Is the Wegovy tablet available on the NHS?

Not yet. The tablet has received MHRA approval but is awaiting further assessment before NHS availability. Initially, it is expected to be available via private prescription through registered pharmacies.

Is the Wegovy tablet the same as Rybelsus?

Both contain semaglutide, but the Wegovy tablet is specifically approved for weight management and uses a higher maintenance dose of 25mg daily. Rybelsus is approved for type 2 diabetes management at lower doses.

Will I lose as much weight with Wegovy tablets as with injections?

Clinical studies suggest weight loss outcomes are broadly comparable to injectable Wegovy when the tablet is taken as prescribed, including following the specific morning, empty-stomach administration instructions.

How quickly will I see results with Wegovy tablets?

Most people begin noticing appetite changes within the first few weeks, with meaningful weight loss developing over several months. Results build over the full titration schedule — the 25mg maintenance dose is where most significant weight loss occurs.

Can I switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy tablets?

Potentially yes, but switching between GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 medications should always be managed by a qualified clinician. The two medications work on different hormonal pathways, and your prescriber will advise on the safest transition approach for your situation.

GLP1s Oral GLP-1 obesity treatment Women's weight loss UK

Why Isn't My GLP-1 Working Like It Used To?

TribeTeam

July 23, 2026

Reviewed by Julie Boora, Superintendent Pharmacist & Clinical Director, TribElle Health Ltd (GPhC Reg. 9012688)

Appetite & hormones · GLP-1 guide

Feeling hungrier on Mounjaro or Wegovy? Don't panic — your medication is still working

Appetite suppression naturally varies over time and is influenced by your hormones, sleep, stress, food choices, menstrual cycle, activity levels and how long you've been taking treatment.

If you're taking Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) or Wegovy® (semaglutide) and your appetite has returned, don't panic. The medication is still working — even if you feel hungry sometimes.

Learning how GLP-1 medicines work alongside your body's natural hormones is one of the keys to long-term weight loss.

What you'll learn

→Why GLP-1 appetite suppression changes over time

→Why you're feeling hungrier than before

→How to manage hunger while taking Mounjaro or Wegovy

→How hormones affect weight gain in women

→Why GLP-1 medications work particularly well during hormonal life stages

→Frequently asked questions

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released by your gut after eating. These medicines help by:

→Reducing appetite

→Increasing feelings of fullness

→Slowing stomach emptying

→Improving blood sugar regulation

→Reducing food cravings in many people

Some medicines, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), also activate GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors, providing additional metabolic benefits.

Why does appetite suppression vary on GLP-1 medications?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that GLP-1 medications should completely remove hunger. In reality, hunger is a normal biological signal.

The goal isn't to eliminate appetite — it's to make it easier to eat appropriate portions and reduce constant food thoughts. Several factors influence how hungry you feel.

1. Your body adapts

During the first few weeks, many people notice dramatic appetite suppression. Over time your body adjusts. This doesn't necessarily mean the medication has stopped working — instead, your appetite often becomes more balanced, allowing you to enjoy food without constant cravings.

2. Your hormones fluctuate

Women's hormones have a significant influence on appetite. Even while taking GLP-1 medication, these hormones continue to influence appetite.

Many women notice increased hunger during

→The week before their period

→Perimenopause

→Menopause

→Periods of poor sleep

→High stress

Hunger hormones affected

→Ghrelin

→Leptin

→Insulin

→Oestrogen & progesterone

→Cortisol

3. Poor sleep increases hunger

Studies consistently show that inadequate sleep increases levels of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates appetite, while reducing leptin, the hormone responsible for fullness. Even one poor night's sleep can make hunger feel stronger.

4. Stress raises cortisol

High cortisol levels don't necessarily make the medication less effective. However, chronic stress may increase cravings for high-energy foods and make healthy eating feel more difficult. Stress management remains an important part of successful long-term weight management.

5. You're eating too little

Ironically, eating too little can sometimes increase hunger. Many people dramatically reduce their calorie intake during the first few months of treatment. Over time this can lead to:

!Fatigue

!Muscle loss

!Increased hunger

!Reduced energy expenditure

A balanced diet with adequate protein and fibre helps support sustainable weight loss.

How to manage hunger on GLP-1 medications

Feeling hungry occasionally is normal. Rather than trying to avoid hunger completely, focus on managing it effectively.

🍗 Prioritise proteinInclude a source at each meal — chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yoghurt, cottage cheese, tofu, lentils or beans — to maintain muscle and support fullness

🥦 Eat more fibreVegetables, fruit, wholegrains, oats, beans, pulses and chia seeds slow digestion and work alongside your medication to increase satiety

💧 Stay hydratedMany people mistake thirst for hunger. GLP-1s may reduce thirst — drink water regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty

🍽️ Don't skip mealsSkipping meals can lead to overeating later. Small, balanced meals are often better tolerated than large ones on GLP-1 medications

💪 Strength training mattersBuilding and maintaining muscle supports your metabolism — aim for resistance exercise 2–3 times each week if appropriate for you

😴 Sleep is part of weight managementMost adults benefit from 7–9 hours each night. Better sleep helps regulate appetite hormones alongside your medication

How GLP-1 medications support hormone-related weight gain

Hormonal changes can make losing weight feel much harder, particularly for women.

Perimenopause and menopause

As oestrogen levels decline:

→Fat distribution changes

→Muscle mass naturally decreases

→Insulin resistance may increase

→Appetite regulation becomes less predictable

Many women notice weight accumulating around the abdomen despite eating similarly to before. GLP-1 medications can help reduce appetite and improve metabolic health, making it easier to maintain a calorie deficit alongside healthy lifestyle changes.

PCOS (now increasingly referred to as PMOS)

Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or the emerging term Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) often experience insulin resistance, increased hunger, difficulty losing weight and increased visceral fat.

GLP-1 medications have shown benefits for weight loss and improving insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS, although treatment should always be individualised.

Insulin resistance

Insulin resistance makes it harder for your body to regulate blood sugar efficiently. Many people experience increased hunger, fatigue, sugar cravings and difficulty losing weight.

GLP-1 medications improve insulin secretion in response to meals and can help improve blood glucose regulation.

Is it normal to feel hungry before your next injection?

Yes. Some people notice their appetite gradually increases towards the end of the week before their next scheduled injection. This appears to vary between individuals.

It's important not to inject earlier or change your dosing schedule unless advised by your prescribing clinician.

When should you speak to your clinician?

Contact your healthcare provider if

✔Your appetite has suddenly increased significantly

✔Your weight loss has stopped for several months

✔You're struggling with side effects

✔You're unsure whether your dose is appropriate

✔You're finding it difficult to eat enough nutritious food

Never increase or reduce your dose without professional advice.

Frequently asked questions

The bottom line

GLP-1 medications are powerful tools for weight management, but they aren't designed to eliminate hunger completely. Appetite naturally fluctuates due to biological, hormonal and lifestyle factors, and occasional hunger doesn't mean your treatment has stopped working.

For many women, especially those navigating perimenopause, menopause or insulin resistance, combining GLP-1 therapy with adequate protein, fibre, strength training, good sleep and stress management offers the best chance of achieving sustainable, long-term weight loss.

At TribElle, we believe weight management is about more than prescribing medication. It's about understanding the whole person — their hormones, lifestyle, health goals and the support they need to succeed.

Supporting your body during weight loss treatment can make all the difference. From vitamins to collagen support, we've got you covered.