Oral Wegovy pill matches injection weight-loss results, patients shed half a stone in three months

An observational study called OCTANE examined 194 overweight or obese adults who transitioned from injectable GLP-1 drugs to Novo Nordisk’s daily Wegovy pill. Within 12 weeks, over 40% of the switchers lost at least 5% of their body weight and almost 25% moved out of the obese classification, shedding more than half a stone on average. Weight loss from injections typically slows after the first few months, but the oral formulation kept patients losing weight, with 87% reporting daily adherence.

Researchers noted that the pill, which contains the same semaglutide as the injections, may offer a more convenient, long-term option, though further trials are needed to confirm its durability. Novo Nordisk officials described the findings as encouraging and are in talks with the UK government about NHS coverage, as demand outstrips supply with waiting lists exceeding 100,000.