New GLP 1 Products: Genuine Medicines vs Supplement Look Alikes
Have you noticed more products using the words "GLP 1" lately? Some are genuine prescription medicines, while others are food supplements using GLP 1 related language in their marketing. They are not the same thing.
Genuine GLP 1 receptor agonists are prescription medicines that have been assessed and authorised for specific medical uses. Products marketed as "GLP 1 support" supplements are different products and should not be confused with these medicines.
This matters if you are looking for weight management treatment or support for type 2 diabetes. Knowing what you are actually buying can help you avoid misleading products and understand when you may need proper medical advice.
This page explains what GLP 1 means, some of the genuine medicines available in the UK, newer oral options, what GLP 1 supplements are, and some practical safety points, including how to recognise legitimate medicines and what to know about injection site bruising.
Key things to know
- GLP 1 receptor agonists are prescription medicines. Examples include semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide.
- Products marketed as "GLP 1 support" supplements are food supplements, not the same medicines as GLP 1 receptor agonists.
- Genuine GLP 1 medicines are prescription only in the UK and require an appropriate clinical assessment before they can be prescribed.
- Not every GLP 1 medicine is authorised for weight management. For example, Ozempic is authorised for type 2 diabetes in the UK, while Wegovy is authorised for weight management.
- Both injectable and oral GLP 1 medicines are now available in the UK.
- Mild bruising around an injection site can happen with injectable medicines. If a reaction is severe or unusual, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.
What "GLP 1" Actually Means
GLP 1 stands for glucagon like peptide 1. It is a hormone naturally produced by the body and has a role in appetite and blood glucose regulation.
GLP 1 receptor agonists are medicines that act on the same receptor as natural GLP 1. Depending on the medicine, they can affect appetite, feelings of fullness, stomach emptying and blood glucose control.
These medicines are used for specific medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes and, for some medicines, weight management. They are not simply general health or wellness products.
Genuine GLP 1 Medicines: Licensed Examples
| Medicine (Brand) | Active Ingredient | Format | Licensed For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Injection | Type 2 diabetes |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Injection | Weight management |
| Wegovy Pill | Semaglutide | Oral tablet | Weight management |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Injection | Type 2 diabetes and weight management |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Injection | Weight management |
| Foundayo | Orforglipron | Oral tablet | Weight management and type 2 diabetes |
These medicines have different active ingredients, doses, treatment schedules and authorised uses. They should not be treated as interchangeable.
Ozempic contains semaglutide and is authorised in the UK for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy also contains semaglutide but is authorised for weight management in eligible people.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which acts on both GIP and GLP 1 receptors. This makes it different from medicines such as semaglutide and liraglutide, which act through the GLP 1 receptor.
Foundayo contains orforglipron and is an oral GLP 1 receptor agonist. It was authorised in the UK in August 2026 for weight management and type 2 diabetes in eligible adults.
What's Genuinely New in GLP 1 Medicines for Weight Management?
One of the newer developments in the UK is orforglipron, sold as Foundayo. Unlike injectable GLP 1 medicines, Foundayo is taken as an oral tablet once a day.
The MHRA authorised Foundayo on 10 August 2026 for weight management in eligible adults, alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. It is also authorised for certain adults with type 2 diabetes.
Because medicines and their approvals can change over time, always check the latest product information and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure which options are currently available.
GLP 1 "Support" Supplements: What They Actually Are
You may come across supplements using phrases such as "GLP 1 support" or "natural GLP 1". These are food supplements, not GLP 1 receptor agonist medicines.
Some may contain ingredients such as plant extracts, berberine or probiotic strains. However, having "GLP 1" in the product name does not mean that the product contains semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide or another GLP 1 receptor agonist.
The important thing is to look at what the product actually contains and what it is legally authorised to do. A supplement should not be assumed to have the same effects, evidence or safety information as a prescription medicine simply because the words "GLP 1" appear on the packaging.
That does not automatically mean every GLP 1 marketed supplement is harmful or useless. It simply means that it belongs to a different product category and should not be confused with a licensed medicine.
