Two major studies just published in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that new oral GLP-1 medications can help people lose more than 10% of their body weight — results once thought possible only with injections. These findings mark a turning point in obesity care, as described in this recent article “From needles to pills: oral GLP-1 therapy enters the obesity arena” published in Cardiovascular Diabetology – Endocrinology Reports.
Why Obesity Treatment Needed a Makeover
More than one billion people worldwide live with obesity, a condition that increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and even certain cancers.
While healthy eating, exercise, and surgery all have important roles, many people struggle to achieve or maintain meaningful weight loss through these methods alone.
Until recently, medications for obesity were modest in their effects. That changed with GLP-1 receptor agonists — a class of drugs originally used for diabetes that work by reducing appetite and slowing digestion. Injectable versions, like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound), helped people lose 15–20% of their body weight in clinical trials, transforming what doctors thought was possible.
But injections aren’t for everyone. They can be costly, inconvenient, and intimidating. Many patients simply don’t want to give themselves a shot once a week.
That’s where oral GLP-1 therapies come in.
Meet the Pills: Orforglipron and Oral Semaglutide
The two new studies — called ATTAIN-1 and OASIS-4 — tested oral versions of GLP-1 drugs in people with obesity who did not have diabetes.
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Orforglipron (ATTAIN-1):
Over 3,000 adults took the pill daily for 72 weeks. On average, participants lost 11.2% of their body weight — roughly 25–30 pounds for someone starting at 250 pounds. More than half lost at least 10%. The pill also improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and waist size. -
Oral Semaglutide 25 mg (OASIS-4):
In a smaller study of 307 adults, participants lost an average of 13.6% of their weight. Metabolic measures like blood sugar and triglycerides also improved.
Both drugs had side effects typical of the GLP-1 family — mostly nausea or stomach upset — but were generally well tolerated.
For the first time, people may soon have a pill that matches the power of the injectables.
Why This Matters
This shift from needles to pills could make effective obesity treatment available to millions more people. Pills are easier to take, simpler to store, and may carry less stigma than injections. For some, this convenience could be the difference between starting and skipping treatment.
However, there are still questions to answer.
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Cost and insurance coverage remain uncertain. If oral GLP-1 drugs are priced like injectables, many patients may still face high out-of-pocket costs.
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Adherence may vary. For example, oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach with only a small amount of water — and no food or drink for 30 minutes afterward.
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Long-term safety and effectiveness will need to be monitored over years, not just months.
A Pill With Promise — and Perspective
Experts urge “cautious optimism.” While the results are exciting, oral GLP-1s aren’t magic bullets. Obesity is a complex, chronic condition influenced by biology, environment, and behavior. Medication works best when combined with healthy lifestyle changes and medical support.
Still, this moment feels historic. For the first time, science is delivering a pill that can achieve weight loss once thought possible only with surgery or injections.
If the next few years confirm these early results, oral GLP-1 therapies could become a cornerstone of modern obesity care — helping more people get treatment that fits their lives.
The Bottom Line
The shift from needles to pills is more than a convenience; it’s a chance to break down barriers in obesity treatment. With oral GLP-1s like orforglipron and high-dose semaglutide on the horizon, patients and doctors now have more options than ever before — and that’s a powerful step toward a healthier future!