Weight Loss Tablets
If injections are not for you, oral weight loss treatments offer a needle-free route. The category now spans both traditional fat-blocking capsules and a new generation of oral GLP-1 medicines.
Wegovy Pill
Once-daily oral semaglutide, no needles, no fridge
Foundayo Pill
Once-daily orforglipron, take it any time, with or without food
Orlistat
Blocks around 30% of dietary fat, the affordable daily capsule
Xenical
The original branded orlistat from Roche
The two kinds of weight loss tablet
Oral GLP-1 medicines
The Wegovy Pill (oral semaglutide) and Foundayo (orforglipron) deliver GLP-1 appetite control in tablet form. They work on the same biology as the injections, so the appetite effect is comparable, without the needle or the fridge.
Fat absorption blockers
Orlistat and Xenical contain the same active ingredient and work locally in the digestive tract. They inhibit lipase, the enzyme that breaks fat into absorbable pieces, so roughly 30% of the fat you eat passes straight through.
Which oral treatment loses the most weight?
In clinical trials the oral GLP-1 medicines substantially outperform lipase inhibitors on average weight loss. Orlistat and Xenical remain a sensible option if cost is the deciding factor, or if GLP-1 medicines are not suitable for you.
Taking tablets consistently
Oral treatments only work if they are taken as directed. Oral semaglutide in particular has specific instructions, on an empty stomach, with no more than half a glass of water, and nothing else by mouth for 30 minutes. Set a daily alarm for the first few weeks until it becomes routine.