FDA Approves Wegovy Weight Loss Pill: What Patients Should Know

Medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound have revolutionized the way patients who struggle with obesity lose weight effectively with weekly injections. The latest and greatest? Semaglutide in pill form.

In June 2021, Wegovy was approved as a weekly injection for weight loss by the FDA. In the past five years, Wegovy and other drugs such as Zepbound have gained unprecedented popularity in the U.S. In late 2025, the FDA approved the one-daily pill form of Wegovy, manufactured by Novo Nordisk. 

How Does the Wegovy Pill Work?

Similar to other GLP-1 medications, the Wegovy tablet works by helping regulate appetite and fullness signals in the brain. Patients typically feel satisfied with smaller portions, making it easier to maintain a reduced-calorie diet. While these medications do not directly burn fat, they are tools that support behavior change as patients pursue weight loss.

The Wegovy pill is taken on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, and patients must wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications. As with injectable versions, it is prescribed alongside nutrition changes and regular physical activity.

Do the Results Match the Hype?

The Wegovy pill has the same active ingredient as the injection, semaglutide. Released in a company statement, Novo Nordisk found that patients taking the Wegovy pill lost an average of 16% of their body weight in clinical trials lasting 64 weeks. When combined with lifestyle changes, these results are comparable to the Wegovy injection. There are unique benefits and drawbacks when comparing the pill to the injection.

Benefits

• Makes treatment for obesity for people who were hesitant to use GLP-1 injections. 

• Pills don’t need to be refrigerated 

• Lower Price: Even without insurance, a monthly costs of the Wegovy pill range from $149-$299. 

• Easier to delay side effects such as nausea than with a weekly injection

• Overall more convenient for patients who are new to medical weight loss

  
  

Drawbacks

• Patients have to remember to take the pill daily

• Side effects may be more common with oral medications, such as nausea

• Insurance coverage: Patients may still face affordability challenges depending on their plan

  
  

More GLP-1 Pills Coming to the Weight Loss Medication Party

Eli Lilly, is the manufacturer of two GLP-1 medications with the active ingredient tirzepatide: Mounjaro, which is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound, which is approved for weight loss treatment. The company is currently developing a weight loss medication in pill form called orforglipron. Unlike its other medications, orfoglipron does not contain tirzepatide. Instead, it affects different receptors. When the FDA approves the new medication, patients will benefit by having more treatment options. 

Impact on GLP-1 and Bariatric Patients

The approval of a Wegovy pill highlights how quickly obesity treatment is evolving. With more options than ever- lifestyle programs, medications, and bariatric procedures- patients have flexibility in working with their providers to create tailored weight loss plans depending on their individual needs. 

For some patients, GLP-1 medication may be used in conjunction with bariatric surgery to mitigate the concerns of long-term weight gain.

GLP-1 therapy may serve as a first step before considering surgical treatment. Experts agree that in order to achieve long-term success, patients must have a consistent healthy lifestyle. Nutrition quality, physical activity, sleep, and ongoing medical guidance remain essential.

Dr. Korman provides both medical weight loss and surgical options for his patients. To schedule a consultation, contact the office today.