Best weight loss pills in Ireland

The world of weight loss is changing fast, and if you're interested in weight loss tablets that actually work, there's never been a better time to start your journey.

Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro have already changed what's possible for a lot of people, and now similar options are becoming available as a simple daily pill, like Wegovy tablets.

While there is no single ‘best’ weight loss pill, this guide is designed to help you figure out what option might be right for you.

Key points

• Prescription-only weight loss treatments include Mysimba, Rybelsus (off-label), and orlistat 120mg (Xenical). Orlistat 60mg (Alli and Orlos) is available without a prescription.
• New GLP-1 pills like Wegovy tablets and Foundayo (orforglipron) are in development and expected to arrive in 2026 or 2027, subject to approval by the HPRA.
• Weight loss tablets should always be taken alongside healthy lifestyle changes, like a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.

Weight loss tablets at a glance

Currently available

Waiting for approval – clinical trials data only

How do weight loss pills work?

Weight loss tablets work in different ways depending on the active ingredient. GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide in Wegovy tablets and Rybelsus, and orforglipron in Foundayo) mimic a hormone your body naturally produces after eating.

This means that they:

• act on parts of the brain that control appetite
• help you feel full more quickly
• slow down how fast food leaves your stomach

The result is that you feel satisfied for longer and are less likely to reach for snacks between meals.

This differs from orlistat, which works in the gut rather than the brain. It blocks around a third of the fat you eat from being absorbed, which reduces the calories your body takes in.

Mysimba, on the other hand, contains 2 ingredients that work together on the areas of the brain involved in hunger and cravings.

None of these tablets are a substitute for healthy habits. They work best when paired with a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

What are the most effective weight loss tablets?

There are a few weight loss tablets already available in Ireland, each working in a slightly different way. Remember, effectiveness is personal, and what works for one person might not work for another.

Here, we'll go into detail about how much weight you could lose with each one based on information from clinical trial data.

Mysimba (naltrexone and bupropion)

Mysimba is a prescription-only tablet that combines 2 ingredients: naltrexone and bupropion. These work together on areas of the brain involved in hunger, food cravings, and reward, which can make it easier to eat less without feeling deprived.

You may be able to lose around 5-10% of your weight with Mysimba, an amount that could be beneficial to your overall health. It's only available privately.

Rybelsus (semaglutide, for type 2 diabetes)

Rybelsus is a daily semaglutide tablet that's licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. That said, it's sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management when a prescriber thinks it's appropriate and in your best interest to do so.

In clinical studies, people lost an average of around 8 pounds (3.6kg) over 6 months at the standard doses.

It's worth noting that the doses available for Rybelsus (up to 14mg) are lower than the 25mg maintenance dose in the upcoming Wegovy tablets.

Orlistat (Alli, Orlos, Xenical)

Orlistat 60mg, sold as Alli and Orlos, is the only weight loss tablet you can buy over-the-counter without a prescription. The stronger 120mg version, sold as Xenical (and also available as generic orlistat 120mg), is prescription-only.

It works differently from GLP-1 medicines by blocking some of the fat in your food from being absorbed. You could lose around 5-10% of your body weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet.

“Some people may find the side effects (particularly digestive ones) of orlistat challenging, especially if you eat a high-fat diet.

“That’s why it’s so important to make changes to your diet while on a weight loss medication. Plus, it’ll make healthy habits easier to stick to afterwards, helping you to keep the weight off."

Ayesha Bashir, weight loss expert at myBMI

Are other weight loss tablets in development?

Alongside GLP-1 injections, GLP-1 tablets are on the way, with two already approved in the US and expected to arrive in Ireland in the near future. Keep reading to learn more.

Wegovy tablets (semaglutide)

Wegovy tablets aren't available yet, but the details from clinical trials have been published. In the OASIS study, participants lost an average of 14% of their starting body weight over 64 weeks, with around 1 in 4 people losing 20% or more.

They contain the same active ingredient as the Wegovy injection (semaglutide), but in tablet form, so there’s no need for needles or sharps bins. They were approved by the FDA in the US in December 2025, with them expected to arrive in Ireland in 2026 once they've been through the HPRA approval process.

They need to be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, with no more than 120ml of plain water, and you'll need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.

The dose starts low and gradually increases over a few months to reduce side effects (a process known as titration).

Foundayo (orforglipron)

Foundayo is another GLP-1 tablet in the pipeline. It's made by Eli Lilly, the same company behind Mounjaro injections. It contains orforglipron, a new type of GLP-1 receptor agonist.

What makes Foundayo interesting is that it's a small-molecule, non-peptide medicine, which means it can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. That's different from oral semaglutide like Rybelsus and Wegovy tablets, which need to be taken on an empty stomach.

In the ATTAIN-1 Phase 3 trial, people taking the highest approved dose lost an average of 11% of their body weight over 72 weeks.

Although Foundayo has been approved in the US, it hasn't been approved by the HPRA yet and isn't available in Ireland. Private availability could come in late 2026 or in 2027.

Weight loss tablets eligibility

Eligibility varies depending on which tablet you're looking at. For Mysimba, you'll typically need:

• a BMI of 30 or above, or
• a BMI of 27 or above alongside at least one weight-related health condition, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol

Orlistat has slightly different criteria depending on the dose. Prescription orlistat 120mg (Xenical) is generally available to people with a BMI of 30 and above, or 28 and above, alongside a weight-related health condition.

Meanwhile, over-the-counter orlistat 60mg (Alli, Orlos) is typically suitable for adults with a BMI of 28 or above.

We currently don’t know the eligibility criteria for Wegovy tablets and Foundayo, as they’re yet to be approved in Ireland.

