A recent real-world study has found that patients who switched from weekly weight loss injections to a daily oral pill continued to lose weight, with an average 4% reduction in body weight over three months. The findings, presented by Novo Nordisk, suggest the Wegovy pill (semaglutide) may offer sustained benefits compared to injectable versions of the same drug.
Key findings from the study:
- Participants who switched to the oral pill lost an average of 8.8 pounds (4% of body weight) over three months, based on an average starting weight of 221 pounds.
- 40% of users achieved at least 5% weight loss after three months on the pill, with 21% fewer participants remaining in the obesity category (BMI ≥ 30).
- The study analyzed data from 194 overweight or obese adults, half of whom initially used Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy injection and the other half Eli Lilly’s Zepbound injection before switching to the oral Wegovy pill.
The research, conducted via Novo Nordisk’s analysis of telehealth platform data from Ro, indicates that the pill may improve upon initial weight loss results from injections rather than merely maintaining them. Novo Nordisk’s chief scientific officer, Martin Holst Lange, stated that patients switching from injections to the oral form could expect similar tolerability and safety profiles, with potentially greater weight loss.
How the pill compares to injections
Weight loss injections like Wegovy and Zepbound typically yield the fastest results in the first three to six months, with users losing around 6% of body weight during that period. However, progress often plateaus after six to 12 months, leading some patients to discontinue treatment.
The new data suggests the oral version may help sustain weight loss momentum beyond this point. In earlier trials, the Wegovy pill led to an average 17% weight loss over 14 months, compared to 15% for the injectable form. The study’s authors note that the pill could provide a more convenient alternative, potentially improving long-term adherence for patients.
Patient experiences and reported benefits
Among participants with available data, 82% reported at least one improvement after switching to the pill, including:
- 70% noted better-fitting clothes
- 51% experienced improved mobility
- Nearly a quarter moved out of the obese category within three months
The findings were presented at a medical conference and have not yet undergone peer review, though they align with earlier clinical trial results.
Access and demand for the treatment
The Wegovy pill is the first and only daily oral GLP-1 agonist approved in the UK, where online pharmacies report waitlists exceeding 100,000 patients. Its availability as a pill—rather than an injection—has been cited as a key factor in its appeal, particularly for those who struggle with needle aversion or logistical challenges of weekly injections.
While the study provides real-world evidence of sustained weight loss, researchers caution that observational data cannot establish causality. Further long-term studies are needed to confirm whether the pill’s benefits persist beyond the initial three-month period observed in this analysis.