FDA Approves Wegovy Pill: First Oral GLP-1 for Weight Loss

What This Means for Weight Loss Treatment

On December 22, 2025, the FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets 25 mg, making it the first and only oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for chronic weight management in the United States. This approval represents a significant shift in obesity treatment, offering patients an alternative to weekly injections.

The oral version of Wegovy provides the same active medication as the injectable form that has helped millions of Americans achieve meaningful weight loss. For many people who are hesitant about self-injection or prefer taking a pill, this approval widens access to one of the most effective weight loss medications available.

"This approval gives patients another option for accessing this important medication," said representatives from Novo Nordisk. The pill form addresses a common barrier to treatment while delivering comparable results to the injection.

Clinical Trial Results

The FDA approval is based on the OASIS 4 clinical trial, a 64-week phase 3 study involving 307 participants with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions.

These results demonstrate that the oral formulation delivers weight loss outcomes similar to the injectable version, making it a viable alternative for patients who prefer not to use injections.

Who Can Take Wegovy Pill?

The FDA approved oral Wegovy for weight loss in adults with:

• •Obesity (BMI ≥30)
• •Overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

Additionally, the medication is indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with established cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight.

Availability and Pricing

Wegovy oral tablets are expected to launch in early January 2026. The initial rollout will begin with the 1.5 mg starting dose, priced at $149 per month with savings offers.

Novo Nordisk has stated that manufacturing takes place at their facilities in North Carolina, and they expect to maintain robust supply. This contrasts with the shortages that affected the injectable version in previous years.

For patients looking for more affordable alternatives, compounded semaglutide options are available through telehealth providers starting as low as $99/month. While compounded medications are not FDA-approved, they contain the same active ingredient and are prepared by licensed pharmacies.

Safety and Side Effects

The most common side effects of oral Wegovy include:

• •Nausea
• •Diarrhea
• •Vomiting

These side effects are typically mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

More serious potential risks include:

• •Thyroid tumors (including cancer)
• •Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• •Gallbladder problems
• •Kidney problems from dehydration

The Bottom Line

The approval of oral Wegovy represents a significant advancement in obesity treatment. For the first time, patients have access to a once-daily pill that delivers the same weight loss results as the weekly injection that has helped millions of Americans.

This option may appeal to people who:

• Are uncomfortable with self-injection
• Prefer the convenience of a daily pill
• Have difficulty accessing injection supplies
• Want FDA-approved medication rather than compounded alternatives

As with any weight loss medication, oral Wegovy works best when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine if oral Wegovy is right for you.

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