What is the Wegovy pill, the new weight-loss drug approved by the FDA in the U.S.?
Beginning in January, U.S. adults with obesity or overweight will have an alternative to injection-based treatments.
At the end of December, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ushered in a new chapter in obesity treatments by approving the first oral version of Wegovy, a medication previously available only as a once‑weekly injection.
Beginning in January 2026, this pill - developed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk - will become a daily option for adults with obesity or overweight who are looking to lose weight alongside diet and exercise, while also helping reduce cardiovascular risks linked to the disease.
How does Wegovy work?
The pill’s active ingredient is semaglutide, a molecule that mimics a gut hormone responsible for regulating appetite, extending feelings of fullness, and supporting weight control. Semaglutide is already used in other forms, including injectable Wegovy and diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, but the breakthrough here is the ability to take it as a once‑daily tablet - with no needles involved.
Phase 3 clinical results, led largely by the OASIS 4 trial, show that participants who took the pill alongside lifestyle changes achieved an average weight loss of 16-17% after more than a year of treatment - figures that rival those of the injectable version.
However, it’s not as simple as swallowing a capsule and moving on. The Wegovy pill must be taken on an empty stomach, and patients need to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything - an important reminder that, despite the convenience, consistency and discipline remain essential. Reported side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting, mirror those seen with other medications in this class.
A booming market
The pill’s approval also intensifies the global pharmaceutical race to dominate a booming market that could reach hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade, centered on oral GLP‑1 therapies. Its closest competitor - another oral drug with a different dosing profile - remains under FDA review.
For people who have long avoided injections due to fear or stigma, Wegovy in pill form offers a more approachable and aesthetically appealing alternative. For healthcare systems and the industry at large, it represents the rise of treatments that frame obesity as a chronic medical condition rather than merely a matter of personal willpower.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment