The world of GLP-1s is expanding fast, and for anyone hesitant about needles, that’s good news. While weekly injections like Wegovy and Zepbound have become the standard for medical weight management, new oral options are emerging that promise similar benefits in pill form. Ahead, we break down how injectable and oral GLP-1s compare, what’s currently available and what’s next in this fast-moving category.
Featured Experts
- Rekha Kumar, MD is a board-certified endocrinologist in New York
- Eduardo Grunvald, MD is a board-certified internist and obesity specialist in San Diego
Injectable GLP-1s: Wegovy, Zepbound and Other Weekly Shots
Most GLP-1s currently approved for weight loss are administered weekly as subcutaneous injections with a prefilled pen. New York endocrinologist Rekha Kumar, MD says, “Zepbound shows the best efficacy for weight loss on the market,” with studies showing around 15–22.5 percent total body weight loss in many patients.
The once-weekly dosing is part of what makes injectables so appealing. “The injections are very easy,” says San Diego internist and obesity specialist Eduardo Grunvald, MD. “These pens are very easy to use.” But for those looking to move away from needles, a new generation of GLP-1 pills is on the horizon.
Oral GLP-1 Pills: The Next Generation of Weight Loss Medication
Oral semaglutide, a pill form of the same active ingredient found in Ozempic and Wegovy, is changing how patients approach medical weight loss. “When taken at 50 mg daily, oral semaglutide showed weight loss as good as a 2.4 mg injection of Wegovy,” Dr. Kumar said. A daily pill could attract those who prefer to skip weekly injections while still achieving comparable results.
Right now, the only oral GLP-1 medication available is Rybelsus, an oral form of semaglutide that’s FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but not yet for weight loss. Novo Nordisk has already filed for approval of a higher-dose version (25 mg) specifically for obesity management, with a decision expected by the end of 2025.
Dr. Grunvald explains that the upcoming pill is essentially “oral Wegovy,” and he says, “the effectiveness seems to be very comparable.” “The disadvantage is that it has to be taken once a day and has to be taken without food in the morning with a limited amount of water, so you can’t eat anything for at least 30 minutes after taking it.”
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is developing an oral GLP-1 called orforglipron, which is in late-stage clinical trials. Early research shows participants lost about 12 percent of their body weight on average, with side effects similar to injectables. “Unlike the current oral version of semaglutide, orforglipron doesn’t have to be taken on an empty stomach, which could make it easier to fit into daily routines,” says Dr. Grunvald.
Oral vs. Injectable GLP-1s: Which Is Right for You?
When deciding between oral and injectable GLP-1 medications, the main difference comes down to frequency and lifestyle fit. Injectables have the strongest data for weight loss so far. Oral medications, on the other hand, are taken daily and may appeal to those who prefer to avoid injections or want a less invasive option. “If you don’t mind the daily routine, the oral medications are a great option,” says Dr. Grunvald. “If you prefer less to remember, injectables might fit better.”
