rare. Always report severe tummy pain or vomiting to your GP or call 111.
What are semaglutide tablets used for?
In the UK, Rybelsus is licensed only for adults with type 2 diabetes who need better blood-sugar control. It is taken alongside diet and exercise, with or without other diabetes drugs.³
Do semaglutide tablets help with weight loss?
They can, but the licence is for diabetes, not weight loss. People on the 14mg dose lost around 4.4kg in a year when they also followed a healthy lifestyle.
Where can I buy semaglutide tablets in the UK?
You can’t buy them over the counter. They are prescription only for type 2 diabetes, so a GP or an approved online prescriber must issue a prescription before you can buy them.
Medically reviewed by Dr Jackir Hussain
This page was last medically reviewed by Dr Jackir Hussain on 14 July 2025.
At Pill Scout, we prioritise accurate, evidence-based health information you can trust.
Our medical team regularly reviews and updates our content to ensure it stays aligned with the latest clinical research and guidance.
Dr Jackir Hussain, MBChB, MRCGP
GMC: 7074207
Dr Jackir Hussain is a UK-based GP with over 14 years of clinical experience since earning his medical degree from the University of Manchester. He has worked across diverse healthcare environments, including NHS GP surgeries, urgent care services, homeless shelters, and telemedicine platforms.
His areas of interest include general practice, weight loss, and the use of digital health to improve patient access to care.
Sources
¹ PIONEER 4 trial. Oral semaglutide vs. liraglutide and placebo in type 2 diabetes. Last accessed July 2025.
² OASIS 1 trial. Oral semaglutide 50mg for obesity without diabetes. Last accessed July 2025.
³ EMC database. Summary of product characteristics and interactions for Rybelsus 14mg tablets. Last updated April 2025.
⁴ PIONEER 1 trial. Oral semaglutide 14mg for type 2 diabetes. Last updated October 2021.Sign up for trusted updates
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