The U.S. weight-loss market is entering a new era as oral weight-loss pills become available for the first time, making treatments more accessible and potentially more affordable. Local experts predict that rising competition could continue to drive prices down.
Wegovy, a medication long used to manage diabetes, has also been prescribed for individuals who are overweight or diagnosed with obesity. The newly released oral form offers 1.5 or 4 milligram doses, allowing patients to take the medication by mouth rather than through injections.
While slightly less effective than the injectable version, doctors say the oral pill opens the market to a broader range of patients. “They’re either afraid of needles, or don’t prefer to do injectables, or have other comorbidities that don’t allow for injectables,” said Dr. Mandeep Gill of Inspire Health Endocrinology in Fresno, who helps guide patients toward their weight-loss goals.
According to Gill, demand for the pill is already growing following its announcement on Monday. Health professionals recommend taking the medication 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other medications to maximize its effectiveness.
Gill explained that the drug works on both the brain and the gut, reducing cravings while influencing gastrointestinal activity to support weight loss. “It’s designed to have an impact on both the brain and the gut,” she said.
Though the oral form is new, Wegovy itself has been used for years to treat diabetes. Its expanded use now includes patients struggling with overweight or obesity.
With more options entering the market, prices are already dropping. Dave Moore, Executive Vice President of U.S. Operations for Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, said, “Having it available through commercial insurance from day one, in brick-and-mortar pharmacies like CVS and Costco, and partnering with Telehealth companies, helps make it more accessible.”
Pricing for the pills starts at $149 per month for lower doses and $299 for higher doses, compared to $350 for all strengths of the injectable version. Gill anticipates that increased competition will continue to push prices downward. “I think we can foresee that there will be more competition in terms of driving down the prices of these medications,” she said.
Despite the availability of more affordable weight-loss drugs, Gill cautions against relying solely on medication. She recommends lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments and increased physical activity, before starting pharmacological treatment. “We generally start with those changes first, and then you intervene with the pharmacological treatment,” she said, noting that medications may carry side effects.