Why Genuine GLP 1 Medicines Are Not Sold on Amazon
Genuine GLP 1 medicines are prescription only in the UK. This means they cannot simply be bought from a general online marketplace without a prescription and appropriate clinical checks.
If you see a product being openly sold as a GLP 1 medicine on a general marketplace, take care. It may be a supplement rather than a licensed medicine, or it could be an unregulated or counterfeit product.
The MHRA advises people not to buy GLP 1 medicines from unregulated sellers, including social media or sellers operating without a proper healthcare consultation.
Watching for Look Alike Naming
A product does not become a prescription medicine simply because its name sounds similar to a well known GLP 1 brand.
If you come across an unfamiliar product, check its active ingredient, whether it is a licensed medicine and whether it requires a prescription. A legitimate prescription service should also involve an appropriate clinical assessment before treatment is supplied.
If you are unsure about a product you have found online, ask a pharmacist or prescriber before taking it.
Injection Site Bruising and Side Effects on GLP 1 Medicines
Why it happens
A small amount of bruising can sometimes appear where an injection has been given. This can happen with injectable medicines and does not necessarily mean that something has gone wrong.
The injection site, technique and repeated use of the same area can all affect how the skin reacts.
Reducing bruising
Follow the injection instructions provided with your specific medicine. If your medicine allows different injection sites, rotating them rather than repeatedly using exactly the same spot may help reduce local irritation.
If you are unsure about your injection technique, ask your pharmacist, prescriber or healthcare team to show you what to do.
When to seek advice
A small bruise may settle on its own. However, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist if the area becomes very painful, increasingly swollen, unusually warm, starts producing discharge or does not seem to be settling.
GLP 1 medicines can also cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Not everyone experiences these effects, and the likelihood can vary between medicines. If you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, particularly with nausea or vomiting, seek urgent medical advice because acute pancreatitis has been reported with GLP 1 receptor agonists.
Starting a Genuine GLP 1 Medicine in the UK
The online consultation process
If you are considering a genuine GLP 1 medicine privately, the process should start with a proper health assessment rather than simply selecting a product.
You may be asked about your medical history, current health, medicines, weight and other relevant information. A UK registered prescriber can then assess whether treatment is clinically appropriate for you.
The prescriber may also need to consider conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and other health factors before recommending treatment.
The exact route to treatment can differ between medicines and between NHS and private services. NHS availability also depends on the medicine, your eligibility and local arrangements.
Pricing
Pricing varies by medicine, strength and format. The current price is shown on the relevant product page, so check the live page before ordering.
Entry level treatment currently starts from around £109.99.
Safety Considerations
Genuine GLP 1 medicines should only be used following an appropriate clinical assessment and under the supervision of a qualified prescriber.
If you are taking or considering a supplement marketed with "GLP 1" in the name, tell your pharmacist or prescriber. This is particularly important if you are also taking a prescription GLP 1 medicine, as they need to know about everything you are taking.
Do not start, stop or combine medicines or supplements without checking with a healthcare professional first.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Treatment suitability depends on an individual clinical assessment carried out by a UK registered prescriber. Results and responses to treatment vary between individuals.
If you have concerns about your weight or general health, speak to a pharmacist, GP or prescriber.
What's the difference between GLP 1 receptor agonists and GLP 1 supplements?
GLP 1 receptor agonists are prescription medicines designed to act on the GLP 1 receptor. They include medicines such as semaglutide, liraglutide and orforglipron.
Products marketed as GLP 1 supplements are food supplements and generally do not contain these prescription medicines. Having "GLP 1" in the product name does not make a supplement equivalent to a prescription medicine.
Prescription medicines also have specific product information covering their authorised uses, doses, warnings and side effects.
How do I start a genuine GLP 1 medicine in the UK?
Start with a consultation with a qualified prescriber. They can review your medical history, current medicines, health and treatment goals before deciding whether a particular GLP 1 medicine is suitable.
If treatment is appropriate, they can explain how to use it, what side effects to look out for and what follow up you may need. For private treatment, the MHRA advises that a consultation with a healthcare professional must take place before a prescription can be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GLP 1 mean?
