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<\/p>\n(NEXSTAR) \u2013 GLP-1 drugs, which have grown incredibly popular in recent years for their ability to help people lose substantial weight, are now friendlier to needle-phobes.<\/p>\n
The class of medications, which you may have heard of under the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro or Zepbound, have previously only been available as injections. Even so, a poll taken in 2024 estimated 1 in 8 American adults had given a GLP-1 drug a shot.<\/p>\n
Now, the medications come in pill form from drugmakers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. It seems like an easy swap for those who don’t love the idea of injecting themselves with a needle \u2013\u00a0but there are a few catches.<\/p>\n
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GLP-1 drugs now come in pill form, as well as injectables.(Photo by: Michael Siluk\/UCG\/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Which is more effective: the GLP-1 pills or injections?<\/p>\n
First off, depending on which pill you take, there are some strict rules. The Wegovy version has to be taken on an empty stomach in the morning with just a couple sips of water. Then you have to wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else, including coffee.<\/p>\n
Foundayo, the name of the new Eli Lilly GLP-1 pill, doesn’t have the same restrictions around food or water.<\/p>\n
Then there’s the matter of efficacy. Early studies<\/a> show the pills aren’t quite as effective as their injectable counterparts.<\/p>\n One clinical trial<\/a> of more than 3,000 people compared adults who received the highest dose of orforglipron (the generic name for the Foundayo pill) with people who received a placebo. Over 72 weeks, the people who received the weight loss pill lost about 25 pounds on average, or 11% of their body weight. Those taking the placebo lost less than 5 pounds, or about 2% of their body weight.<\/p>\n Those are real results, but not as impressive as clinical trials for the GLP-1 injectables<\/a>. Participants who injected Zepbound once a week for 72 weeks lost 50 pounds on average, and those who injected Wegovy lost 33 pounds.<\/p>\n On the other hand, if you’re looking at taking a GLP-1 to treat type 2 diabetes rather than lose weight, the oral versions may be a better fit. One study of 100 people<\/a> found those taking oral semaglutide had bigger reductions in their blood sugar, even when those taking the injectable version lost more weight. The difference was small, however, the study points out.<\/p>\n Which has worse side effects?<\/p>\n