Before starting any prescription treatment, you'll need to complete a consultation with a prescriber who'll review your medical history and make sure the medication is safe and suitable for you.

Who shouldn’t use weight loss pills

Weight loss tablets aren't suitable for everyone. As Foundayo and Wegovy tablets aren't licensed in Ireland yet, we don't have confirmed guidance on who they won't be suitable for.

Any information currently available is based on clinical trials and US prescribing data, which could change when they're approved and released in Ireland. We'll update this section closer to their release dates once that information is available.

You generally shouldn't take GLP-1 tablets like Wegovy tablets if you:

• are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients
• or a close family member has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
• have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

You should also let your prescriber know if you have any history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, or diabetic retinopathy, as these can affect whether a treatment is right for you.

For orlistat specifically, it's not recommended if:

• you're pregnant or breastfeeding
• you have chronic malabsorption syndrome
• you have cholestasis (a condition that affects bile flow)

Mysimba isn't suitable for people with:

• uncontrolled high blood pressure
• a seizure disorder or epilepsy
• severe liver disease

Always tell your prescriber about every medication you take, including supplements and over-the-counter treatments, before starting anything new.

Are weight loss tablets as effective as injections?

Injections did tend to show higher average weight loss in clinical trials. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections have shown an average weight loss of around 22.5%, while Wegovy injections have shown around 21% at the higher 7.2mg dose.

In clinical trials in the US, Wegovy tablets showed an average of around 14%, with around 1 in 4 people losing 20% or more, while Foundayo showed around 11% on average.

The numbers are slightly lower, but averages only go so far. Results vary between individuals on every treatment, and the best option isn't always the one with the highest clinical trial figure.

“Tablets have practical advantages that are easy to overlook. There's no injecting, no sharps bins, and no need to keep medication refrigerated. If any of those things would put you off sticking with treatment, that's something to factor in.

“A treatment you'll take consistently is more useful than one that looks better on paper.”

Ayesha Bashir, weight loss expert at myBMI

How to choose the best weight loss tablet for your body

There's no single right answer here, and the best option for you will depend on your health history, lifestyle, and what you're hoping to achieve.

Here’s a few things to consider:

• How much weight do you want to lose? If you're looking for more significant weight loss and are comfortable with injections, treatments like Mounjaro or Wegovy injections may give stronger results based on clinical trials. If you'd prefer a tablet, Wegovy tablets (when available) may be a potential option for some.
• Do you have any other health conditions? Some medications interact with others, and some conditions affect which treatments are safe for you.
• Can you manage the dosing requirements? Orlistat needs to be taken with every meal. GLP-1 tablets like Rybelsus and the upcoming Wegovy tablets need to be taken first thing on an empty stomach. In clinical trials, Foundayo was more flexible and could be taken any time with or without food.
• What's your budget? Orlistat 60mg (Alli, Orlos) is available over-the-counter and is generally the most affordable option. Other prescription treatments start higher, and tend to go up as your dose increases.

The best starting point is always a consultation with a qualified prescriber who can help you find the most appropriate option for you.

Frequently asked questions about the best weight loss pills

What is the best weight tablet pill for women?

There isn't a weight loss tablet that's designed specifically for women. The treatments available are used across all adults who meet the eligibility criteria, and effectiveness is based on clinical trial data from both men and women.

That said, sometimes hormonal factors can affect how you respond to treatment. If you have a condition like polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), previously known as PCOS, or are going through perimenopause or menopause, it's best to discuss that with your prescriber, as it may influence which option is most suitable for you.

What is the proven most effective weight loss prescription pill?

While there is no single most effective pill, as individual results may vary, based on current clinical trial data alone Wegovy tablets showed an average weight loss of 14% in trials, with around 1 in 4 participants losing 20% or more. Wegovy tablets aren't available in Ireland yet, but they're expected to arrive in 2026.

Can you take weight loss tablets during menopause?

Weight loss tablets aren't specifically contraindicated during menopause, but menopause itself can make weight management more difficult due to hormonal changes that affect metabolism and fat distribution.

If you're taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy), it's important to tell your prescriber, as some medications can interact. A consultation with a healthcare professional is the best way to find out which options are safe and appropriate for you during this time.

Can you drink alcohol on weight loss tablets?

For most weight loss tablets, drinking alcohol in moderation isn't strictly prohibited, but it's generally not recommended. Alcohol adds calories, can increase appetite, and may worsen some side effects like nausea, dizziness, and stomach upset.

On Mysimba, however, excessive alcohol consumption may increase the risk of seizures (fits). Your prescriber may suggest you don't drink alcohol, or drink as little as possible, while on Mysimba.

Is Rybelsus used for weight loss?

Rybelsus is licensed for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. However, because it contains semaglutide, it does have a weight-reducing effect, and it's sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management.

Off-label prescribing is common, legal, and safe in Ireland, but it's only done when a prescriber thinks it's clinically appropriate for you.

Sources

• Wegovy Pill Results. Wegovy. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• Foundayo: All You Need to Know. (2026). The Independent. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• Taking Orlistat: Predicting Weight Loss Over 6 Months. (2011). PubMed. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• Mysimba Patient Information Leaflet. EMC. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• Rybelsus Results. Rybelsus. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. (2025). New England Journal of Medicine. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• FDA Approves Lilly's Foundayo (Orforglipron), the Only GLP-1 Pill for Weight Loss. (2026). PR Newswire. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. (2022). New England Journal of Medicine. [Accessed 19th May 2026].
• Once-Weekly Semaglutide 7.2mg in Adults with Obesity (STEP UP). (2025). PubMed. [Accessed 19th May 2026].