Wegovy tablets: the first oral semaglutide for weight loss explained

The Wegovy tablet: an explanation of the first oral semaglutide for weight loss

Short answer: The Wegovy tablet contains 25 mg of oral semaglutide and is the first GLP-1 tablet specifically approved for weight loss (FDA, December 2025). It is not yet available in the Netherlands; here, injections or Rybelsus are currently used, which, like Ozempic, are also used off-label for weight loss.

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

The Wegovy tablet changes all that. In this blog post, you can read 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 therefore marks a milestone: a GLP-1 medicine that is swallowed rather than injected.

It is important to distinguish between this and a medicine that is already available in the Netherlands. Rybelsus, the oral semaglutide tablet, is authorised for type 2 diabetes and contains a maximum of 14 mg of semaglutide. Just 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 contains the same active ingredient, but is a different medicine with a different authorisation and dosage. They are therefore not interchangeable.

How does the Wegovy tablet work?

The Wegovy tablet mimics the body’s own gut hormone GLP-1 and thereby suppresses appetite. Semaglutide delays gastric emptying, reduces feelings 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 method of administration differs.

A GLP-1 in tablet form is technically difficult to produce, as this protein is normally broken down in the stomach before it has time to take effect. The tablet therefore contains an absorption-enhancing substance, SNAC. Laboratory studies of SNAC show that the substance helps semaglutide to pass through the stomach wall. Absorption therefore remains relatively low and is heavily dependent on the stomach being empty, which explains the strict instructions for taking the tablet.

How effective is the Wegovy tablet?

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

However, it is important to be realistic. The results depend to a large extent on consistent use and a combined lifestyle strategy involving diet and exercise. The figures from the studies are averages, not guarantees.

Would you like to understand how semaglutide (Ozempic) aids weight loss? You’ll then see that the medicine is a tool that works best in combination with lasting behavioural changes.

How do you take the Wegovy tablet?

The Wegovy tablet should be taken on an empty stomach with a small sip of water, and you should then wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking or taking other medicines. Swallow the tablet whole and use no more than half a glass of water, as more water actually reduces absorption. According to Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas, oral semaglutide requires this strict administration on an empty stomach to ensure reliable efficacy.

This requirement is also its biggest drawback compared with Foundayo, another oral weight-loss medicine that has no intake restrictions. Anyone who finds it difficult to stick to a strict 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 tablet are similar to those of injectable semaglutide and are usually mild. Nausea is the most common complaint, particularly during the initial phase, and affects around a quarter of users. In addition, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and a reduced appetite may occur. These symptoms usually subside as soon as the body gets used to the medicine.

Rare but serious side effects include gallstones, inflammation of the pancreas and dehydration resulting from persistent gastrointestinal problems. Caution should also be exercised in cases of a history of pancreatitis and during pregnancy, when the medicine must be discontinued in good time. If your symptoms persist or are severe, you should always contact a doctor.

Is the Wegovy tablet already available in the Netherlands?

No, the Wegovy tablet is not yet available in the Netherlands or the rest of the EU. Approval is currently limited to the US. Novo Nordisk has submitted an application to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the authorisation of oral semaglutide 25 mg for the treatment of obesity during the second half of 2025. The medicine is expected to become available in Europe in 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, but an exact date and information on reimbursement have not yet been finalised.

In the Netherlands, however, other options are currently available. In addition to Rybelsus (off-label for weight loss), there are injectable medicines such as Wegovy (semaglutide injection for weight loss), Ozempic and Mounjaro. You can find an overview of these in our overview of weight-loss medicines. Whether a GLP-1 treatment is right for you depends on your individual situation and your BMI.

Wegovy tablets or injections: what’s the difference?

The main difference between the Wegovy tablet and the injection lies in the method 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 give themselves injections, but it must be taken on an empty stomach. The injection is self-administered once a week and has no dietary restrictions.

Foundayo is a third option that does not contain semaglutide and has no dietary restrictions. The table below compares the key features.

Which form is best suited varies from person to person. Are you unsure whether you’re eligible? Then check when you’re eligible for GLP-1 medicines.

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

Goodweigh closely monitors developments in oral GLP-1 medicines and already offers guidance on the available, approved medicines. 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 right now? Then start an online assessment and discover your options.