Tablet comparison
Compare weight-loss tablets available in the UK
Two tablets you can access today, and one MHRA-approved treatment beginning to roll out. Use this page to see how they differ before reading individual guides or visiting a provider.
Quick comparison
Which suits you?
I want something available now without a prescription
Alli (orlistat 60mg) is the only weight-loss tablet available over the counter at UK pharmacies. No GP or clinic needed. Buy at Boots, Superdrug, or online.
I want a prescription tablet available now
Orlistat 120mg (prescription-strength) and Mysimba are both available at UK online pharmacies today. Mysimba is private prescription only – not NHS for weight loss. Orlistat 120mg can be NHS or private.
I want to track the Wegovy pill
The Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide for weight loss) received MHRA approval in June 2026. Commercial prescribing is in early stages. Some providers have opened waitlists.
Side by side
Tablet comparison table
All prices are private unless noted. OTC = no prescription needed. NHS availability depends on GP eligibility. Wegovy pill prices and access rules are not yet confirmed publicly.
| Orlistat 120mg Prescription | Alli / Orlistat 60mg No Rx needed | Mysimba Private Rx only | Wegovy pill Coming soon | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it works | Blocks fat absorption in the gut | Blocks fat absorption in the gut | Reduces appetite and cravings (brain mechanism) | GLP-1 receptor agonist – appetite suppression (semaglutide) |
| Prescription? | Yes – GP or online clinic | No – buy OTC at pharmacy | Private prescription only. Not NHS for weight loss. | Prescription required – details TBC |
| NHS available? | Yes (via GP with eligibility) | OTC – pay yourself | No | Not confirmed |
| Private cost | From ~£30 – £58 / 84 caps | ~£40 / 84 caps (OTC price) | ~£99 – £110 / month | Not yet published – expect £150 – £300/month based on comparable injectables |
| How long to access | ~1 – 2 weeks via online clinic | Available today at pharmacy | ~2 – 4 weeks via online clinic | Waitlists open at some providers – no confirmed timescale |
| BMI threshold (typical) | 30+ or 28+ with a condition | 28+ | 30+ or 27+ with a condition | Not yet confirmed |
| Key side effects | Oily or fatty stools, urgency – diet-dependent | Same as 120mg but often milder at lower dose | Nausea (31.8% in trials), headache, seizure risk (avoid if history) | Significant in trials – nausea, GI effects common |
| Clinical evidence | ~7% weight loss vs placebo at 1 year | ~3 – 4kg over placebo at 12 weeks (60mg) | ~5.4% vs 1.3% placebo (NB-301 trial) | Semaglutide trials show ~14 – 17% weight loss at 68 weeks (injectable form) |
Prices are private costs verified at providers tracked by Tablet Compare in June 2026. Always confirm current price and consultation fee before ordering. NHS eligibility depends on your GP and local criteria. Tablet Compare may earn from qualifying purchases via affiliate links on provider pages. See our affiliate disclosure.
Compare by what matters
Where to go based on what you care about
Cost
OTC orlistat is cheapest at ~£40 OTC, no consultation fee. Oxford Online Pharmacy has the lowest private-prescription orlistat price at £29.99 / 84 caps. Mysimba starts at ~£99/month. Wegovy pill pricing unknown.
Availability speed
Alli is available today at pharmacies. Prescription orlistat and Mysimba typically 1 – 4 weeks via online clinic. Wegovy pill: no confirmed commercial timeline at most providers.
Mechanism
Orlistat and Alli work in the gut – blocking fat absorption. Mysimba works on the brain – reducing appetite and cravings. Wegovy pill works via GLP-1 receptors – the most potent mechanism of the three, but also the newest.
NHS vs private
Orlistat 120mg is the only one available on the NHS (with GP eligibility). Mysimba is private only. Alli is OTC (you pay yourself). Wegovy pill NHS coverage is not confirmed.
Side effects to know first
Orlistat and Alli: oily stools – diet-dependent, manage by reducing fat intake. Mysimba: nausea and seizure risk – not suitable if you have a seizure history. Wegovy pill: significant GI side effects expected based on semaglutide injectable evidence.
Clinical evidence
All three have robust trial evidence. Semaglutide (Wegovy) shows the highest weight loss (~14 – 17% at 68 weeks injectable). Mysimba and orlistat are well-established in practice. Trials are not direct comparisons – conditions and populations differ.
Where to get them
Which providers offer these tablets?
Orlistat (prescription) and Mysimba are available at several UK online pharmacies with Tablet Compare affiliate links. Prices and availability verified June 2026 – always confirm before ordering.
Oxford Online Pharmacy
Orlistat from £29.99 / 84 caps. Mysimba from £109.98 / 112 tabs.
The Care Pharmacy
Orlistat £39.99 / 84 caps. Wegovy pill waitlist open.
Click Pharmacy
Orlistat £57.99 / 84 caps. Mysimba currently out of stock – check for restock.
Tablet Compare may earn from qualifying purchases via affiliate links. This does not affect which providers or products are featured. See our affiliate disclosure.
Before you decide
Read the individual guides first
Orlistat UK
How it works, cost breakdown, OTC vs prescription, NHS route, and where to get it.
Mysimba UK
Mechanism, private prescription process, cost, clinical trial evidence, and contraindications.
Wegovy pill UK status
MHRA-approved June 2026. Provider access, NHS timeline, and what to watch for.
Weight-loss tablets UK
The full overview: all current routes explained, what makes each different, and what to do next.
Important
This comparison is for information only. All prescription tablets require a clinical assessment – not everyone will be eligible. Prices and availability change. Always confirm directly with the provider before ordering.