- New oral weight loss pill launches at Boots* online and in-store with thousands having already completed consultations to receive the new oral medication.
- The service will start from £79 for new customers.1
- Customers will have access to the extensive wrap-around support available through Boots Online Doctor weight loss service, including online coaching and webinars.
The new oral Wegovy weight loss pill has launched at Boots Online Doctor with eligible customers able to collect medication in-store or receive home delivery from today, once approved. It is the first GLP-1 pill available to customers in the UK for weight management, following the MHRA’s approval last month. The cost of the service starts at £79 for new customers.1
Boots received strong interest prior to the pill’s launch with thousands of customers completing consultations to be one of the first to receive the new oral medication. Nearly two-thirds of those who have completed consultations will be accessing weight loss medication at Boots for the first time, subject to a clinical assessment, with the new pill opening up treatment options for those who may be uncomfortable with self-injection or prefer an oral medication.
Customers will also be able to access the oral Wegovy treatment in Boots stores from 12 July. Boots in-store weight loss service is available in 62 stores across the UK, with an additional 25 stores being rolled out in the coming weeks nationwide.
In addition, as part of its commitment to supporting customers throughout their weight loss journeys, Boots now has dedicated weight loss journey support spaces in 70 stores, featuring a curated range of products across health, wellness and beauty, to help with some of the common consequences of losing weight.
Customers also benefit from a wide range of wrap-around resources on the Boots Online Doctor platform, including a 10-week free weight loss programme promoting sustainable lifestyle and behavioural changes, access to an app to track progress** and a free 12-month aftercare programme*** for customers who have stopped medication.
Jamie Kerruish, Chief Healthcare Officer at Boots, said: “The introduction of the new oral Wegovy pill is an important addition to our weight loss service. It forms part of our continued support for weight management through both in-store support, including our new dedicated weight loss journey support zones, and online through the wealth of resources available on Boots Online Doctor. Our offering seeks to ensure customers have everything they need to make long-lasting sustainable changes that can improve their health outcomes.”
Dr. Anju Verma, Clinical Lead for Weight Loss at Boots Online Doctor said: "Having an effective oral treatment available gives customers and healthcare professionals greater choice when considering the most appropriate treatment approach. Weight management is not one-size-fits-all, and expanding the range of clinically proven options at different price points allows treatment decisions to be tailored more closely to an individual's preferences, lifestyle and clinical needs.
"It's important to remember that weight loss medications are not a quick fix. Whether taken as a pill or an injection, the best outcomes are achieved when treatment is combined with healthy lifestyle changes, appropriate clinical assessment, patient education and ongoing medical supervision. Medication can be a valuable tool, but it works best as part of a broader, long-term approach to weight management.”
As with the Wegovy injection, the Wegovy weight loss pill contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which mimics the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, helping to regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and reduce hunger. It also slows the rate at which the stomach empties, helping people feel fuller for longer after meals.
The pill is licensed for adults aged 18 and over and may be suitable for people living with obesity, or those who are overweight and have weight-related health conditions, subject to a clinical assessment. Current guidance states that treatment is indicated for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above where there is at least one weight-related health condition, including in some higher-risk ethnic groups where lower BMI thresholds may still be clinically relevant.
*Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Charges apply. Subject to availability
**The app helps customers track weight and much more. Download from Apple and Google Play app stores.
***Available to customers who've used the Boots Online Doctor Weight Loss Treatment service for at least 6 consecutive months. The aftercare programme will come into effect 2 months after your final month of treatment and will be available for 12 months thereafter.
11.5mg – £79 for new customers with discount code 20NEW (£99 for existing customers)