Thousands of Britons are set to be prescribed the new Wegovy pill from today as it officially launches in the UK.Pharmacies can now begin dispensing the treatment – a once-daily tablet version of the hugely popular Wegovy weight-loss jab – to patients with private prescriptions.Adults with a body mass index of more than 30, which is classed as obese, are among those eligible for the medication.It can also be prescribed to people with a BMI between 27 and 30 if they have a weight-related health condition.The pill was approved for use in the UK last month by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, although approval does not mean it will automatically be available on the NHS.It is understood that Wegovy manufacturer Novo Nordisk will meet with the Government to discuss a possible rollout through GP surgeries, with the cost of the drug thought to be the main sticking point.Patients who sought weight-loss support through private doctors and online pharmacies are expected to receive their first batches imminently, having pre-ordered the medication after it was given the green light by regulators.Those who meet the criteria can also begin requesting it from pharmacies and online healthcare providers from today. Thousands of Britons will be be prescribed the new Wegovy Pill today as it officially launches in the UKSome providers are offering the first month for as little as £46, although prices rise as the dose increases.Boots, Britain’s largest pharmacy chain, is selling the medication online from today and will make it available in stores from next week.New customers will pay from £79 for a 30-day supply of the introductory 1.5mg dose, while existing customers will pay £99.The treatment is available through Boots Online Doctor, with patients required to complete a clinical assessment before it can be prescribed.From July 12, the pill will also be available through Boots’ in-store weight-loss service, which is currently offered in 62 pharmacies across the UK, with a further 25 locations due to launch.At Boots, a 30-day pack of 4mg tablets costs £119, while the 9mg dose is priced at £149. The highest 25mg dose costs £229 a month.According to manufacturer Novo Nordisk, healthcare professionals will start patients on the 1.5mg dose before increasing it every 30 days until they reach the maximum 25mg dose.The gradual increase is designed to help the body adjust to the medication and reduce side effects.Patients already taking 0.5mg or 1mg Wegovy injections may be able to switch to the 9mg tablets, while those using the 1.7mg, 2.4mg or 7.2mg injections may be moved to the 25mg tablets, if medically approved.Anyone switching from injections will need to wait one week after their final jab before starting the tablets.Superdrug is also offering the pill, with the 1.5mg and 4mg doses available from launch. The 9mg and 25mg strengths are expected to follow shortly.