In just a few years, treatment for obesity has been transformed by the runaway success of injectable weight loss medications. Now those medications are evolving. Some new formulations act on different pathways in the body. Others sidestep the needle and deliver the drug in pill form.
What do these new drugs mean for the future of obesity medicine? Suki K. Singh, M.D., a board-certified obesity medicine doctor and system medical director for Henry Ford Health’s nonsurgical weight management and obesity medicine programs, shares what you should know about the next generation of weight loss drugs.
GLP-1s and Beyond
Drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists were the first big breakthrough in weight loss medicines. These prescription medications mimic the natural gut hormone GLP-1.
By slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract and making you feel fuller, weight loss medications can lead to significant weight loss. These medications contain the drug semaglutide, better known by the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.
Next came drugs like Zepbound and Mounjaro, which contain the drug tirzepatide. Those medications target both GLP-1 and another gut hormone, GIP. A clinical study showed higher weight loss in patients taking Zepbound than people who took Wegovy.
Now a new class of drugs is in development, targeting even more hormone pathways. One targets GLP-1, GIP and a third hormone, glucagon. Another combines the GLP-1 drug semaglutide with a drug known as cagrilintide. Cagrilintide targets another hormone, amylin. Together, these slow digestion and promote feelings of fullness while also reducing hunger.
Because these next-generation treatments act on multiple hormone pathways in the body, they could lead to even greater weight loss. Those newer drugs are still in the final stages of being tested, so you won’t find them at your pharmacy just yet. But they could be approved in late 2026 or early 2027, Dr. Singh says.
High-Dose GLP-1s and Wegovy Pills
Meanwhile, new versions of GLP-1 drugs are expanding options for patients. In 2026, the FDA approved a new higher dose of Wegovy that may help some patients lose more weight.
Still, not everyone loves the idea of giving themselves a weekly shot. Now they might not have to.
In late December 2025, the FDA approved the first oral GLP-1 medication, a Wegovy (semaglutide) pill. “Many patients prefer this method, since they can take a daily tablet instead of giving themselves an injection,” Dr. Singh says.
With both the pill and the shot, people can experience side effects like nausea, constipation or diarrhea. “We can manage those side effects by increasing the dose gradually, along with lifestyle modifications and dietary changes to minimize the side effects,” Dr. Singh says.
Eating smaller, more frequent meals can help with upset stomach, for instance. Increasing fiber can ease constipation and limiting fat intake can decrease diarrhea. “These changes not only decrease side effects but also aid in weight loss,” Dr. Singh adds.
The oral and injectable versions are similar in the amount of weight people lose, Dr. Singh says. But there are differences in how they’re taken.
The shot can be taken any time of day, with or without food. The pill needs to be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, with no more than 4 ounces of water, for it to work correctly. While that works for many people, it might not be as easy for people who take other medications that must be taken with food or a full glass of water.
But an even newer GLP-1 pill, orforglipron (Foundayo), doesn’t have food and water restrictions. It was approved by the FDA in the spring of 2026.
The Future of Weight Loss Medications
Trying To Lose Weight?
There are still more new weight loss medicines on the horizon, Dr. Singh says.
Researchers are testing new formulas that might help reduce some of the unwanted side effects. One problem with the current weight loss medications is that people often lose muscle in addition to losing fat. “Researchers are now studying other molecules that appear to preserve muscle—and might actually increase muscle mass—while helping patients lose weight,” Dr. Singh says. While those drugs aren’t available yet, it’s an exciting area to watch.
When it comes to any class of medication, it’s good to have choices. Patients who experience side effects like nausea on one medication might feel better with other options. “For patients who haven’t tolerated one of these drugs, it might be worth trying a new option,” Dr. Singh says.
Unfortunately, the cost of weight loss drugs is still a big concern. The Wegovy pill is less expensive than the injectable version—a welcome development. It’s still not cheap, however, and isn’t always covered by insurance. But as more new options enter the market, experts are hopeful that the price of these medications might continue to drop.
Weight Loss Treatments for Long-Term Health
One thing that all these medications have in common: Patients typically need to keep taking them to maintain weight loss. “There’s a misconception that patients can take these medications for a couple of months, lose a lot of weight, and then everything will be great. But it doesn’t work that way,” Dr. Singh says.
Experts now understand that obesity is a chronic, complex disease, she says. “Obesity is not caused by a person’s failure to diet or exercise. It’s a biological change in the body, caused by hormonal dysfunction at the level of the fat cells,” she adds.
Untreated, those biological changes can increase the risk of a variety of problems like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even increase risk for 13 cancers. GLP-1s and related drugs can lead to health benefits beyond weight loss.
Fortunately, there are now a variety of ways to treat overweight and obesity, including weight loss medications, minimally invasive and safe weight loss surgeries and lifestyle changes. But it’s important to speak to your doctor to develop a plan that will help you maintain your weight—and your health—for the long haul, Dr. Singh says.
“We’re here to discuss all your options, helping you make changes that will help in the short term and over the long term. And if there is relapse and weight gain, we can address that, too,” she adds. “Weight loss drugs aren’t a quick fix, but they can be an important part of your care.”
Reviewed by Suki K. Singh, M.D, DABFM, DABOM, system medical director of weight management and obesity medicine at Henry Ford Health
