UK is first European nation to approve weight loss pill

The UK has become the first European nation to approve a pill which helps with weight loss and treats diabetes.

Orforglipron, known as Foundayo, is licensed for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above - or those with a BMI of between 27 and 30 and at least one weight-related condition.

BMI is calculated by dividing an adult's weight in kilograms by their height in metres squared, according to the NHS website.

Foundayo can also be used to improve blood sugars in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.

The pill, made by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, is taken once a day with no food or water restrictions.

It has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Foundayo is not yet available on the NHS and will be evaluated by health service spending watchdog the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Julian Beach, MHRA executive director of healthcare quality and access, said: "Following rigorous assessment of orforglipron's safety, quality, and effectiveness, we are pleased to be the first regulator in Europe to authorise this tablet for weight management and type 2 diabetes.

"As with all GLP-1 receptor agonists, this is a prescription-only medication, and the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of orforglipron under close review."

Read more from Sky News:
Fifth UK summer heatwave on the way
Flight cancelled as child refuses to sit down

Dr Simon Cork a senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University described the MHRA decision as a "big step forward in the treatment of obesity for a few reasons".

He said: "Firstly, this medication is being authorised for people at lower body weights than other weight loss medications.

"Whilst more detail is required to understand the full scope of who will be eligible, a BMI of 30 means this will likely be available to more people.

"Additionally, whilst we still await details on cost, this drug is likely to be much cheaper than currently available medications."

The MHRA approved the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss, a tablet form of Wegovy, in June.

(c) Sky News 2026: UK is first European nation to approve weight loss pill