A retrospective study found that adults who switched from injectable GLP-1 medications to oral semaglutide lost an average of 4.1% of their body weight over three months.
Key facts
- •Participants lost an average of 8.8 pounds, or 4.1% of their body weight, over three months.
- •The study included 194 adults with an average baseline weight of 221.6 pounds.
- •Approximately 82.4% of participants reported at least one treatment improvement, such as better-fitting clothes or healthier eating habits.
- •Oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach in the morning, followed by a 30-minute wait before eating.
- •Both oral and injectable formulations can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
A new study presented at the 2026 European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting suggests that individuals with overweight or obesity may continue to lose weight after switching from injectable GLP-1 medications to the oral semaglutide pill. The retrospective analysis tracked 194 adults over a three-month period, observing an average weight loss of 4.1% among participants.
By the numbers
Study Findings and Methodology
The study, known as OCTANE, evaluated 194 adults with overweight or obesity and at least one related complication, such as hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Participants transitioned from injectable semaglutide or tirzepatide to oral semaglutide between January 5 and February 7, 2026. After three months of regular use, 40.7% of participants had lost at least 5% of their body weight, and the proportion of participants classified as having obesity decreased from 87.1% to 65.5%.
Expert Perspectives on Oral Treatment
Medical experts noted that while the findings are encouraging, the study does not prove that the switch itself caused the weight loss, and the results have not yet been peer-reviewed. Dr. Mir Ali of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center noted that while injectable forms are generally more efficacious, the oral version remains effective. Experts emphasized that both forms carry risks of gastrointestinal side effects and that patients should consult with clinicians to determine the best treatment plan based on individual needs and lifestyle.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
