GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Surge as Oral Options Expand in 2026
The demand for GLP-1 weight loss medications has surged in recent years, driven by new drug approvals, celebrity endorsements, and expanded treatment options. A 2026 consumer analysis by Direct Meds, a LegitScript-certified telehealth platform, now examines how clinicians assess eligibility and safety for these prescriptions.
The report comes as oral formulations enter the market, offering alternatives to injections and broadening access for patients seeking weight management solutions.
Between 2020 and 2026, prescriptions for GLP-1 receptor agonists have risen sharply. This growth follows key developments, including Novo Nordisk’s US approval of an oral Wegovy pill (semaglutide) for weight loss. The oral version aims to attract self-paying patients and those preferring pills over injections.
Recent clinical trials have further fuelled interest. At the EASD 2025 conference, Phase-III results for orforglipron—another oral GLP-1 agonist—showed significant weight reduction in obese patients. Approval for this drug is expected in 2026. Meanwhile, ongoing trials like TRIUMPH for retatrutide, a triple agonist, and REDEFINE studies for CagriSema (semaglutide + cagrilintide) suggest even stronger weight loss effects.
Clinicians assess GLP-1 treatment suitability based on medical history, individual goals, and tolerability rather than a universal approach. Once prescribed, patients require regular follow-ups to monitor progress, adjust doses, and check for side effects. Common issues include nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort, while rarer risks involve pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and potential thyroid concerns.
GLP-1 medications now come in injectable, oral, and compounded forms, each with different costs and insurance coverage. Direct Meds connects patients with licensed providers who evaluate eligibility independently. The platform partners with compounding pharmacies to offer varied pricing options, ensuring broader access to these treatments.
The analysis highlights how clinicians determine GLP-1 treatment eligibility and manage ongoing care. With new oral formulations and upcoming drug approvals, patient access continues to expand. However, medical oversight remains critical to balance benefits with potential risks.
