UK first in Europe to give Green Light to Foundayo
Posted on August 12, 2026 by Sally-Anne Turner
It's been a busy few months for oral GLP-1s in the UK!
As of August 10th, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved orforglipron in the UK — the Eli Lilly pill.
This once-daily drug has been produced by the same manufacturer as Mounjaro. Coming just two months after the MHRA approved the Wegovy pill (from Novo Nordisk), this highlights a change in weight loss medications.
Even though it has been approved for use in the UK, much like the Wegovy pill, it is not currently approved for use on the NHS. According to the MHRA, "decisions on the use of this drug in the NHS will follow the established process, including a complete investigation by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)."
If you are starting your weight loss journey in the UK, you will likely have some queries about this new addition. Our team at the Bodyline Clinic are excited for this pill's release, and here, we will walk you through what this means for the future of weight loss treatment in the UK.
What Is Orforglipron?
The active ingredient in this oral GLP-1 is orforglipron.
Marketed as Foundayo, like other GLP-1s, this mimics a naturally occurring hormone in the body, glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1). This is released in the body after eating and is linked to feeling full.
Orforglipron acts on brain regions that regulate appetite, much like the Wegovy pill. This helps those who take it to feel fuller for longer, thereby reducing hunger and cravings. So, it can help people lose weight as part of a programme based around a nutritionally balanced diet and lifestyle adjustments.
Interestingly, this medication has also been licensed in the UK to help people who have type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar. Orforglipron has been shown in clinical studies to reduce blood sugar levels, helping keep them more balanced overall.
Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, has been quoted as saying:
"Following rigorous assessment of orforglipron's safety, quality, and effectiveness, we are pleased to be the first regulator in Europe to authorise this tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes."
Who Can Take It?
Much like the Wegovy pill, this medication is authorised for use in those who have a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of between 27 and 30, provided that they have at least one weight-related comorbidity.
It is also authorised to help improve glycaemic control for patients who have poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
Dosages and Side Effects
The orforglipron tablet is designed to be taken once daily. It can be taken at any time of the day and does not require limitations on food or water to be effective.
Treatment with orforglipron is broken down like this:
- Begins at 0.8 mg.
- Titrating to 2.5 mg in month one.
- 5.5 mg in month two.
- 9 mg in month three.
- 14.5 mg in month four.
- 17.2 mg in month five.
Patients will need a minimum of one month at each dose level. Patients are also advised that there is no "maintenance dose" and that they should take the minimum dosage needed to maintain their weight.
Like other GLP-1s, the most common side effects noted for this oral GLP-1 are:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Abdominal pain
If you suspect that you are having a side effect from this oral GLP-1, you are encouraged to talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Or, you can report it to the Yellow Card Scheme.
How Effective Is It For Weight Loss?
The clinical data from the ATTAIN-1 Phase 3 trials in The New England Journal of Medicine has highlighted that at 72 weeks, the average weight loss was approximately:
- 7.8% with 6 mg.
- 9.3% with 12 mg.
- 12.4% with 36 mg.
- 2.1% with placebo.
When compared to injectable weight loss medications, the rate of weight loss is lower overall. However, patients can expect to see clinically significant results in their weight, helping them to reach their weight loss goals.
Where to Get Access to It
As this is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it is a prescription-only medication. This pill will be launched in the private sector first and then, assuming it passes NICE assessments, may become available on the NHS in 2027.
So, pretty soon, our team at the Bodyline Clinic will likely be able to offer this treatment as part of our weight loss medications.
Unlike many other prescribers, we offer strict, evidence-supported treatments in line with MHRA guidelines. This ensures that all of the patients who come to see us for weight loss receive the care and supervision that they need to lose weight safely.
