Oral Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Oral GLP-1 Medications: What You Need to Know Before Deciding

Ivím Health is preparing to offer oral semaglutide and other GLP-1 weight loss medications as they become available. Learn how the semaglutide pill compares to injectable semaglutide options and which may be right for you.*


Coming Soon: Oral GLP-1 Medications

Our Commitment:
Weight loss looks different for everyone. Ivím connects you with providers who listen first, then help you find a path that works, whether that's injectable GLP-1s now or oral options in the future.

Your Ivím membership gives you access to sustained guidance and therapies focused on improving your metabolic well-being. We assist with insurance navigation for brand-name medications, offer exclusive member pricing, and provide individualized compounded formulations through our GLP-1 ID program.

As oral semaglutide and other GLP-1 options become available, we will integrate them thoughtfully into our programs, always prioritizing what works best for your lifestyle and goals.

Understanding Your GLP-1 Options: Some telehealth providers may offer compounded oral semaglutide (drops, sublingual tablets), but these are not clinically equivalent to branded oral formulations, and they may lack the SNAC absorption enhancer required for effective absorption. Ivím offers compounded injectable GLP-1s only, and will prescribe branded oral options like the Wegovy pill once FDA-approved.

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*Oral semaglutide and GLP-1 medications referenced on this page are not yet available. Ivím Health will offer these oral weight loss medications once they become available. Currently, Ivím offers injectable GLP-1 medications (semaglutide and tirzepatide) through licensed compounding pharmacies. While federal law allows the prescription of compounded drugs, they are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Medications are only prescribed when clinically appropriate after evaluation by a licensed provider. Not all patients will qualify for treatment. For additional safety information, please see our Safety Page.

Image is for illustrative purposes only.

Oral semaglutide is a needle-free GLP-1 medication, a daily pill that mimics your body's natural GLP-1 hormone to help regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and reduce appetite. Oral semaglutide and other GLP-1 oral medications work similarly to injectable semaglutide, but in pill form, making them a convenient oral weight loss medication option. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications support metabolic health and weight management by boosting insulin after meals, increasing feelings of fullness, and signaling your brain to reduce hunger. These oral weight loss medications are designed to complement healthy lifestyle habits through your Ivím membership. The semaglutide pill offers the same active ingredient as injectable versions in a daily pill format, though there are differences in absorption and dosing to consider.

When comparing semaglutide oral vs injectable semaglutide, both forms support weight management with some differences. Your Ivím provider can review your health history and help determine the best option for your lifestyle and goals. Some differences between oral semaglutide and injectable GLP-1 options are:
  • Frequency of dosing: Oral semaglutide is taken once daily, while injectable semaglutide is taken once weekly.
  • Weight loss results: In clinical trials, oral semaglutide 25 mg achieved 13.6% total body weight loss at 64 weeks while injectable semaglutide 2.4 mg achieved 14.9% total body weight loss at 68 weeks. Your provider can help you weigh these results alongside other factors
  • Common side effects: The most common side effects for oral semaglutide are nausea and vomiting, while injectable semaglutide most commonly causes nausea and diarrhea.
  • Empty stomach dosing: Oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach with a 30-minute wait before eating, while injectable semaglutide does not have this requirement.
In a retrospective observational study of Ivim patients on injectable semaglutide , the average total body weight loss was 19.4% at 52 weeks which reflects the efficacy of both injectable medication and the individualized care model that Ivim provides.

When comparing oral semaglutide vs injection options, here are some differences to consider:
  • Weekly vs. daily dosing – one injection per week requires less daily effort than remembering oral semaglutide with timing restrictions
  • Higher bioavailability – injectable semaglutide has approximately 89% absorption compared to roughly less than 1% for oral semaglutide, which can impact consistency and efficacy
  • No empty-stomach requirement – more flexible timing throughout your day
  • Customizable dosing – our GLP-1 ID program enables provider-guided weekly dose adjustments based on your biology, symptoms, and progress
In real-world data from our IVIM program, patients using injectable semaglutide achieved 19.5% average weight loss at 52 weeks. Your Ivím provider can help you determine which option fits your lifestyle and goals.

Yes, oral semaglutide for weight loss has shown promising results. Clinical trials show oral semaglutide weight loss of 13.6% over 64 weeks. Injectable semaglutide has shown higher efficacy—14.9% at 68 weeks—and real-world data from our IVIM protocol shows 19.5% average weight loss at 52 weeks. Your Ivím provider can help determine which option best aligns with your lifestyle and goals.

Oral semaglutide is effective for weight loss, though results differ from injectables. The right choice depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Oral GLP-1s may suit you if you:
  • Have needle aversion or anxiety around injections
  • Travel frequently and prefer no refrigeration requirements
  • Are comfortable with daily dosing on an empty stomach with a 30-minute wait
Injectable GLP-1s may suit you if you:
  • Want to maximize weight loss based on current clinical data
  • Prefer once-weekly dosing over daily routines
  • Need flexible timing without empty-stomach requirements
  • Want customizable dosing through our GLP-1 ID program
Your Ivím provider can help you decide based on your health history and goals.

Clinical trial data shows oral semaglutide side effects are similar to injectable forms, primarily gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting). In clinical trials, 74% of participants taking oral GLP-1 medications experienced GI side effects vs. 42% on placebo, though most were mild to moderate.
  • Injectables: side effects may peak after dosing and ease off, allowing gradual adjustment during weekly routines.
  • Oral GLP-1: May produce milder but more consistent symptoms due to daily dosing.
Rare serious risks (such as pancreatitis) exist for both forms. For full safety information, visit our Safety Page. Your Ivím provider will monitor your progress and adjust as needed.

Oral semaglutide dosing typically requires specific timing for the medication to work effectively. Here's what the semaglutide oral dose for weight loss may involve:
  • Take your oral GLP-1 medication each morning on an empty stomach
  • Take with water
  • Waiting before eating, drinking, or taking other medications
  • Take at the same time each day for consistency
Your Ivím provider can provide an oral semaglutide weight loss dosage chart and walk you through proper timing and dosage adjustments during your initial appointment. Note: Oral semaglutide does not need to be refrigerated, unlike some injectable GLP-1 medications.

Yes. We will prescribe name-brand oral GLP-1 medications such as Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide (Wegovy® Pill) and Eli Lilly's orforglipron pill once it receives FDA approval for weight management.
FDA Status (December 2025): The FDA has approved the Wegovy® Pill , making it the first oral GLP-1 for weight management in the U.S. Orforglipron for weight loss, a next-generation oral GLP-1 from Eli Lilly, is also progressing through trials and may offer additional options in the future. Your Ivím provider will explain your options and help you choose the right solution based on your needs.

Injectable compounded semaglutide from compounding facilities can be an option when sourced from pharmacies meeting strict quality standards. We partner with licensed compounding pharmacies that maintain quality-control measures and testing programs for our injectable formulations. Important: Compounded oral formulations (drops, sublingual tablets) do not contain the SNAC absorption enhancer found in branded oral semaglutide.
SNAC is a fatty acid-based compound that protects the medication from stomach acid and helps it pass through the stomach lining into the bloodstream, without it, oral semaglutide cannot absorb effectively. Compounded oral GLP-1 products are not clinically equivalent to FDA-approved oral formulations. Ivím's compounded options are injectable formulations only.

Oral semaglutide cost and pricing will be determined once these medications become available. Ivím is actively working with manufacturers on access to oral semaglutide options, including the Wegovy® Pill and orforglipron. These medications may be eligible for insurance coverage, and Ivím will assist with insurance navigation. Currently, our compounded injectable GLP-1 programs offer affordable pricing options while we await oral semaglutide online availability. Your Ivím membership includes unlimited virtual check-ins through our telehealth platform, health coaching, and app-based tracking. Members also receive 20% off all Ivím supplements.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.

Compounded Medication Notice: Compounded medications, including compounded GLP-1 agonists, are not FDA reviewed for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing. Ivím partners exclusively with licensed compounding pharmacies that maintain strict quality-control measures and testing programs. Discuss these risks with your provider. Individual results may vary, and treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional based on your specific health needs.

Trademark Disclosure: Ozempic®, Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly and Company, respectively. Ivím is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, or any of their subsidiaries. The compounded medications available through Ivím Health are not made by Novo Nordisk, Eli Lilly, or any company affiliated with them.

Sources:

Wharton S, Lingvay I, Bogdanski P, et al. "Oral Semaglutide at a Dose of 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." New England Journal of Medicine. 2025;393(11):1077-1087. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2500969

Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

"Individualized virtual integrative medicine (IVIM): A clinical model for enhanced GLP-1 therapeutic outcomes." ScienceDirect. 2025. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667368125000324

"Semaglutide." StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK603723/

Overgaard RV, et al. "Clinical Pharmacokinetics of Oral Semaglutide: Analyses of Data from Clinical Pharmacology Trials." Clinical Pharmacokinetics. 2021;60(10):1335-1348. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8505367/

Aroda VR, Blonde L, Pratley RE. "A new era for oral peptides: SNAC and the development of oral semaglutide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes." Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2022;13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9515042/

Novo Nordisk A/S. "Wegovy® Pill Approved in the US as First Oral GLP-1 for Weight Management." Novo Nordisk, 22 Dec. 2025, www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=916472.

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