Wegovy® pill for weight loss is here: What you need to know

It’s official: the first GLP-1 pill for chronic weight management has been FDA-approved and is available now.

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy®, announced the FDA’s approval of the Wegovy® pill in a news release last week. “As the first oral GLP-1 treatment for people living with overweight or obesity, the Wegovy® pill provides patients with a new, convenient treatment option that can help patients start or continue their weight-loss journey,” said Mike Doustdar, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk.

Wegovy® pills are available now. Medication requires a prescription. To see if you qualify, visit our  Wegovy® Membership page.

What you need to know about the Wegovy® pill 

The Wegovy® pill is a once-daily oral semaglutide pill designed to help reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term .

In a 64-week study, participants with overweight or obesity lost an average of 14% of their body weight when taking the Wegovy® pill as prescribed alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. This is similar to results seen in previous injectable semaglutide studies.

Wegovy® is typically prescribed for adults with obesity (BMI 30 and over) or adults with overweight (BMI 27 and over) with at least one weight-related condition, like hypertension or type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 treatment is prescribed alongside lifestyle recommendations like balanced nutrition and regular exercise.

Benefits of the Wegovy® pill

Clinical trials have shown that the Wegovy® pill produced weight loss results comparable to those seen in studies of injectable semaglutide, with generally similar side effects.

Benefits:

• Up to 20% or more weight loss*
• Slows digestion
• Helps regulate blood sugar
• May reduce appetite and quiet food noise

Common side effects:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, bloating, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.)
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Beyond the benefits of the medication itself, the Wegovy® pill has other perks as well:

• Alternative to injectables for those who need or want to avoid needles
• Potentially lower production costs compared to injectable forms
• Doesn’t need to be refrigerated

As the first FDA-approved oral GLP-1 option, the Wegovy® pill expands access for millions of adults needing weight-loss support, both in terms of cost and convenience.

Wegovy® injectable vs. pill: What’s the difference? 

Clinical results are generally comparable for both medication types, and they both contain the active ingredient semaglutide. The main differences are in how they are administered, how often they are taken, and how they should be stored.

Injectables:

• Taken once per week
• Can be taken at any time of day
• Require refrigeration
• Injectable delivery

Pills:

• Taken daily
• Must be taken 30 minutes before eating
• No refrigeration needed
• Oral delivery

Your provider will evaluate your medical history, preferences, and health goals before determining eligibility. A healthy diet and regular movement will also be recommended if you’re a good candidate for GLP-1 treatment.

Start your weight-loss journey today with a Shed membership

With the right support, GLP-1 medication can be a powerful weight-loss tool. This is why Shed offers a membership for just $99/month (plus the price of medication).

Here’s what’s included in the Wegovy® membership:

• Unlimited virtual provider visits
• Access to the Shed Community, which includes additional resources, educational courses, nutrition plans, and continuous support
• Support from our Member Success and medical teams every step of the way
• Text-based Health Coaching** for ongoing guidance
• Dedicated support on prescription orders—no more insurance hassles!

Wegovy® medication is not included in the membership. The cost for medication through Shed is as follows:

• Wegovy® pill: Starting at $149/month
• Wegovy® injectable: Starting at $199/month

At Shed, we believe in the power of science and personalization. With more GLP-1 medication options available, your provider will help you find the best solution for your needs so you can get back to being the real you.

Visit tryshed.com today to start your weight-loss journey. Find out if you qualify for treatment here.

FAQs

What is Wegovy®?

Wegovy® (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate appetite and reduce food intake to support long-term weight management.

Who is Wegovy® for?

Adults with obesity (BMI 30 or higher) or overweight (BMI 27 or higher) with related health conditions such as high cholesterol, hypertension, or type 2 diabetes. Medication requires a prescription by a licensed provider.

How much does Wegovy® cost?

Wegovy® injectable pens start at $199/month and Wegovy® pills start at $149/month.

How is the Wegovy® pill taken?

The standard protocol will start you on the 1.5 mg once-daily dose and gradually increase the dose every 30 days until you reach the 25 mg maximum dose, or the highest dose you can tolerate. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best option for you.

What does the Shed Membership include?

For $99/month, your membership includes unlimited virtual provider visits; access to the Shed Community with resources to enhance your journey, expert education, and continuous support; and support from our Member Success and medical teams, every step of the way. Cost of medication is not included in the membership.

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Wegovy® (semaglutide) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. Individual results may vary. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, constipation, or mild bloating, which typically improve as your body adjusts. Wegovy® is a prescription medication and is prescribed only after consultation with a licensed healthcare provider to determine appropriateness.

*Based on a 64-week medical study of 307 adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition. Learn more about the study here. Individual results may vary.

**Text-based coaching is powered by AI and monitored by a licensed coach. Responses may be automated, but your coach reviews interactions to ensure quality and support.