A new daily pill version of the weight loss drug Wegovy has shown promising results in a major study, with some patients losing more than a fifth of their body weight. The tablet, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is manufactured by Novo Nordisk. While not yet available in the United Kingdom, it received approval in the United States in December.
Study Findings
Data from the Oasis 4 trial, presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, involved 307 participants who received either the Wegovy pill or a placebo once daily for 64 weeks. The research revealed that over a quarter of those taking the pill were classified as early responders, losing at least 10% of their body weight within the first 16 weeks. On average, this group lost 13.2% of their body weight during that initial period and went on to shed 21.6% by the end of the trial. Even those who did not meet the early responder criteria still achieved an average weight loss of 11.5% by week 64.
Mobility Improvements
Separate analysis of the same trial indicated that the pill also enhanced patients' physical function. Nearly 80% of participants who reported poor mobility at the start of the study experienced improved movement after 64 weeks. Sebnem Avsar Tuna, UK general manager at Novo Nordisk UK, commented: “This is an important reminder that living with obesity can impact much more than body weight alone. It can influence how comfortable people feel moving through their daily lives, from standing for longer periods to bending down or staying active.”
Expert Commentary
Professor Partha Kar, a consultant in diabetes and endocrinology, emphasized the importance of individualized treatment: “Obesity management isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. It’s nuanced, and individual responses can differ quite markedly. With anti-obesity medications, some people will notice changes sooner, others more gradually, but early signals can help clinicians and patients understand whether treatment is on track and guide timely, informed conversations.” He added that the real value lies in monitoring progress over time and interpreting it in context, enabling honest discussions about realistic outcomes and definitions of success for each patient.
Comparison with Other Drugs
Novo Nordisk also shared data comparing 25 mg of oral Wegovy to 36 mg of orforglipron, another weight loss pill developed by Eli Lilly. The findings suggest that the Wegovy pill leads to greater weight loss and fewer side effects. The tablet form of semaglutide offers an alternative to injectable weight loss medications, potentially increasing accessibility for patients who prefer oral administration.
