The FDA has approved a new option for medical weight loss that a lot of people have been waiting for: an oral tablet version of Wegovy (semaglutide). This post will give you a simple overview of what it is, who it is for, and what to expect.
What is oral Wegovy?
Oral Wegovy is a once-daily tablet form of semaglutide, a GLP-1 medication used for chronic weight management. Semaglutide helps reduce appetite, improve fullness, and support healthier portion sizes. The active medication is the same as the injectable Wegovy many people already know, but the tablet is absorbed in a different way.
Who is it for?
Oral Wegovy is approved for adults with:
- Obesity, or
- Overweight plus at least one weight-related medical condition
It also has an additional approved use for cardiovascular risk reduction in certain adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.
Why is the dosing routine so important?
This is the biggest difference between the tablet and the injection.
Because semaglutide is a peptide medication, the digestive tract can break it down if it is taken casually like a typical pill. The oral tablet includes a special absorption helper that allows the medication to be absorbed through the stomach, but it still requires a consistent morning routine.
In plain terms, taking it correctly helps your body absorb enough medication to get the full benefit.
How do you take oral Wegovy?
Patients should always follow the exact directions on the prescription label, but the routine is generally:
- Take once daily on an empty stomach
- Take with water only, no more than 4 oz
- Wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking anything besides water (including coffee), or taking other medications
If you do not follow this routine, the most common result is lower absorption and less effectiveness.
How effective is the Wegovy tablet?
In clinical trials, patients using the target maintenance dose achieved meaningful average weight loss (14-16% weight loss), in a similar range to what many people recognize from injectable Wegovy studies. As with all GLP-1 medications, results vary based on factors like dose titration, consistency, side effects, lifestyle habits, and follow-up support.
Side effects: what to expect
Like the injection, oral Wegovy can cause gastrointestinal side effects, especially during dose increases. The most common include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. For most patients, side effects improve with time and with gradual dose escalation.
Insurance and cost in 2026
Coverage depends on your insurance plan. Many plans require prior authorization for GLP-1 medications, and coverage can differ based on the indication and your benefits. The cash price is $149-$299/month at the pharmacy, depending on the dose.
At Transition Medical Weight Loss, we help patients navigate insurance approval whenever possible. For patients without coverage, we can also help you explore cash-pay options, including manufacturer-supported programs and participating local pharmacy fills when available.
Oral Wegovy vs injection: which is better?
Neither is “better” for everyone. The best option is the one that a patient can tolerate and take consistently. Some patients prefer the weekly injection for simplicity. Others feel strongly about an oral option. During a visit, we help you choose the approach that fits your health history, goals, and lifestyle.
The bottom line
Oral Wegovy is an exciting new option that expands choice in evidence-based obesity care. If you have been interested in Wegovy but wanted a tablet option, this may be worth discussing with a medical provider.
If you would like to learn whether oral Wegovy is appropriate for you, schedule a consultation with our team at Transition Medical Weight Loss in Salem, NH. We offer in-person and virtual visits, and we will help you understand your options.
Call 603-685-0462 or request an appointment at TransitionSalem.com