A new daily pill for weight loss, called orforglipron, has shown promise in helping people shed as much as 20% of their body weight, according to a trial by Eli Lilly. The study involved 3,127 adults with obesity, and one in five participants taking the pill for 72 weeks lost a fifth or more of their weight.
Orforglipron works on GLP-1 receptors, similar to weight loss injections like Mounjaro and Wegovy, but in a convenient tablet form that is easier to store, distribute, and use. In the trial, participants on the highest dose, 36mg daily, lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight, with 18.4% losing 20% or more. Lower doses also led to meaningful weight loss.
The pill also improved other health measures, including blood pressure, waist size, and cholesterol. Most side effects were mild to moderate gastrointestinal issues.
Not yet approved by the FDA, orforglipron could make effective obesity treatments more accessible and affordable compared with injections. Experts say it offers hope for millions seeking easier ways to manage weight, while research on similar drugs in children continues to grow.
