Is oral semaglutide as effective as the injectable version for weight loss?

Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 receptor agonist) that can help treat type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin production and reducing blood sugar levels. It also signals to the brain that you are not hungry, making it effective for weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved different forms of semaglutide for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight loss. It is important to note that semaglutide is not approved for use with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

The only apparent difference between an oral semaglutide and an injectable semaglutide is the route of administration. However, a study revealed that most patients prefer taking oral weight loss medication to once-weekly subcutaneous injections as it is painless and easier to administer.

A 2021 research review looked at several clinical studies on GLP-1s. It concluded that once-a-day oral semaglutide is as or more effective for weight loss than injectable versions of semaglutide, as well as in reducing A1C in people with diabetes. That review of other recent research pointed to oral tablets having a distinguishing feature, allowing for “similar or better efficacy and similar tolerability” compared with most injectable GLP-1s.

However, it should be noted that not all semaglutides are even FDA cleared for weight loss use. And with these being newer medications, more research is needed to accurately compare the oral versus injectable semaglutides side-by-side.