GLP-1 medicines in the UK: which are licensed for weight loss
GLP-1 medicines copy a natural hormone which helps you feel full. Some are licensed for weight management, some for type 2 diabetes and one for both.
Four GLP-1 medicines licensed for weight management have live prices on GLP Index: Mounjaro, Wegovy, the Wegovy pill and Foundayo. Ozempic and Rybelsus are licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight management, according to the MHRA.
UK status of each medicine
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Weekly injection | Yes | Phased rollout in England | From £90.00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weekly injection | Yes | Specialist services only | From £44.00 |
| Wegovy pill | Semaglutide | Daily tablet | Yes | Not offered | From £53.00 |
| Foundayo | Orforglipron | Daily tablet | Yes | Not offered | From £46.00 |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Weekly injection | No. Licensed for type 2 diabetes | Diabetes care | Not tracked |
| Rybelsus | Semaglutide | Daily tablet | No. Licensed for type 2 diabetes | Diabetes care | Not tracked |
| Liraglutide brands | Liraglutide | Daily injection | Depends on the brand | Varies | Not tracked |
How they work, in one paragraph
GLP-1 medicines mimic a natural hormone which helps people feel full. Mounjaro also acts on a second hormone called GIP. All of them are prescription only. Source: MHRA.
What a licence means
The MHRA licenses a medicine for set uses after checking quality, safety and effectiveness. The MHRA has not assessed these medicines for uses outside the licence, such as cosmetic weight loss in people who are not overweight or obese. Source: MHRA.
Switching between medicines
The MHRA says any switch between GLP-1 medicines, even between brands with the same active ingredient, should be discussed with a healthcare professional first. Source: MHRA.
Live prices
Questions
Is Ozempic licensed for weight loss in the UK?
No. The MHRA states Ozempic and Rybelsus are licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight management. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient and is licensed for weight management.
Is Mounjaro licensed for weight loss in the UK?
Yes. Mounjaro is licensed for both weight management and type 2 diabetes.
Are weight loss tablets available in the UK?
Yes. The MHRA authorised Foundayo on 10 August 2026, and a semaglutide tablet for weight management was approved earlier in 2026. GLP Index tracks live prices for both.
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Both contain semaglutide. Wegovy is licensed for weight management. Ozempic is licensed for type 2 diabetes. The MHRA advises speaking to a healthcare professional before any switch between brands.
Official sources
Every rule on this page comes from the sources below. GLP Index checked each one on 8 October 2026.
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. GLP-1 medicines for weight loss and diabetes: what you need to know. First published 5 June 2025, updated 5 February 2026.
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. UK first in Europe to authorise orforglipron for weight management and type 2 diabetes. 10 August 2026.
- NHS England. Weight management injections. Checked 8 October 2026.
More on UK rules
- Who can get weight loss medicine in the UK
- Weight loss injections on the NHS: who qualifies and when
- Buying weight loss medicine online: the UK rules
- MHRA safety advice for weight loss medicines
- Why weight loss medicines are not advertised in the UK
- Who regulates weight loss medicines in the UK
- UK weight loss medicine timeline: every key decision
- NHS vs private: what weight loss medicine costs in the UK
- All UK rules pages