The Wegovy Pill Is Here

On December 22, 2025, the FDA approved the first oral semaglutide pill for weight loss. This is the same active ingredient found in Wegovy and Ozempic injections, but now available in pill form. Clinical studies show it's about as effective as the injections for weight loss.

For those who dread weekly injections, this is a game-changer. The pill is taken daily rather than weekly, and many patients find it more convenient despite the increased frequency.

What About an Eli Lilly Pill?

Eli Lilly is also developing an oral version of tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro). It could receive FDA approval later this year, giving patients even more options for oral GLP-1 treatment.

New Pricing Structure

Drug manufacturers have announced new pricing tiers that make GLP-1 medications more accessible than ever before. Here's the breakdown:

2026 GLP-1 Pricing

Wegovy Pill (self-pay)

Starting dose: $150/month • Higher doses: up to $300/month

Eli Lilly Pill (expected)

Starting dose: $150/month • Higher doses: up to $400/month

TrumpRx.gov Average

Injections: ~$350/month now, expected to drop to ~$250/month within 2 years

Retail Options

Costco: $499/month for Wegovy/Ozempic • Walmart: Similar pricing for Zepbound

Medicare & Medicaid Coverage Expansion

This is perhaps the biggest news of 2026. Medicare and Medicaid programs are now covering GLP-1 medications for weight loss—a major policy shift that affects millions of Americans.

Medicare Coverage Highlights

Starting doses of Wegovy and Zepbound: $350/month to the program
Ozempic and Mounjaro for diabetes: $245/month to the program
Patient cost: Just $50/month for qualifying beneficiaries
Prices expected to decrease over the next two years

Note that some state Medicaid programs have become more restrictive. Effective January 1, 2026, certain states have tightened criteria for weight loss drug coverage. Check with your specific plan for details.

Retatrutide: The Next Generation

While Wegovy and Zepbound have dominated headlines, a new drug called retatrutide is generating significant excitement in clinical trials. Developed by Eli Lilly, it could be the most effective weight loss medication yet.

What Makes Retatrutide Different?

Unlike current GLP-1 medications that target one or two hormones, retatrutide is a "triple agonist" that targets three:

GLP-1 - Reduces appetite (like Wegovy/Ozempic)
GIP - Enhances insulin response (like Zepbound/Mounjaro)
Glucagon - May boost metabolism and fat burning

Clinical Trial Results

In December 2025, Eli Lilly announced Phase 3 trial results: patients taking the highest dose of retatrutide lost an average of 29% of their body weight after about 16 months. That's more than any GLP-1 drug currently on the market.

Seven additional trials are expected to complete in 2026, and Eli Lilly could file for FDA approval as early as this year.

Track Your Progress Through the Changes

Whether you're on an injection, switching to a pill, or waiting for retatrutide, GLP Compass helps you track your medication, weight loss, and side effects through every transition.

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Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: What the Research Shows

The SURMOUNT-5 trial, completed in 2025, directly compared tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) against semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) for the first time. The results were clear:

72-Week Results

Tirzepatide

-20.2%

Average body weight lost

Semaglutide

-13.7%

Average body weight lost

Participants on tirzepatide also lost more waist circumference (-18.4 cm vs -13.0 cm).

However, individual responses vary significantly. Some patients do better on semaglutide, and it has a longer track record with more real-world data. Work with your doctor to determine which medication is right for you.

What This Means for You

2026 brings more options, better prices, and expanded access to GLP-1 medications. Here's what to consider:

Check your insurance: Coverage is expanding, but rules vary by plan and state
Ask about pills: If injections aren't for you, the Wegovy pill is now available
Consider Medicare: If you're eligible, the new $50/month copay is a significant savings
Watch for retatrutide: If current medications aren't giving you the results you want, a more powerful option may be coming
Track everything: With so many changes, keeping detailed records of your medications, doses, and results is more important than ever

The GLP-1 landscape is evolving rapidly. Stay informed, work closely with your healthcare provider, and track your progress to make the most of these exciting developments.

GLP-1 Medications in 2026: New Pills, Lower Prices & Medicare Coverage