Daily Pill Orforglipron Helps Maintain Weight After Stopping Slimming Injections

Recent research indicates that a new daily oral medication, orforglipron, can effectively help individuals maintain weight loss after discontinuing injectable slimming treatments known as 'slimming pens.' The study, published in Nature Medicine and funded by Eli Lilly, involved 376 participants in the United States who had previously lost weight using GLP-1 hormones like tirzepatide or semaglutide. Participants who switched to orforglipron for one year retained over 70% of their weight loss, compared to 38-50% in the placebo group. The drug mimics natural hormones to reduce appetite and increase satiety. Currently available in the US at approximately $149 per month, it is significantly cheaper than injectable alternatives and may soon launch in the United Kingdom. Experts highlight that while side effects such as nausea are common, they are generally mild. The findings reinforce the view of obesity as a chronic disease requiring long-term management. Although oral options offer a more appealing alternative to injections, further research is needed to determine the optimal duration of treatment, which experts suggest could potentially last a lifetime.