The United Kingdom has become the first European nation to authorize a daily weight-loss medication produced by Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company responsible for the Mounjaro injection. Named Foundayo, the drug is designed to address both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Although the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has granted approval, private prescriptions will be the initial route for access, as the drug is not yet automatically available through the NHS.
Functioning as a GLP-1 medication, Foundayo works by suppressing appetite. Unlike the pill version of Wegovy, which requires an empty stomach, Foundayo can be consumed at any time of day, a feature experts like Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow find particularly convenient. Dr. Simon Cork of Anglia Ruskin University noted that while the drug may produce less intense weight loss compared to other treatments, it still delivers clinically significant results and is expected to be more cost-effective.
Researchers suggest the pill, known as orforglipron, could assist patients in maintaining weight loss after stopping injections, as trials indicated it prevents the regain of weight often associated with ending GLP-1 therapy. As with all medications, users may experience side effects such as vomiting, constipation, nausea, or diarrhea. Health professionals continue to stress that these drugs should be paired with physical activity and a balanced diet.
