Orforglipron: The New Oral Weight Loss Medication on the Horizon

If you’ve been following the rise of weight loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro, you’ll know they’ve changed the game for many people living with obesity. But what if you could get the same benefits without a needle?

Enter orforglipron — an exciting new oral GLP-1 medication currently being developed by Eli Lilly. It hasn’t yet been released in the UK, but early research is showing promising results. Let’s take a closer look at what we know so far.

What Is Orforglipron?

• Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist (similar to the class of medications that includes semaglutide in Wegovy and tirzepatide in Mounjaro).

• Unlike injectable treatments, orforglipron is taken as a daily tablet.

• It’s designed to help with appetite control, weight loss, and metabolic health.

How Does It Work?

Orforglipron works in a similar way to other GLP-1 drugs:

• Slows digestion, helping you feel fuller for longer.

• Reduces appetite and food cravings, making it easier to eat less.

• Improves blood sugar control, which may help patients with type 2 diabetes.

The main difference is in the delivery — no injections, just a pill once a day.

What Do the Studies Say?

Early trial results have been encouraging:

• In a Phase 2 study, patients lost an average of up to 15% of body weight over 36 weeks when taking orforglipron.

• Side effects appear similar to injectable GLP-1 drugs, with nausea and stomach upset being the most common, particularly when first starting treatment.

• Because it’s oral, it may be easier for patients who are needle-averse or prefer a non-injection option.

When Will Orforglipron Be Available?

At the moment, orforglipron is still undergoing clinical trials. Eli Lilly has stated that results look promising, and they aim to seek regulatory approval in the coming years.

This means:

• It’s not yet available on the NHS or privately in the UK.

• Timelines depend on further trial results and approval from bodies like the MHRA (UK)

• If approved, it could offer a more convenient alternative to weekly injections.

Who Could Benefit?

If orforglipron is approved, it could be especially helpful for:

• Patients who struggle with injections or dislike needles.

• People who want the flexibility of a daily pill.

• Those looking for another option in weight management if injections aren’t suitable.

What Does This Mean for Patients Now?

For now, the best-studied and available weight loss options remain Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). But orforglipron could soon add an important new choice.

At Ready Health, we’ll be keeping a close eye on updates, so we can bring this treatment to patients in Standish, Wigan, Chorley, Horwich, and beyond as soon as it’s available.

Final Thoughts

Orforglipron is an exciting development in the world of weight management. A daily tablet instead of injections could make treatment more accessible and convenient for many patients.

It’s not here yet, but it’s one to watch — and when it does arrive, Ready Health will be ready to guide patients safely through their options.

👉 In the meantime, if you’re interested in weight loss treatments already available, book a consultation with our Weight Management Clinic today.