A new option for weight loss treatment has arrived: a GLP-1 pill is now available on the market. Until now, many GLP-1 medicines used for weight loss, such as Wegovy, were mostly offered only as weekly injections. Novo Nordisk has now released a pill version of Wegovy, giving patients a choice that does not require shots. This new pill is taken once a day, is available only with a prescription, and is the first pill alternative to injectable GLP-1 weight-loss medicines. Many doctors believe this is an important step because pills are simpler to use, easier to store, and may help more people access treatment.

The pill works almost the same as the injection

One of the most important things to understand is that the Wegovy pill appears to work as well as the injections. Like other GLP-1 medicines, it helps with weight loss by copying a hormone in the body that controls blood sugar and appetite. This medicine slows down digestion, which helps people stay full longer after eating. It also sends signals to the brain that the body is satisfied, which reduces hunger and cravings. The pill contains semaglutide, which is the same active medicine used in injectable Wegovy, meaning it works in a very similar way.

Studies show that results from the pill are close to results from injections. In a recent clinical study, people who took the pill lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight after 64 weeks. In comparison, the placebo group, which took a fake medicine, lost about 2%. Earlier research on semaglutide injections also showed strong results, with participants losing about 14.9% of their weight after 68 weeks. These results suggest the pill can provide meaningful weight loss for many patients.

Weight loss may take more time with the pill

Although the pill works well, doctors warn that results may take longer to appear. Injections send the medicine directly into the body, but tablets must first be digested and absorbed through the stomach. Because of this slower process, the oral medicine requires a much higher dose than the injection. The pill’s dose can reach 25 milligrams, while the injection dose is 2.4 milligrams.

Doctors also explain that patients may not see strong weight loss results until around the third month. This is partly because the dosing schedule starts at a very low level and increases slowly over time. The recommended plan begins at 1.5 mg in the first month, increases to 4 mg during the second month, and then rises to 9 mg before eventually reaching 25 mg. This gradual process helps patients adjust to the medicine, but it also means weight loss can take longer to show.

The pill is not much cheaper than the injection

Many people hoped the pill would cost much less than the injection, since injection pens are more expensive to make, ship, and store. However, the price is still mostly similar. For people who have insurance, all doses of the Wegovy pill may be available for as little as $25 per month, which is the same price as the injection.

For people without insurance, the lowest doses are cheaper than the shots. One lower dose costs about $149 per month, although the 4 mg pill is expected to rise to $199 on April 15. The higher doses cost about $299 per month, which is only about $50 less than the injections. While some doctors were disappointed that the pill is not much cheaper, many still see it as progress. They also hope that prices will drop in the future as more pill options become available and competition increases.

Side effects are still possible

Even though it is a pill, Wegovy can still cause side effects similar to injections. In clinical trials, common side effects included nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These problems happen because semaglutide slows digestion, which can lead to stomach upset. Some people also reported headaches, tiredness, dizziness, and heartburn.

Doctors often suggest beginning with the smallest dose and increasing slowly, since this can reduce side effects for many patients. However, some people may still experience discomfort, especially in the early weeks of treatment. Patients are usually advised to speak with a healthcare professional if side effects become severe or do not improve.

The pill requires a strict routine

Another key difference between the pill and the injection is how it must be taken. Weekly Wegovy injections are flexible and can be taken at almost any time. The pill, however, must be taken on a stricter schedule to absorb properly. Doctors recommend taking the pill in the morning on an empty stomach and then waiting at least 30 minutes before eating food, drinking anything, or taking other oral medicines. If this schedule is not followed, the pill may not work as well, and stomach side effects may become stronger.

Experts also emphasize that the best results come when the medicine is combined with healthy habits. People are encouraged to eat balanced meals, drink enough water, and do strength exercises to protect muscles and bones during weight loss. Doctors also remind patients that obesity is a long-term condition. In many cases, a person may need to continue taking GLP-1 medicine to maintain weight loss, since stopping often leads to weight regain.

More weight-loss pills are coming

Wegovy is currently the only GLP-1 pill approved specifically for weight loss, but it will not be the last. Another semaglutide pill called Rybelsus is already on the market, although it is approved only for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss. At the same time, other companies are developing new pills. Eli Lilly, a major competitor of Novo Nordisk, is working on a tablet called orforglipron, which may be approved in the near future. This suggests that more oral weight-loss medicines will soon enter the market and provide more choices for patients.

Conclusion

The Wegovy pill is an important new development in weight loss treatment. It offers a daily pill option that works in a similar way to injections and produces strong results in studies. While weight loss may take longer to appear and side effects are still possible, many patients may prefer the convenience of a pill over injections. As more GLP-1 pills are developed, treatment options for weight loss are expected to grow, giving patients more accessible and flexible choices in the future.