GLP 1 stands for glucagon like peptide 1. It is a hormone naturally produced by your body and plays a role in appetite and blood glucose regulation.
Some medicines are designed to act on the same pathway as GLP 1. These are called GLP 1 receptor agonists.
What's a GLP 1 receptor agonist?
It is a type of medicine that acts on the GLP 1 receptor. Depending on the medicine, it can affect appetite, feelings of fullness and blood glucose levels.
Examples include semaglutide, liraglutide and orforglipron. Tirzepatide also acts on the GLP 1 receptor, as well as the GIP receptor.
What are examples of GLP 1 medicines?
Examples of genuine licensed medicines include Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide, Saxenda, which contains liraglutide, Mounjaro, which contains tirzepatide, and Foundayo, which contains orforglipron.
Their authorised uses are different, so it is important to check which medicine you are looking at rather than treating all GLP 1 medicines as the same.
Is Ozempic a GLP 1 medicine?
Can I buy GLP 1 medicine on Amazon?
Genuine GLP 1 medicines are prescription only, so you should not buy them from a general marketplace without a proper prescription and clinical assessment.
The MHRA advises against buying GLP 1 medicines from unregulated sellers, including social media and other sources that do not provide an appropriate healthcare consultation.
What are GLP 1 "support" supplements?
They are food supplements marketed around the idea of supporting the body's natural GLP 1 pathway. They may contain ingredients such as plant extracts, berberine or probiotics.
They are not the same as prescription GLP 1 receptor agonists and should not be assumed to have the same effects or evidence.
Are GLP 1 supplements the same as GLP 1 medicines?
No. A supplement and a prescription GLP 1 medicine are different types of product.
A supplement containing ingredients marketed as supporting GLP 1 is not the same as a medicine containing semaglutide, liraglutide, tirzepatide or orforglipron. If you are unsure what a product actually contains, check the label and speak to a pharmacist.
Is there a new GLP 1 medicine available?
What's the newest oral GLP 1 option?
Foundayo, which contains orforglipron, is one of the newest oral GLP 1 options authorised in the UK. Wegovy is also available as an oral semaglutide tablet for weight management.
Because medicines and authorisations can change, check the latest product information if you are comparing treatment options.
Are GLP 1 tablets available, or only injections?
Both are available in the UK. Some GLP 1 medicines are injections, while others are now available as tablets.
For example, Wegovy is available as an oral semaglutide tablet, while Foundayo contains orforglipron and is taken as an oral tablet. Ozempic, Wegovy injection, Mounjaro and Saxenda are injectable medicines.
Why do I bruise on GLP 1 injections?
A small bruise can sometimes appear after an injection. It may be related to the injection site or technique and does not necessarily mean there is a problem with the medicine.
If bruising is severe, very painful or accompanied by swelling, warmth or discharge, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.
How can I reduce bruising from GLP 1 injections?
Follow the injection instructions for your specific medicine and, where your medicine allows different injection sites, avoid repeatedly using exactly the same spot.
If you are unsure about your injection technique, ask your pharmacist or healthcare team for advice.
When should I be concerned about bruising on GLP 1?
Is it safe to buy a GLP 1 product with an unfamiliar name?
It is better to check before taking it. Look at the active ingredient, whether it is a licensed medicine and whether it requires a prescription.
Be especially careful if a product is being sold without a clinical assessment or through an unregulated website or social media account. The MHRA warns about the risks of fake and unregulated GLP 1 medicines.
How do I know if a GLP 1 product is genuine?
Check the product name, active ingredient and source. Genuine GLP 1 medicines in the UK are prescription only and should be supplied through a legitimate pharmacy following an appropriate clinical assessment.
If the product has an unfamiliar name, is being sold without a prescription or comes from an unregulated seller, do not assume it is genuine. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist before using it.
Do GLP 1 supplements require a prescription?
Food supplements do not normally require a prescription, which is one of the key differences between them and genuine GLP 1 medicines.
However, a product being available without a prescription does not mean it has the same evidence, authorised medical use or safety information as a prescription GLP 1 medicine.
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