By removing injection and cost barriers, GLP-1 pills will potentially transform obesity treatment access for millions of Americans.
The widespread use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist medications has revolutionized the treatment of obesity in the past few years. Names like Wegovy and Mounjaro rapidly entered the lexicon as scores of Americans experienced weight loss through the use of these medications. Their benefit extends beyond weight loss to improvement of sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
While GLP-1 medications did prove to be a proverbial wonder drug, they had a key limitation: only being available in an injectable form. Many patients with obesity disliked the idea of injecting themselves weekly and therefore steered clear of these medications. That changed in late 2025, when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved oral Wegovy for weight loss.
GLP-1 Injections vs. Pills
This decision was based on trials showing that the oral version of Wegovy was effective in causing weight loss. Results showed that people taking Wegovy pill once daily along with a reduced calorie diet and exercise achieved an average weight loss of about 14% (13.6%) versus 2.4% with a placebo. The pill is also less expensive than injectable Wegovy, with an estimated monthly cost of $150 when purchased without any insurance coverage.
Its side effect profile is comparable with injectable Wegovy, including gastrointestinal symptoms, pancreatitis, and risk for low blood sugar. Notably, it also carries the same black box warning for potential increase in risk for medullary cancer of the thyroid. It is not recommended in those at risk for this cancer, including those with family history of the cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
With the medication actually hitting shelves last month, it remains to be seen what impact this development will have on the rapidly evolving space of obesity management.
Screening for Obesity Risks
Patients with obesity have a significantly elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke by driving hypertension, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance. Primary.Health helps communities and public health organizations offer accessible preventive screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, and more. Talk to our Health team and learn how easy it is to bring wellness screenings to your local venues.
Disclaimer: This blog content and linked materials are not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered as such. Any readers with medical concerns should contact a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is provided for informational purposes only.
