Wegovy tablets: the first oral semaglutide for weight loss explained

Wegovy tablet: the first oral semaglutide for weight loss explained

Short answer: The Wegovy tablet is 25 mg oral semaglutide, the first GLP-1 tablet specifically approved for weight loss (FDA, December 2025). It is not yet available in the Netherlands; for the time being, you’ll need to use injections or Rybelsus, which, like Ozempic, is also used off-label for weight loss.

For the first time, there is a semaglutide tablet developed specifically for weight loss. Until now, semaglutide for weight loss was only available as a weekly injection, and the oral version was reserved for diabetes patients.

The Wegovy tablet changes that. In this blog, you can read exactly what the tablet is, how it works, how effective it has been shown to be, and when it is expected to become available in the Netherlands.

What is the Wegovy tablet?

The Wegovy tablet contains 25 mg of oral semaglutide, the same active ingredient as the well-known Wegovy injection. It is the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist to be specifically approved for weight management by the US FDA on 22 December 2025. This marks a milestone: a GLP-1 medicine that you take orally rather than by injection.

It is important to distinguish it from a medicine that is already available in the Netherlands. Rybelsus, the oral semaglutide tablet, is authorised for type 2 diabetes and contains up to 14 mg of semaglutide. Like Ozempic, Rybelsus is also prescribed off-label for weight loss. The Wegovy tablet is specifically authorised for weight loss and has a higher dose of 25 mg.

It is the same active ingredient, but a different product with a different authorisation and dosage. They are therefore not interchangeable.

How does the Wegovy pill work?

The Wegovy tablet mimics the body’s own gut hormone GLP-1, thereby suppressing your appetite. Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, suppresses the feeling of hunger via centres in the hypothalamus and prolongs the feeling of fullness. The mechanism of action is identical to that of the injection, as it is the same molecule. Only the route of administration differs.

A GLP-1 in tablet form is technically challenging, as this protein is normally broken down in the stomach before it can take effect. That is why the tablet contains an absorption enhancer, SNAC. Laboratory research into SNAC shows that the substance helps guide the semaglutide through the stomach wall. As a result, absorption remains relatively low and is highly dependent on an empty stomach, which explains the strict dosing instructions.

How effective is the Wegovy tablet?

The Wegovy tablet led to approximately 16.6 per cent weight loss when taken as prescribed. This was demonstrated in the OASIS 4 trial, a phase 3 study of 25 mg oral semaglutide in adults who were overweight or obese. This result is comparable to the Wegovy injection of 2.4 mg per week. An earlier Phase 3 study (OASIS 1) also showed significant weight loss at a higher dose, confirming that oral semaglutide can be effective.

However, it is important to remain realistic. The outcome depends heavily on consistent use and a combined lifestyle approach involving diet and exercise. The figures from the research are averages, not guarantees.

Would you like to understand how semaglutide (Ozempic) helps with weight loss? You’ll see that the medicine is a tool that works best alongside lasting behavioural change.

How do you take the Wegovy tablet?

Take the Wegovy tablet on an empty stomach with a small sip of water, and then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking any other medication. Swallow the tablet whole and use no more than half a glass of water, as more water actually reduces absorption. According to the Pharmacotherapeutic Compass, oral semaglutide requires this strict ‘on an empty stomach’ intake to ensure reliable efficacy.

This requirement is also the main drawback compared to Foundayo, another oral weight-loss medication that has no intake restrictions. Anyone who struggles with a fixed morning routine may find this a burden. For those who do not wish to use injections, the convenience of a tablet may well outweigh this. You should therefore also read about how to use Wegovy safely for weight loss before starting GLP-1 treatment.

What are the side effects of the Wegovy tablet?

The side effects of the Wegovy pill are similar to those of injectable semaglutide and are usually mild. Nausea is the most commonly reported symptom, particularly during the titration phase, and affects around a quarter of users. Other possible side effects include diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and a reduced appetite. These symptoms usually subside once your body gets used to the medication.

Rare but serious side effects include gallstones, inflammation of the pancreas and dehydration caused by persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. Caution is also advised in cases of a history of pancreatitis and during pregnancy, in which case the medicine must be stopped well in advance. If your symptoms persist or are severe, always contact a doctor.

Is the Wegovy pill already available in the Netherlands?

No, the Wegovy pill is not yet available in the Netherlands or the rest of the EU. Approval is currently limited to the United States. Novo Nordisk has submitted oral semaglutide 25 mg for obesity to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for assessment in the second half of 2025. European availability is expected in 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, but an exact date and information on reimbursement have not yet been confirmed.

However, other options are currently available in the Netherlands. As well as Rybelsus (used off-label for weight loss), you can opt for injectable treatments such as Wegovy (semaglutide injection for weight loss), Ozempic and Mounjaro. You can find an overview of these in our guide to weight-loss medicines. Whether a GLP-1 treatment is suitable for you depends on your situation and BMI.

Wegovy tablet or injection: what’s the difference?

The main difference between the Wegovy tablet and the injection lies in the form of administration and ease of use. The tablet is taken daily and may lower the barrier to entry for those who do not wish to use injections, but it requires strict administration on an empty stomach. The injection is self-administered weekly and has no dietary restrictions.

Foundayo is a third, non-semaglutide option with no intake restrictions. The table below compares the key features.

Which form is right for you depends on the individual. Not sure if you’re eligible? Find out when you’re eligible for GLP-1 medication.

Stay up to date with the latest weight-loss medication with Goodweigh

Goodweigh closely follows developments in oral GLP-1 medication and already offers guidance on the available, registered treatments. As soon as the Wegovy tablet becomes available in the Netherlands, a Dutch doctor will assess whether it is a suitable option for you. Would you like to know which treatment is right for you at the moment? Then start an online intake and discover your options.

‍

‍