GLP-1 medicines have moved from specialist conversations into everyday life. More people are asking about Wegovy, Mounjaro and newer tablet options , and the UK market is changing quickly.
Research from the Institute of Grocery Distribution found that UK use of GLP-1 weight-loss medicines rose from 3.1% of adults in June 2025 to 6% in March 2026. That is almost double in just nine months. Read the IGD research.
Oral options are now adding another twist. But whether you are considering treatment, already taking a GLP-1 medicine or preparing to discuss one with your GP, the same point matters: medication is only one part of the picture. Your wider health markers still deserve attention.
TL;DR:
- UK GLP-1 use almost doubled over nine months, rising from 3.1% to 6% of adults.
- Oral GLP-1 medicines have now been approved in the UK for weight management.
- These medicines remain prescription-only. Use a registered prescriber and pharmacy.
- Blood monitoring can provide useful baseline information about blood sugar, cholesterol, liver and kidney function.
- Results can support a better GP conversation, but they do not diagnose or replace clinical care.
What's happening with GLP-1 weight loss in the UK? Use has almost doubled in nine months, while newly approved oral options are widening access. If you take or are considering a GLP-1 medicine, baseline and follow-up health information can help you arrive informed for a conversation with your GP.
Key reminders before you consider a GLP-1 medicine
GLP-1 medicines are not lifestyle supplements. They are prescription medicines designed for specific medical uses.
The MHRA explains that GLP-1 medicines are prescription-only. You should only use one after a proper consultation with a healthcare professional.
⚠️ Do not buy GLP-1 medicines through social media, beauty salons or unregulated websites. Fake or incorrectly stored medicines can put you at risk.
⚠️ Do not switch between products without medical advice. Different medicines have different strengths, dosing schedules and instructions.
⚠️ Speak to your prescriber if you have persistent vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration or severe stomach pain. These symptoms should not be brushed aside.
Think of a prescription as a key, not a complete map. It gives you access to treatment, but you still need to understand how your body is responding.
Why is GLP-1 use rising so quickly?
GLP-1 medicines mimic the action of a natural hormone released after eating. They can help you feel fuller, reduce hunger and slow the emptying of your stomach.
In simple terms, they strengthen the “I’ve had enough” signal between your gut and brain. Imagine your appetite signal as a thermostat. A GLP-1 medicine can turn down the setting, so you may feel satisfied with less food.
Growing awareness, private prescribing and word-of-mouth recommendations have all helped drive demand. According to IGD, 42% of UK adults knew someone using a GLP-1 medicine, up from 24% in June 2025.
That does not mean the medicines are suitable for everyone. It means more people are now asking informed questions about eligibility, side effects, cost, long-term use and monitoring.
The NHS explains that weight-loss medicines are generally used alongside dietary and physical activity support, rather than as a stand-alone solution.
What do the new oral GLP-1 medicines mean?
The UK approved its first GLP-1 tablet for weight management in June 2026. The semaglutide tablet, sold as Wegovy, was approved by the MHRA for eligible adults with obesity, or overweight alongside a weight-related health condition. Read the MHRA announcement.
In August 2026, the MHRA also authorised orforglipron, sold as Foundayo, for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Read the MHRA announcement on orforglipron.
Both medicines are prescription-only. They are not currently available through the NHS, so private prescribing may be the route for people who meet the relevant criteria and are assessed as suitable by a prescriber.
A tablet may remove one barrier for people who dislike injections. However, it does not remove the need for careful prescribing, clear instructions or follow-up.
The tablet and injection versions can also have different instructions. For example, the MHRA states that the semaglutide tablet must be taken on an empty stomach after fasting, with no food or drink for at least 30 minutes afterwards. Always follow the instructions for your specific medicine.
Why blood monitoring matters on GLP-1 medicines
Blood tests do not measure whether a GLP-1 medicine is “working” on their own. Your prescriber will also consider your weight, symptoms, blood pressure, medical history and how you are managing treatment.
Blood results are more like dashboard warning lights than a final verdict. One reading may simply prompt a closer look. A pattern over time can be more useful.
1. Blood sugar
HbA1c gives an estimate of your average blood sugar over the previous two to three months. It can be useful if you have type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes or other concerns about blood sugar control.
A baseline result gives you a starting point. A later result can then be discussed with your prescriber alongside your treatment, diet, symptoms and other health information.
2. Kidney function and hydration
Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can make it harder to stay hydrated. In some people, this may affect kidney function.
Markers such as creatinine and eGFR help show how your kidneys are filtering waste. Electrolytes may also be checked, depending on your circumstances and the guidance used by your healthcare professional.
