The GLP-1 pill: How the new weight loss pill works, when it’s most effective and more

Eva Wolf, MD

Internal Medicine

Weight loss medications have been all over the news. It seems like everyone knows someone taking Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic or Mounjaro to jump-start weight loss. Some use these medicines to maintain their existing weight after having weight loss success or, for their original purpose, as part of a treatment plan for diabetes. Wegovy recently announced they have made available the medication Wegovy (semaglutide) in tablet form for weight management. 

The new GLP-1 pill offers new options to those seeking help with weight loss, but how effective is it? Internal medicine and obesity medicine specialist Eva Wolf, MD, explained what you need to know.

What’s different about the Wegovy pill? 

“Wegovy’s injectable weight loss medication is semaglutide. They previously had an injectable semaglutide for diabetes called Ozempic, an injection for weight loss called Wegovy and in tablet form for diabetes as Rybelsus. The new tablet is the same semaglutide medication, just in pill form,” said Dr. Wolf. “This is the same active ingredient as Ozempic which seems to have more name recognition.” 

The main difference is simply that one is taken by injection and one by mouth. Wegovy pens also need to be kept in the refrigerator, which can be problematic if refrigerated storage is limited or you experience a prolonged power outage. 

The new Wegovy pills don’t require refrigeration for storage, so that may be an advantage for some people. They are also a more comfortable option for those with a needle aversion. 

Are the side effects of the new GLP-1 pill the same as the injections? 

“The most common side effects for both formulations include nausea, vomiting and constipation or diarrhea,” said Dr. Wolf.  “These side effects can be minimized by eating smaller meals, limiting fatty or fried foods, minimizing sweets and not eating within two hours of bedtime.”  

Diet changes are not only needed to get the result you are looking for, but also to feel healthy while taking GLP medications. Nausea is made worse by overeating or eating too much fat or sugar. 

Eva Marie Wolf, MD is an internal medicine physician at Prisma Health in Greenville, SC.

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Is the new weight loss pill more effective than injections? 

“Interestingly, both formulations demonstrate comparable weight loss. People can expect to lose 17% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes,” said Dr. Wolf.  

But of course, the most effective choice for weight loss is the one that you are comfortable committing to.  

Does the new weight loss pill from Wegovy cost more than the injectable? 

“The new GLP-1 pill from Wegovy is slightly less expensive than the injectable format, which is a big factor for many people,” said Dr. Wolf.  

Many insurance companies either don’t cover weight loss medications, or only cover them under very specific circumstances, so it’s important to check with your health insurance company before you move forward with the medication if you’re not comfortable paying out of pocket. 

Is weight loss medication the best way to lose weight and keep it off? 

“Lasting weight loss doesn’t come from a pill or an injectable,” said Dr. Wolf. “It comes from consistent, ongoing lifestyle changes. Any weight loss medication is intended to control hunger and cravings to support you while you adopt lifestyle changes.” 

Those who take weight loss medications have reported that the main effect is the loss of “food noise”, the persistent sense of needing to eat even when not hungry, or the push to overeat. They also report that after they stop taking the medicine, that ‘noise’ has the potential to return just as strongly.  

That’s why it’s essential to combine any use of weight loss medications with a push toward eating a healthier, more varied diet, becoming more active and embracing other changes like prioritizing getting enough sleep and drinking enough water. 

Weight loss medications aren’t for everyone 

Not everyone will be well-suited for either the new GLP-1 pill or the traditional injectable options. There are less expensive medications available for those who do not need as much weight loss, plus weight management programs and meal replacement options that can be provided through weight management clinics.  

“For many people, bariatric surgery is a good option for those who need more weight loss than medication can provide,” said Dr. Wolf. “It’s worth it to schedule a consultation with a physician who specializes in weight management to work through the options available to you and which may be the best and most effective for you.”