4 NOVEMBER 2026
The weight loss pill with semaglutide: how it works
The weight loss pill with semaglutide is the first GLP-1 pill approved in the EU for weight management. You take one tablet a day instead of a weekly injection. Read how the pill works, how to take it and who it is meant for.
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What is the new weight loss pill?
The Wegovy pill is a tablet containing semaglutide, the same active substance as in the weekly injection pen. Wegovy has recently also been approved in the EU as a tablet: the first GLP-1 pill for weight management.
You take one tablet a day, instead of one injection a week. It is a prescription medicine: a doctor first assesses whether it suits you.
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SMART SCIENCE
How the weight loss pill works
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 medicine. According to the product information, it reduces your feeling of hunger and increases your feeling of fullness. As a result, you may feel less hungry and eat smaller portions.
The pill is meant as an addition to a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity. It is not a quick fix or a replacement for a healthy lifestyle. Read more about our Medical Weight Loss programme.
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DAILY ROUTINE
How to take the tablet
The product information is precise about how to take it, because the tablet only works properly on an empty stomach:
Take the tablet on an empty stomach, after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Swallow it whole with a sip of water, no more than half a glass (120 ml).
Do not split, crush or chew the tablet.
Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medicines.
Forgot one? Skip that dose and simply take your tablet the next day.
STEP BY STEP
How the dose is built up
The dose goes up in steps, so your body can get used to it. The product information describes this schedule. Your doctor decides which dose and which pace suit you.
Step | Dose per day | How long |
|---|---|---|
Start | 1.5 mg | 4 weeks |
Step 2 | 4 mg | at least 4 weeks |
Step 3 | 9 mg | at least 4 weeks |
Maintenance | 25 mg | maintenance dose |
You always take one tablet a day. Are you currently using the weekly 2.4 mg injection? According to the product information, you can then switch to 25 mg a day one week after your last injection. Whether that suits you is something to discuss with your doctor.
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PILL OR PEN
Pill or injection?
The pill and the injection pen contain the same active substance. The difference is in how you use them: you take the pill every day, the injection once a week.
With the pill you do not need to inject, but you do need a fixed morning routine: take it on an empty stomach and then wait half an hour. Whether the pill or the injection pen suits you better is something you decide together with the doctor during your free consult.
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Our team of cosmetic doctors, surgeons, skin therapists, and beauty specialists is ready to assist you every day with personal advice and treatments, fully tailored to your wishes and the best
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IS IT FOR YOU?
Who is the weight loss pill for?
According to the product information, the pill is meant for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or with a BMI of 27 to 30 and at least one weight-related health problem.
The pill must not be used during pregnancy. Planning to get pregnant? According to the product information, you then stop at least 2 months beforehand.
Whether the weight loss pill is suitable and safe for you is assessed by the doctor during your free consult, based on your health, BMI and medical history.
SAFETY FIRST
Which side effects can you expect?
The most commonly reported side effects affect your stomach and bowels:
nausea
diarrhoea
constipation
abdominal pain
indigestion, such as a bloated or full feeling
vomiting
According to the package leaflet, they mainly occur while the dose is being increased and usually go away after some time. Your doctor keeps a close eye on you throughout the programme and adjusts your treatment plan where needed.
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SAFE & SOUND
Through the doctor, never online
Our doctors can prescribe the pill form when this is medically appropriate. The doctor sends your prescription to our affiliated pharmacy, and your medication package is delivered to your home.
We schedule regular check-ins, in which we track your progress, discuss side effects and adjust the dosage.
Never buy these medicines online: anything offered outside the pharmacy is illegal and unsafe. You can see what the programme costs per month on our pricing page.
BE PREPARED
How to prepare for your free consult
Fill in the medical questionnaire you receive by email.
List the medicines you use.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Rather not come to the store? You can also schedule a video consult.
Check the rates in advance. The consult is always free.
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READY WHEN YOU ARE
Start with a free consult
During your free consult, the doctor measures your BMI, you get advice on which medication suits you best and you get answers to all your questions.
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Experts
With our experts you are in good hands
Our team consists of cosmetic doctors, surgeons, medical weight loss specialists, skin therapists, and assistants who are always up to date with the latest techniques and treatments. They would like to introduce themselves to you.
GOOD TO KNOW