A new daily pill for weight loss, called orforglipron, may help people reduce their body weight by up to 20%, according to a trial by Eli Lilly. In the study of 3,127 adults with obesity, one in five participants taking the once-a-day pill for 72 weeks lost a fifth or more of their body weight.
Orforglipron targets the same GLP-1 receptors as weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy but offers the convenience of a tablet, making it easier to store, distribute, and administer. Those on the highest dose, 36mg, lost an average of 11.2% of their weight, while 54.6% shed at least 10%, 36% lost 15%, and 18.4% lost 20% or more. Other health benefits included lower blood pressure, smaller waist circumference, and reduced cholesterol.
The most common side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues. Orforglipron is not yet approved by the FDA or other regulators, but experts say it could broaden access to effective obesity treatments, especially for people who cannot use injectable medications.
Researchers highlighted the need for further studies to confirm long-term effects, particularly in children, after separate research showed GLP-1 drugs could work for obese children as young as six, though with a higher rate of stomach problems.
