The FDA has approved a pill version of Wegovy, making it the first GLP‑1 weight‑loss drug available in pill form. Until now, these medications — like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound — were only injections. The pill works about as well as the injectable Wegovy, helping people lose around 16% of their body weight in clinical trials. But it must be taken every morning on an empty stomach with very specific instructions, and people who don’t follow the routine tend to lose less weight. Side effects are similar to the injections, mainly nausea and stomach issues, and may feel stronger because the pill hits the stomach all at once.
The pill is expected to be cheaper than weekly shots, though insurance coverage is still uncertain. Medicare can’t cover weight‑loss drugs, but it may cover this pill because it was also approved for reducing heart‑disease risk. Novo Nordisk plans to make the pill widely available in January and has increased production to avoid shortages. While the pill offers a more familiar option for many people, newer injections like Zepbound still lead to greater weight loss overall.