Orforglipron: everything you need to know about the new weight loss pill
A daily weight loss pill called Orforglipron (sold as Foundayo) has been authorised in the UK by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It’s available as a prescription medicine for weight management.
Foundayo became available in the UK in August 2026. It is currently available by private prescription. NHS access is a separate process, with NICE currently assessing Orforglipron for use in England.
Like weight loss medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, it’s a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it works in the same way. The key difference? It’s taken as a daily tablet, rather than a weekly injection.
But is a tablet the answer? We explain what’s behind the medication and how Oviva can help you lose weight successfully long term – without the cycle of weight regain.
Key takeaways
- Orforglipron is a once-daily GLP-1 receptor agonist tablet that can help reduce hunger, food cravings and how much you eat.
- Orforglipron was authorised by the MHRA in August 2026 and is now available in the UK by private prescription.
- Clinical trials show an average weight loss of 11.2% after 72 weeks.
- The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
- Orforglipron is a prescription-only medicine and is not a replacement for improving your diet.
What is Orforglipron and how does it work?
Orforglipron is a daily GLP-1 receptor agonist pill.
These mimic the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, which:
- Signals to your brain that you’re full
- Slows the rate at which your stomach empties
The result – you feel fuller more quickly and stay satisfied for longer.
Unlike weight loss injections, Orforglipron is taken as a daily tablet rather than a weekly injection.
And yes, it’s been shown to survive stomach acid, so it’s still effective even as a pill.
It’s also been found to improve blood glucose levels and cardiovascular risk markers.
How much weight can you lose with Orforglipron?
One clinical trial found that people taking the highest dose lost an average of 11.2% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks, compared with 2.1% for those taking a placebo.
To put that into perspective, someone starting at 100 kg could lose around 11 kg on the highest dose – but results vary from person to person.
How much weight you lose can depend on factors such as:
- Your starting weight
- Dosage
- How long you stay on treatment
- The changes you make to your eating and activity habits
In this trial, Orforglipron was not used alone. Participants received support to follow a healthy diet and increase their daily movement. No weight loss medication is designed to be taken on its own – for the best (and longest-lasting) results, it’s vital to pair it with healthy lifestyle changes.
How quickly does Orforglipron work?
You might start noticing the effects of Orforglipron within the first week – reduced hunger, feeling fuller faster, and fewer cravings. This will all work towards your weight loss goals. However, noticeable weight loss can take up to months.
After three months, participants in one clinical trial had lost over 5% of their body weight (on the highest dose).
What if I stop taking it?
Like other GLP-1 medications, Orforglipron only works while you’re taking it.
If you stop, your appetite is likely to return to its previous level.
Although long-term data on stopping Orforglipron is limited, studies of other GLP-1s have shown that many people regain at least some of the weight they lost, particularly if healthy eating and physical activity habits aren’t maintained.
This is why experts recommend using weight loss medication alongside sustainable lifestyle changes, like:
- Building healthy eating habits
- Staying physically active
- Having ongoing support
Orforglipron vs. weight loss injections
If you’re considering weight loss medication, you may be wondering how Orforglipron compares with injectable treatments such as Wegovy and Mounjaro.
While all treatments can support weight loss, there are some key differences.
| Orforglipron | Wegovy | Mounjaro | |
| Active ingredient | Orforglipron | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| How it’s taken | Daily tablet | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Drug type | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Avg. weight loss in clinical trials* | 11.2% (after 72 weeks) | 15.2% (after 104 weeks) | 22.5% (after 72 weeks) |
| Prescription only | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
But remember, the best medication for you will depend on factors such as your health, treatment goals, side effects and personal preferences.
*Average weight loss shown is from the highest dose studied in separate clinical trials. Results cannot be directly compared because the medicines were tested in different studies with different participants and study designs.
What are the risks and side effects of Orforglipron?
As with most GLP-1 medications, the most common side effects of Orforglipron are gastrointestinal.
These include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
These side effects are usually mild to moderate and typically occur when starting treatment or increasing your dose. They usually improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
This is why weight loss medications should only be taken under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. They can monitor how you’re responding to treatment, help manage any side effects, and make sure the medication remains safe and appropriate for you.
Who is Orforglipron suitable for?
As Orforglipron is approved as weight loss medication for people with:
- BMI over 30, or
- BMI over 27 alongside weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
It’s important to note that only a doctor can decide whether this medication is appropriate and prescribe it following a thorough medical assessment.
Is Orforglipron available in the UK?
Yes. Orforglipron is now authorised and available in the UK.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorised Orforglipron for use in the UK in August 2026. It is available as a prescription-only medicine.
Orforglipron is currently available through private prescription. Whether it will be available as an NHS-funded treatment is a separate decision and is currently being assessed by NICE.
Why a weight loss pill alone a isn’t sustainable solution
Weight loss medications such as Orforglipron can help support weight loss, but they primarily address symptoms, such as increased appetite.
They do not tackle the underlying causes of weight gain, such as long-established eating habits and lifestyle behaviours. This can increase the risk of regaining weight once the medication is stopped.
For long-term success, making sustainable changes to your eating habits is the most important foundation. That’s where Oviva comes in – we provide the support you need to make lasting changes.
Take the next step towards long term weight loss.
What I love about Oviva is that I can eat what I want — it was a completely new experience for me not to count calories. I lost 5 kg in the first 12 weeks, and my blood pressure normalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t have to wait to get weight loss support
Orforglipron isn’t yet available in the UK – but effective weight loss medications are already helping thousands of people lose weight safely and sustainably.
If you’re eligible, you could access NHS-funded treatment through Oviva, including clinically proven weight loss medication, like Wegovy, alongside personalised support to help you build healthy habits that last.
With Oviva, you’ll get:
- Access to NHS-funded weight loss medication if eligible.
- A personalised weight loss programme tailored to fit your life, goals and needs.
- 1:1 support from a healthcare coach so you can navigate weight loss with confidence.
- An easy-to-use app to track meals, progress and goals.
And more.
Plus, it’s 100% remote, meaning no more waiting rooms or inconvenient appointment times.
Take the next step towards long term weight loss.
Never count calories again
Easily log your meals with the photo diary in the Oviva app – a simple way to keep track of what you’re eating.
Set goals that feel right
Your health coach will help you set the right personal goals that bring you closer to your feel-good weight.
Keep track of your progress
With your unique goals set, the Oviva app has all the tracking you need to work towards them with ease.
Become an expert yourself
With learning content on nutrition, exercise, and motivation, you’ll become a weight-loss expert yourself.
Always there to support
Get 1-to-1 support from a health coach and chat with our nutrition experts anytime via the Oviva app.
Medically reviewed by Lucy Diamond
Lucy Diamond is a UK-registered dietitian and Vice President of Patient Outcomes at Oviva.
With almost a decade of NHS experience and a role on the Board of Directors at the British Dietetic Association (BDA), Lucy ensures Oviva’s programmes are evidence-based, patient-centred and reflect the latest clinical research.
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