Medications
The GLP-1 weight-loss medications, explained.
A handful of medicines do most of the work in UK weight management, and they are not interchangeable — they differ in molecule, licence, and how they're taken. Here's each one, with its honest status.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist
Licensed in the UK for weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Licensed in the UK for weight management.
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Licensed in the UK for type 2 diabetes — NOT for weight loss. The same molecule is licensed for weight management as Wegovy.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Licensed in the UK for weight management. Daily injection.
Orforglipron (Orforglipron)
Not yet licensedOral (non-peptide) GLP-1 receptor agonist
Investigational — NOT yet licensed or available in the UK. Coverage here is educational, on the published research only.