New Weight Loss Medications Coming Soon to the UK

Around 1.5 million people in the UK are thought to be taking weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro. These treatments have helped people around the world to lose weight and improve their health – and they seem to be in the headlines almost daily.  

Now, there are some exciting new medications on the horizon, including the first oral tablet, which could be available in the UK as early as 2026. Here’s what you need to know about the next generation of treatments.

Orforglipron: The First Weight Loss Daily Tablet

What makes orforglipron different?

The biggest news is that orforglipron will be available as a daily tablet rather than a weekly injection. This could be a game-changer for many people who find injections challenging or inconvenient.

Made by Eli Lilly (the same company behind Mounjaro), orforglipron works in a similar way to existing treatments by targeting GLP-1 receptors, but you take it once daily with no food or water restrictions.

How effective is orforglipron?

The ATTAIN-1 phase 3 trial followed 3,127 adults with obesity or overweight (and no diabetes) for
72 weeks. Participants lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight, compared with 0.9% on placebo. Orforglipron also improved cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.

For comparison, Mounjaro’s (tirzepatide) SURMOUNT-1 trial showed a 16–22.5% average weight loss, depending on the dose. While orforglipron’s results are slightly lower, many people may value the convenience of a daily pill.

When might orforglipron be available in the UK?

According to Eli Lilly, the UK should be one of the first countries to get access to orforglipron , with availability expected sometime in 2026 pending regulatory approval. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the approval process and will be ready to help patients access it once it becomes available.

Who might benefit from orforglipron?

This could be particularly helpful if you:

• Have a needle phobia or find injections difficult
• Travel frequently and prefer the convenience of tablets
• Want a daily routine rather than remembering weekly injections
• Experience injection site reactions with current treatments

Retatrutide: Triple-Action Weight Loss Treatment

Understanding retatrutide’s unique approach

Also from Eli Lilly, retatrutide takes a different approach by targeting three hormone pathways instead of one or two. It works on three pathways:

• Glucagon, which helps break down fat for energy
• GLP-1 (like Wegovy)
• GIP (like Mounjaro)

This “triple-action” approach has earned retatrutide the nickname “Triple G” and may explain why the results look so promising.

What do the studies show?

The phase 2 results have been quite remarkable. A study of 338 participants, people taking retatrutide showed:

• 17.5% average weight loss after 24 weeks
• Up to 24.2% weight loss after 48 weeks
• 93% lost at least 10% of their body weight
• Around a quarter lost more than 30%

These results are higher than what we typically see with current treatments, though it’s worth noting this was a smaller study and we’re waiting for larger phase 3 trials to confirm these findings.

Availability

Retatrutide is now in phase 3 testing. If all goes well, it may be available in 2026 or 2027. Like other GLP-1s, it will be a weekly injection.

CagriSema: Enhanced Combination Treatment

What is CagriSema?

Developed by Novo Nordisk (makers of Wegovy), CagriSema is a weekly injection that combines:

• Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy)
• Cagrilintide, which mimics the hormone amylin and increases feelings of fullness

Together, they may help overcome the body’s natural slowdown in metabolism during weight loss.

Clinical trial results

In phase 3 trials, average weight loss over 68 weeks was:

• 20.4% with CagriSema
• 14.9% with semaglutide alone
• 11.5% with cagrilintide alone
• 3% with placebo

Side effects were mostly mild to moderate, similar to current GLP-1s.

When will it be available?

Novo Nordisk plans to seek regulatory approval in 2026, which could mean UK access in 2027.

Comparing Your Options

More treatments mean more personalised care. Some people will prefer the simplicity of a daily tablet, while others may benefit from the stronger results seen in newer injectables.

• Convenience – orforglipron may open up treatment for those put off by injections.
• Effectiveness – retatrutide and CagriSema show promising results, sometimes exceeding today’s options.
• Access – NHS access is likely to be limited at first. Private prescription may provide earlier availability.

Cost and NHS Accessibility

At present, NHS access to GLP-1 medications is highly restricted, usually limited to people with severe obesity under specialist weight management programmes.

Newer medications often take years to be assessed and adopted. With NHS budget pressures, access may remain tight.

That said, private access can often provide earlier use of new treatments, sometimes years before they reach NHS pathways.

Planning Ahead

• Already on treatment? Stick with what works. If you’re doing well on Wegovy or Mounjaro, there’s no need to switch.
• Not seeing results? Newer medications may be worth considering when available.
• New to treatment? Today’s options are effective – there’s no need to delay starting.
• Worried about injections? Orforglipron may be the first real alternative.

Our Approach

At PillSorted, our focus is on supporting you to find the right treatment. That means:

• Sharing honest information about all options
• Helping you choose what fits your lifestyle and medical history
• Providing ongoing monitoring and care
• Being realistic about costs, access, and outcomes
• Up-to-date evidence-based approach to healthcare: we are always reviewing the latest evidence to ensure we provide you with the most up-to-date, science-backed care

Whilst we wait for these new treatments, Mounjaro and Wegovy remain excellent weight-loss options for most people today. The best treatment is the one that works for you, fits your lifestyle, and that you can stick with long-term. Rest-assured, when the new treatments arrive, we will be there with the appropriate advice and care.

References

• The BMJ (2025). Patients coming off weight loss injections need support for at least a year, says NICE
• Lilly Investors (2025). Lilly’s oral GLP-1, orforglipron, delivers weight loss of up to an average of 27.3 lbs in first of two pivotal Phase 3 trials in adults with obesity
• New England Journal of Medicine (2022). Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
• American Diabetes Association (2023). American Diabetes Association Highlights Novel Agent Retatrutide which Results in Substantial Weight Reduction in People with Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes During Late Breaking Symposium
• American Diabetes Association (2025). CagriSema Demonstrates Significant Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity