Medically reviewed by Abhijit Bhattacharyya | MD, PhD, MBA, Tufts University School of Medicine - Miami, Florida on November 17th, 2025.
IMPORTANT: Orforglipron is not yet FDA-approved. This medication is currently in clinical trials, with expected regulatory submission in late 2025 and potential approval in 2026.
The prospect of an effective oral weight loss pill is generating significant interest, but how do you know if medications like orforglipron would be appropriate for you? Here's a guide to the key topics you should discuss with your healthcare provider when exploring weight loss medication options.
Current GLP-1 medications, and likely future oral options like orforglipron, are typically indicated for adults with:
A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), OR
A BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least one weight-related health condition
The ATTAIN-1 clinical trial for orforglipron enrolled participants with obesity or who were overweight that also had weight-related comorbidities such as:
Hypertension
Dyslipidemia
Obstructive sleep apnea
Cardiovascular disease
If you meet any of the above criteria, oral weight loss medication may be an option for you once it’s FDA approved.
"Based on my BMI and health history, am I a candidate for weight loss medication?"
"Do I have any weight-related health conditions that might benefit from treatment?"
"Are there medical reasons I should avoid GLP-1 medications?"
Certain medical conditions may affect whether GLP-1 medications are appropriate for you. Important factors include:
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
History of pancreatitis
Severe gastrointestinal disease
Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
"Are there any contraindications in my medical history?"
"How would this medication interact with my current medications?"
"What should I know about taking this if I'm planning to become pregnant?"
The most common side effects of orforglipron in clinical trials were gastrointestinal, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and dyspepsia, generally mild to moderate in severity. Understanding what to expect and how to manage these effects is crucial for treatment success.
"What side effects should I expect, and when do they typically occur?"
"How can I minimize gastrointestinal side effects?"
"What symptoms would indicate I should contact you immediately?"
"How do discontinuation rates compare between oral and injectable options?"
Having realistic expectations is essential. In the ongoing orforglipron clinical trial, participants taking the highest dose lost an average of 12.4% of their body weight over 72 weeks—meaningful weight loss, but achieved over more than a year of consistent treatment.
"What weight loss outcomes should I realistically expect?"
"How long before I'll see results?"
"Will I need to take this medication long-term?"
"What happens if I stop taking the medication?"
Weight loss medications work best when combined with diet and exercise modifications. Clinical trials required participants to follow a healthy diet and engage in physical activity alongside medication.
"What dietary changes should I make?"
"What type and amount of exercise do you recommend?"
"Can you refer me to a nutritionist or dietitian?"
"How important is the lifestyle component to my success?"
When orforglipron becomes available, cost will be an important consideration. Insurance coverage for weight loss medications varies widely. It is expected that a weight loss pill will be cheaper than the existing injectables.
"What will this medication cost with my insurance?"
"Are there patient assistance programs available?"
"How does the cost compare to injectable alternatives?"
"Are there less expensive FDA-approved options I should consider first?"
If you're specifically interested in oral medications because of needle aversion, be upfront about this with your provider.
"How does orforglipron's efficacy compare to injectable GLP-1s?"
"Would an injectable option be more appropriate for my weight loss goals?"
"What are the pros and cons of each delivery method for someone like me?"
While orforglipron is not yet available, you don't have to wait to begin your weight loss journey. Doctronic offers access to licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your needs and prescribe FDA-approved weight loss medications that are available today, including GLP-1 options. Our platform makes it easy to have these important conversations with qualified providers from the comfort of your home.
IMPORTANT: Orforglipron is not yet FDA-approved. This medication is currently in clinical trials, with expected regulatory submission in late 2025 and potential approval in [...]
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