Gulp down your GLP-1s -- two oral options are now available
In 2025, a KFF Tracking Poll found that one in eight Americans was taking an injection of a GLP-1 medication such as semaglutide or tirzepatide for weight loss. Today, that's changing dramatically as folks opt for one of the two newly approved oral GLP-1s that make sticking to the routine (without sticking yourself) a lot easier.
Novo Nordisk's Wegovy (semaglutide) pill is taken first thing in the morning with 4 ounces of water. You can eat, drink and take other oral meds 30 minutes later. You're encouraged to also follow a reduced-calorie diet and get increased physical activity.
A 64-week study that led to the pill's Food and Drug Administration approval found that 60% of folks lost 10% or more of their weight (only 14% folks on a placebo lost that much), and overall, participants lost an average of about 33 pounds.
Eli Lilly's once-daily tablet, Foundayo (orforglipron), can be taken any time without restrictions on food and water intake. Two phase 3 trials showed that it reduces body weight, waist circumference, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure. And the 72-week ATTAIN-2 trial found that those who received the 36 milligram dose lost, on average, 10.5% of their body weight.
The added benefits of GLP-1s, from improved heart health to cancer prevention, addiction recovery and the easing of symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, make this upgrade in how you can take the medication a revolution in longevity. For more information on how to live longer and healthier, tune into my podcast at www.podcasthealth.com or www.iheart.com; search for "Roizen."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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