US regulators approve Wegovy pill for weight loss

Published: Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 1:58 am

US Regulators Approve Oral Wegovy for Weight Loss

In a significant development for the treatment of obesity, US regulators have approved a daily oral version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy. This marks the first daily pill medication for obesity, offering a new avenue for the millions of Americans struggling with the chronic disease. The approval gives Novo Nordisk a competitive edge over rival Eli Lilly, whose oral drug, orforglipron, is still under review.

Both Wegovy and orforglipron belong to the GLP-1 drug class, which mimic a natural hormone that regulates appetite and feelings of fullness. These drugs have already revolutionized obesity treatment in the US, where approximately 100 million people are affected. The Wegovy pill is expected to be available within weeks.

Clinical trials showed promising results for the oral Wegovy. Participants taking the pill lost an average of 13.6% of their body weight over about 15 months, compared to a 2.2% loss in the placebo group. This weight loss is comparable to that achieved with the injectable version of Wegovy. The pill contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in the injectable Wegovy and Ozempic, as well as Rybelsus, a lower-dose pill for diabetes.

The oral medication offers convenience, but requires specific dosing instructions, including taking it with a sip of water on an empty stomach and waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking. In contrast, Eli Lilly's orforglipron has no such restrictions.

The availability of an oral form of Wegovy could expand access to obesity treatments and potentially reduce costs. The starting dose of the Wegovy pill will be available for $149 per month from some providers.

BNN's Perspective:

The approval of oral Wegovy is a positive step forward in the fight against obesity. While the convenience of a daily pill is appealing, the success of this treatment will ultimately depend on its affordability and accessibility. It is crucial that these medications are available to those who need them, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

Keywords: Wegovy, weight loss, obesity, oral medication, pill, Novo Nordisk, GLP-1, semaglutide, Eli Lilly, orforglipron, FDA, clinical trial, appetite, fullness, chronic disease, medication, treatment, drug, health

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