Wegovy is now available in the UK as both a once-daily pill and a once-weekly injection. Both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, and both are licensed for weight management, but the way you take them is quite different.

The main choice comes down to routine and personal preference. The Wegovy pill is needle-free but needs to be taken every day according to specific empty-stomach rules. The Wegovy injection only needs to be taken once a week and isn't affected by when you eat. We’ll break down the differences below.

Both forms of Wegovy contain semaglutide. This works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, helping to regulate appetite and making you feel fuller for longer. The biggest practical difference is how often and how you take your medicine.

Wegovy injections are taken once a week and can be used at any time of day, regardless of meals. Meanwhile, the Wegovy pill needs to be taken every day after fasting for at least eight hours. You should swallow it whole with a small amount of water – no more than 120 ml – and then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other oral medicines. Taking it differently can reduce how much semaglutide your body absorbs.

In other words, if fitting those rules into your morning routine sounds difficult, the weekly injection may be more convenient, and if avoiding needles is more important to you, the tablet may be preferable.

You can read more about how the Wegovy pill works or compare it with other weight-loss pills available through Well.

Because both treatments contain semaglutide, their side effects are broadly similar. The most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and other digestive symptoms

The Wegovy tablet's official prescribing information says its overall safety profile was consistent with Wegovy injections, with gastrointestinal side effects occurring at similar frequencies overall. However, dyspepsia (indigestion) was reported in a higher frequency category with the tablets. Digestive side effects were most common while doses were being increased.

This means it would be misleading to say that the pill simply causes more side effects than the injection. Some digestive symptoms may be a little more noticeable with oral treatment for some people, but individual tolerance varies considerably.

If side effects are persistent or difficult to manage, speak to your pharmacist rather than changing your dose yourself.

Neither version is automatically better.

The Wegovy pill may suit you if you want to avoid injections and are comfortable following a strict daily routine. It currently starts from £98.50 at Well.

The Wegovy injection may suit you if you prefer the convenience of once-weekly treatment without having to plan medication around meals. It currently starts from £89 at Well.

Your pharmacist will also consider your medical history, existing medicines, previous weight-management treatments, and how well you're likely to manage each dosing schedule before recommending an option.

If you're still comparing your choices, explore the weight-management treatments available from Well or start a consultation to find out which may be suitable for you.