What you need to know
Rybelsus pill in London
Imagine taking a simple pill every day to help with weight loss. That’s exactly what Rybelsus might offer in the future. Currently, Rybelsus is approved in the UK for managing type 2 diabetes, but it is also being studied as a weight loss treatment.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Rybelsus, including how it works, who in London is eligible, and its side effects. At London Weight Loss Clinic, we provide education on Rybelsus and offer Wegovy treatments.
See if you may be eligible for a Rybelsus alternative.
What is Rybelsus?
Rybelsus is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps control your appetite and blood sugar levels.
How does it work?
Rybelsus helps in three main ways:
- Controlling hunger - It slows down how quickly food is digested in your stomach, making you feel full for longer.
- Enhancing the response of your pancreas - It increases the insulin released by your body after meals, to keep your blood sugars under control.
- Controlling the release of energy from the liver - It inhibits the release of glycogen from your liver, preventing rises in blood sugar.
What is it used for now?
Right now, Rybelsus is approved in the UK for managing type 2 diabetes in adults. Many people using it for diabetes have noticed weight loss, and this has recently been shown in clinical trials.
Could Rybelsus help with weight loss?
Yes, Rybelsus has shown promising results in clinical studies. Researchers have found that many people taking Rybelsus lose a large amount of weight, even when they don’t have type 2 diabetes.
Why is Rybelsus interesting?
Rybelsus provides a promising alternative to other similar medication because it is a pill, not an injection. This makes it easier and more convenient for people who don’t like needles, or who have had problems with injection site infections.
What’s next for Rybelsus?
Before Rybelsus can be used for weight loss in the UK, it needs to be approved by the MHRA for use for this purpose. It’s hard to say exactly when this will happen. Before it is available on the NHS it will need to be further assessed by NICE.
How does Rybelsus compare?
If approved, Rybelsus will join other GLP-1 medications like Saxenda and Wegovy, but being a pill sets it apart.
Pills vs injections
- Pills (like Rybelsus) - Easy to take and more convenient for many people.
- Injections (like Wegovy) - Currently the most effective, but some people dislike using needles.
Effectiveness
Studies suggest Rybelsus may be as effective as some injections, with weight loss results in the same range.
Side effects of Rybelsus
Like all medications, Rybelsus can cause side effects. Most people tolerate it well, but it’s important to know what to expect. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, bloating, constipation, and burps. These are often temporary and usually improve as your body gets used to the medication. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice in increasing the dose slowly to reduce side effects. If you experience any worrying symptoms, you should speak to a doctor immediately.
How to access Rybelsus in London
At the moment, Rybelsus is only available for treating type 2 diabetes. If it’s approved for weight loss, you’ll need a prescription from a GP or specialist.
What should you do now?
If you’re looking for weight loss support now, there are already effective treatments available, like Saxenda or Wegovy. Talk to your GP in London about your options.
Explore weight loss alternatives
We offer effective alternatives to Rybelsus for weight management.
Supporting your mental health
Obesity, being overweight mental health problems, such as depression and eating disorders, can negatively affect each other, making it harder to manage your weight. It’s important to recognise the link between your mental health and your weight so you can seek help if you need it.
Talking therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be effective for tackling the psychological challenges associated with eating disorders and obesity. It focuses on changing the way you think and behave, helping to break the cycle of negative thoughts and actions that can impact eating habits and body image.
To find a CBT therapist via the NHS, you can refer yourself or speak to your GP, who can refer you to talking therapies in London.
Why it’s important
Keeping active
Exercise doesn’t just burn calories. By triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers, exercise has been shown to help combat depression and anxiety.
There’s plenty of ways to stay active in London, from local gyms and fitness classes to parks and recreational facilities.
Support in London
In London, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust provides comprehensive mental health support for Rybelsus patients. They can help with eating disorders and weight-related mental health issues.
Discuss your mental health with your GP in London who can refer you to a specialist. You may also be able to refer yourself directly without a referral, but you will need to be registered with a GP to get talking therapies on the NHS. You can find a GP in London on the NHS website.
Medically reviewed
This page was last medically reviewed by Dr Adam Abbs on 30 November 2024.
London Weight Loss Clinic is committed to providing you with the most objective, trustworthy and accurate health information.
Our content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and guidelines.
Dr Adam Abbs
MBBS FRCGP PGCCE FHEA
Dr Adam Abbs is an NHS-trained GP with a keen focus on digital health, AI in healthcare, and personalised medicine, including weight loss. He is a leader in creating new ways to provide safe and easy-to-access healthcare through remote care. Dr Abbs is also a skilled medical writer and wrote the RCGP-accredited Remote Consultation Handbook in 2020, and shares his weight loss expertise on his blog Gastric Guru.
GMC Number: 7078829