This is why “I’m not eating much” should not be the only measure you track. Your body still needs enough fluid and nutrients to function.
3. Liver health
Liver markers such as ALT, ALP, GGT and bilirubin can provide context about how your liver is functioning.
A single raised result does not tell you the cause. Recent alcohol, hard exercise, medication, illness and changes in body weight can all affect results. Your GP is best placed to interpret the full pattern.
4. Cholesterol and triglycerides
A lipid profile usually includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. These markers help provide context around cardiovascular health.
Weight changes can affect these results, but they are also influenced by genetics, diet, alcohol intake, activity and other conditions. Tracking them can help you and your GP discuss the wider picture rather than focusing only on the number on the scales.
5. Nutritional markers
If your appetite drops sharply, you may eat less overall. That can be helpful for some people, but it can also make it harder to get enough protein, iron, vitamin B12 and other nutrients.
Your healthcare professional may recommend additional tests based on your symptoms, diet and medical history. Do not assume every person needs the same panel.
How can you use results responsibly?
Start with a baseline where appropriate. Then repeat testing only when it makes sense for your treatment plan, symptoms and clinical advice.
There is no single blood-test timetable that suits everybody using a GLP-1 medicine. Your prescriber may recommend different checks if you have diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure or other conditions.
If you want an independent snapshot to discuss with your GP, the Complete Health & Performance Blood Test includes HbA1c, cholesterol markers, liver markers and kidney markers among its 50 biomarkers.
Vitall Check samples are processed by UKAS-accredited laboratories using NHS-grade laboratory standards. Results are provided in plain English through a secure portal, but they are not a diagnosis.
You can also read how Vitall Check works before ordering. If you choose an at-home sample, follow the official sampling guide carefully. Warm hands, good hydration, correct timing and avoiding heavy exercise beforehand can all help reduce collection problems.
Use your report as a conversation starter. Take it to your GP or prescriber with:
- The name and dose of your GLP-1 medicine.
- The date you started or changed dose.
- Any nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain.
- Any other medicines or supplements you take.
- Your recent weight and blood pressure readings, if available.
That creates an informed arrival. You are not trying to diagnose yourself. You are giving your clinician clearer information to work with.
The bigger picture for GLP-1 weight loss in the UK
The near-doubling in usage shows that GLP-1 medicines are no longer a niche topic. Oral medicines may bring them to more people who are uncomfortable with injections.
But easier access does not mean a simpler health decision.
You still need a proper assessment, a legitimate prescription, realistic expectations and suitable follow-up. The medicine may influence appetite, but your wider health includes blood sugar, kidney function, liver markers, cholesterol, nutrition, movement, sleep and mental wellbeing.
A blood test cannot tell you everything. It can, however, help turn a vague concern into a clearer list of questions , a bit like bringing notes to a complicated meeting instead of relying on memory.
Summary
GLP-1 use in the UK has almost doubled in nine months, and approved oral options are making the conversation even more relevant.
If you are considering or taking a GLP-1 medicine, do not focus only on weight. Ask what baseline checks are appropriate, what symptoms should trigger contact with your prescriber and when follow-up is needed.
A clear set of results can help you prepare for a better GP conversation. It cannot replace that conversation.
FAQs
Q: Are GLP-1 tablets available privately in the UK? A: Oral GLP-1 medicines have been approved in the UK for eligible adults, but they remain prescription-only. Private access requires an assessment by a prescriber and dispensing through a registered pharmacy.
Q: What blood tests should I ask about before taking a GLP-1 medicine? A: Ask your prescriber whether HbA1c or glucose, kidney function, liver function and cholesterol testing are suitable for you. Extra tests may be needed depending on your health and symptoms.
Q: Can an at-home blood test replace monitoring from my GP or prescriber? A: No. An at-home blood test can provide useful information for an informed arrival, but it does not diagnose, prescribe treatment or replace clinical monitoring.
Author
Vitall Check Editorial Team
The Vitall Check Editorial Team is dedicated to empowering individuals with evidence-based health information and clear, actionable insights. Every article is researched using peer-reviewed journals and official health resources, reflecting our commitment to the same high standards of accuracy as our laboratory testing services. Our goal is to make proactive wellness accessible, data-driven, and transparent.
Disclaimer: Vitall Check is not CQC registered. The content provided is for general information only, does not provide a diagnosis, and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Our services do not include treatment, prescription, or medical advice that falls under CQC-regulated activities. Always consult with your GP or a qualified clinician before making significant changes to your healthcare regimen.
