The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a pill form of the weight-loss drug Wegovy. Previously, Wegovy was only available as a once-weekly injection.
Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and its active ingredient is semaglutide, which is also used in other GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Rybelsus.
According to Medical News Today, obesity treatment experts are calling the Wegovy pill a “game changer” in obesity management. Bariatric surgeon Dr Seth Kappinis said fear of injections was a major barrier for many patients, which is now removed with the oral option, improving access and treatment adherence.
Dr Devika Umashankar noted that side effects from weekly injections can last several days, while side effects from the daily pill usually subside within 24 hours.
Experts say the Wegovy pill is taken once daily on an empty stomach, with at least a 30-minute gap before eating or drinking.
In terms of effectiveness, the pill helps reduce body weight by around 14% over 64 weeks, while the injection leads to about 15% weight loss over more than a year, making both forms similarly effective.
Common side effects of both the pill and injection are mostly gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
However, experts warn that strict adherence to usage instructions is essential for the pill to work properly, and it is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
Health experts emphasize that whether taken as a pill or injection, Wegovy is most effective when combined with a balanced diet, low sugar and carbohydrate intake, and higher consumption of protein and vegetables. Doctors advise patients to consult their physician before choosing any weight-loss medication.
