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Rybelsus

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What is it and does it work for weight loss?

Weight Loss Treatment

What is Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is a medicine that comes in tablet form developed by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk Inc. to treat type 2 diabetes.

It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, a synthetic version of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

This hormone regulates blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and reducing glucose production by the liver.

Is Rybelsus a weight loss pill?

Rybelsus is not licensed for use as a weight loss medicine, but its active ingredient semaglutide has been shown to help control appetite by reducing cravings and keeping people feeling fuller for longer.

Medicines containing semaglutide, in combination with healthy eating habits and regular exercise, can help weight loss.

Are Rybelsus and Ozempic the same?

Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are manufactured by Novo Nordisk Inc. They both contain the active ingredient semaglutide and are mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes. Rybelsus comes in tablet form; Ozempic is a self-injection medicine.

I’m not diabetic: can I still take Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is only licensed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but is sometimes prescribed off-label as a weight loss medicine. What does ‘off-label’ mean?

Where can I buy Rybelsus?

Rybelsus is a prescription-only medicine available through GPs, hospital specialists, or licensed online pharmacies. We don’t currently prescribe Rybelsus, but we can offer other weight loss treatments where suitable.

These include Mounjaro, a weekly self-injectable pen. It contains tirzepatide which works by regulating blood sugar and energy balance levels, helping to reduce appetite and prevent cravings. Find out more about Mounjaro and how it works for weight loss.

Rybelsus vs Wegovy

Rybelsus and Wegovy are both made by the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk Inc., and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, Wegovy has been specifically designed and licensed for use as a weight loss medicine. It’s administered via a weekly self-injection. Find out more about Wegovy.

Alternative weight loss treatments

We offer a variety of weight loss treatments, including Mounjaro, Orlistat, and Xenical. Mounjaro, like Rybelsus, helps reduce appetite and keeps users feeling full for longer. It comes in the form of a self-injection pen.

Orlistat and Xenical are capsules that block the body's absorption of fat. For best results, these medicines should be used alongside a low-fat healthy eating plan.

Our weight loss plans

Treatment

£199 - £299 a month

Up to £8.97 in Advantage Card points

Access to treatment if suitable, with free resources and benefits to help you lose weight.

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Save 30% on Coaching

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Treatment + Coaching

Treatment cost + £32 a month

Up to £9.93 in Advantage Card points

Our most effective weight loss plan. 1-to-1 coaching to help build healthy habits alongside treatment.

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Everything you get with Treatment, plus:

  • Regular chats with your coach and clinician
  • Guidance on treatment, nutrition, movement & more
  • Set goals, monitor activities, track your progress
  • Community support
  • Find out more

Coaching only

£46 a month

Up to £1.38 in Advantage Card points

1-to-1 weight loss support from your own health coach.

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  • Regular chats with your coach
  • Guidance on nutrition
  • Set goals, monitor activities, track your progress
  • Community support
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Terms and conditions apply.

Need help losing weight?

Healthy, sustainable weight loss is down to more than just taking medicine. At Boots Online Doctor we have a wide range of helpful resources available to assist you with weight loss.

Check out our recommended eating plans, live webinars with our expert lifestyle medicine team where you can get all your weight loss questions answered, and our new ten-week weight loss programme.

These are all available completely free to anyone who wants extra support losing weight.

What are the side effects of Rybelsus?

Like all medicine, Rybelsus can cause some side effects. The most common side effects of Rybelsus include nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting.

These side effects usually subside after a few weeks of treatment. Rare but serious side effects may also occur, such as pancreatitis, kidney problems, and low blood sugar.
Start your weight loss journey
Approved By:
Dr Anju Verma
Dr Anju Verma
GMC no. 6039302

Dr Anju is Clinical Lead for the Weight Loss service and Menopause Advisor. She is SCOPE certified (international gold standard for obesity management) and has a wealth of expertise across clinical medicine, general practice and digital healthcare.

Last reviewed on: 29/07/2024