A new daily pill for weight loss, called orforglipron, has shown promise in helping people shed up to a fifth of their body weight, according to a trial by Eli Lilly. In a study of 3,127 adults with obesity, one in five participants who took the once-daily tablet for 72 weeks lost 20% or more of their weight.
Orforglipron targets GLP-1 receptors, similar to popular weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, but offers the convenience of a pill that is easier to store, distribute, and take. Participants on the highest dose lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight, with more than half achieving at least a 10% reduction. Other health measures, including blood pressure, waist circumference, and cholesterol levels, also improved.
Side effects were mostly mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues. The pill is not yet approved by the FDA or other regulators, but Eli Lilly expects strong demand once it is launched. Researchers say tablet versions could expand access to effective obesity treatments, offering a simpler alternative to injections.
Separate research suggests GLP-1 medications may also be effective for children with obesity or type 2 diabetes, though gastrointestinal side effects were more common and longer-term studies are needed.
