A groundbreaking study published in The Lancet reveals that a new daily oral medication, orforglipron, could revolutionize weight loss treatment. Developed by Eli Lilly, the drug helped participants lose approximately 10% of their body weight over 18 months, offering a simpler and more affordable alternative to existing injectable treatments like Ozempic and Mounjaro. The study involved over 1,500 adults across 10 countries with obesity and type 2 diabetes, who took the pill alongside lifestyle changes. While the weight loss is slightly less than that achieved with injectable GLP-1 agonists, the convenience and potential cost reduction make it a promising option. If approved by the FDA, orforglipron is expected to hit the market in 2026 at a significantly lower price. Side effects, including nausea and constipation, were consistent with those of injectable GLP-1 drugs. With obesity-related illnesses claiming over 3.7 million lives globally in 2021, this innovation could have a profound impact on public health.
