New weight loss drugs in development, including retatrutide, cagrilintide, and survodutide, show potential for stronger weight reductions and broader indications, with trial results hinting at meaningful body-weight declines and approvals likely in 2026–2027.

Patent expirations across several countries in 2026 could spur cheaper generics, raising concerns about illicit copies and underscoring the need for vigilant regulation to protect patients.

Weight loss injections such as Mounjaro and Wegovy remain in high demand in the UK through 2026, with continued growth in private prescriptions and expanding NHS access to more patients.

Manufacturers are pursuing broader indications for these drugs—including cardiovascular, kidney, arthritis, liver diseases, and possibly Alzheimer’s—potentially widening NHS prescribing in 2026 and beyond.

Tablet or pill versions of semaglutide and related drugs are expected to reach the UK in 2026, potentially broadening access and reducing costs.

Guidance emphasizes proper injection technique, timing, balanced meals, hydration, staying active, and avoiding premature discontinuation to sustain weight loss results.

Orforglipron, an oral GLP-1/dual agonist, showed about 11% average weight loss over 18 months in trials and is anticipated to be cheaper and more accessible once approved in 2026.

Researchers are exploring combo or multi-hormone therapies like CagriSema (cagrilintide plus semaglutide), which have yielded higher weight-loss figures than single-agent therapies, with regulatory reviews expected by 2027.