Extra Weight Loss Seen After Switching from Injection

• Folks with chubby or weight problems who switched from an injectable GLP-1 weight reduction treatment to the Wegovy (semaglutide) tablet misplaced a mean of 4.1% of their physique weight over 3 months.
• After 3 months, about 2 in 5 members had misplaced not less than 5% of their physique weight.
• The proportion of members with weight problems decreased by 21.6 proportion factors, from 87.1% at the beginning of the research to 65.5% after 3 months.

The research is among the first real-world analyses to look at weight reduction and remedy experiences amongst individuals who switched from an injectable weight reduction treatment to oral semaglutide (Wegovy).

Nonetheless, whereas real-world research like this could present helpful insights into how therapies work in on a regular basis life, these findings don’t show that switching to the Wegovy tablet prompted the burden loss.

The outcomes haven’t but been printed in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

This was a retrospective cohort evaluation evaluating weight change, remedy adherence, and affected person satisfaction after folks switched from injectable semaglutide (Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) to oral semaglutide for weight administration.

Members had no historical past of diabetes or bariatric surgical procedure and had a mean baseline weight of 221.6 kilos (100.5 kg) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 34.5 kg/m².

Members switched from an injectable GLP-1 treatment to oral semaglutide between January 5 and February 7, 2026. There was no requirement for the way lengthy they’d used an injectable treatment or how a lot weight they’d misplaced earlier than switching.

Members have been required to make use of oral semaglutide frequently for 3 months and self-report their weight inside 30 days of beginning remedy and once more on the finish of the research interval.

After 3 months of taking oral semaglutide, members had misplaced a mean of 4.1% of their physique weight, or 8.8 kilos.

On the 3-month mark, 2 in 5 members (40.7%) had misplaced 5% or extra of their physique weight.

The proportion of members with a BMI of 30 or larger additionally decreased by 21.6 proportion factors, from 87.1% at baseline to 65.5% after 3 months.

Most members (82.4%) reported not less than one remedy enchancment. Round 69% reported better-fitting garments, and round 51% reported consuming more healthy.

Betul Hatipoglu, MD, Medical Director, Diabetes & Metabolic Heart at College Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, who wasn’t concerned within the research, informed Healthline that, “These findings are encouraging as a result of they counsel that some folks can proceed shedding pounds after switching to oral remedy.”

Nonetheless, she additionally famous, “I might view this as promising early proof supporting one other remedy possibility, reasonably than proof that switching improves outcomes.”

Mir Ali, MD, medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Heart at Orange Coast Medical Heart in Fountain Valley, CA, who wasn’t concerned within the research, famous that as a result of the oral treatment is absorbed by means of the gastrointestinal tract, much less of it reaches the bloodstream in comparison with the injectable kind.

Nonetheless, oral semaglutide can nonetheless be efficient for weight reduction.

“Whereas studies show that the injectable kind is extra efficacious, present findings display that the oral model is also effective for weight reduction,” stated Ali.

Some folks could want the oral kind for ease of use and transportation as a result of it doesn’t require refrigeration. Nonetheless, it should be taken within the morning on an empty abdomen, adopted by a 30-minute wait earlier than consuming, Ali informed Healthline.

“Each formulations may cause gastrointestinal unwanted effects, together with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Taking a tablet doesn’t get rid of these dangers,” Hatipoglu stated.

Hatipoglu additionally stated components to contemplate embody how properly your present remedy is working, unwanted effects, your consolation with injections, your day by day routine, price, and insurance coverage protection.

She added that the choice must be made with a prescribing clinician, who may help plan the transition and monitor your response.

“Each choices will be efficient, so sufferers ought to focus on the dangers and advantages of every with their supplier. In the end, these medicines are instruments to assist a more healthy weight loss plan and life-style, and sufferers who make these basic adjustments obtain one of the best outcomes,” stated Ali.