Methodology
How the Medication Comparison Centre works.
Direct evidence where possible. Clear caveats where direct evidence does not exist.
We compare licensed formulations, not just molecules
Semaglutide now exists in multiple UK products and formulations. Injectable Wegovy, oral Wegovy and Ozempic should not be collapsed into one row because indication, dose, evidence and access differ.
Trial averages are anchors, not forecasts
We use pivotal or head-to-head trial results to anchor relative efficacy. Individual results vary, trials have different populations and durations, and cross-trial comparisons are inherently weaker than head-to-head randomised evidence.
2026 Wegovy caveat
The classic STEP evidence is built around injectable semaglutide 2.4 mg. UK product information now permits 7.2 mg weekly for weight management in adults with obesity if needed after at least four weeks at 2.4 mg. A historical Mounjaro-vs-Wegovy head-to-head using 1.7/2.4 mg semaglutide should therefore not be presented as direct evidence against 7.2 mg.
Oral Wegovy
Oral Wegovy 25 mg has its own OASIS 4 phase 3b evidence. We do not infer that daily 25 mg oral semaglutide is equivalent to mg or 7.2 mg injected semaglutide milligram-for-milligram.
Ratings
Our 0–10 ratings summarise comparison dimensions such as evidence depth, convenience, needle-free administration and relative weight-loss efficacy. They are editorial aids, not validated clinical scores.
NHS accessibility
This is deliberately conservative. NICE recommendation, NHS commissioning, phased rollout, specialist-service restrictions and local availability can differ.
Prices
We do not freeze a “typical private price” into the core comparison because UK private prices change frequently by provider, dose and supply. Future commercial pages should fetch or regularly review price data rather than fossilising it in a medical guide.
Core evidence anchors
- Mounjaro SmPC / SURMOUNT programme
- Wegovy injectable SmPC / STEP programme
- Wegovy 25 mg tablet SmPC / OASIS 4
- Saxenda SmPC / SCALE programme
- NICE technology appraisals and NHS medicine guidance
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