The Needle-Free Weight-Loss Era: New Weight-Loss Pill Approved

Following the weight-loss pill containing semaglutide, a new oral weight-loss drug containing the active ingredient orforglipron has also been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Orforglipron thus became the second oral drug approved for weight loss.

The drug’s most notable feature is that, unlike the existing oral semaglutide treatment, it can be taken at any time of day without having to be taken on an empty stomach.

In studies, more than 4,500 participants using the new drug were reported to achieve an average weight loss of 7% to 11% at the end of 72 weeks of treatment. Improvements were also observed in waist circumference, triglyceride levels, cholesterol and systolic blood pressure.

Side effects included digestive complaints similar to those of other weight-loss drugs, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and fatigue. As with other similar treatments, the drug continues to carry a warning due to the risk of thyroid tumors.

In conclusion, thanks to the convenience of not requiring injections, orforglipron may open the door to a major transformation in obesity treatment.

Source: Monaco K. "New GLP-1 Pill Wins Speedy Approval for Weight Loss." MedPage Today. Published: April 1, 2026.