Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide) for Weight Loss: 4 Things You Should Know

For decades, researchers have been looking for an effective weight-loss pill. But the recent success of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) weight-loss injections has sparked new hope — especially for those frustrated with existing oral options.

But for many, injections aren’t the most convenient or preferred choice. The possibility of achieving similar weight-loss results with a daily pill is appealing — and it may soon become a reality.

Semaglutide first entered the market as Ozempic, an injection for Type 2 diabetes. This was followed by Rybelsus, the first GLP-1 diabetes medication in pill form. Later, higher Ozempic doses were approved specifically for weight loss as Wegovy. Now, Rybelsus is following a similar path, with higher doses shown to help people lose weight.

Here’s what you should know about Rybelsus for weight loss — from study results to its potential approval timeline.

1. Rybelsus is approved for diabetes, but it’s being studied for weight loss

Both Rybelsus and Ozempic are FDA approved for Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight loss. Because Ozempic was found to cause significant weight loss, its higher doses were studied and later approved as Wegovy. Rybelsus is now undergoing similar research.

Currently, Rybelsus is available in 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg tablets for Type 2 diabetes. A second formulation comes in 1.5 mg, 4 mg, and 9 mg doses. However, higher oral semaglutide doses (25 mg and 50 mg) have been studied specifically for weight loss in adults without diabetes who have:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher

• A BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Picking needle-free options: In addition to weight-loss injections, several oral medications can also help you lose weight. Experts review which weight-loss pills actually work.

• Knowing the risks: Compounded products can help people access certain medications. But before giving compounded semaglutide a try, it’s a good idea to understand the potential risks.

• How they compare: Rybelsus and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, but they aren’t exactly the same. Here’s how Rybelsus and Wegovy compare.

Clinical trial results have shown that these higher doses can lead to significant weight loss, similar to Wegovy. Given these promising results, the manufacturer expects to apply for FDA approval for weight loss within the next few months. If everything goes as planned, oral semaglutide for weight loss could launch in 2026.

2. Higher Rybelsus doses for weight loss show results comparable to Wegovy

So, how does Rybelsus stack up against Wegovy? The two medications haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials for weight loss, but individual studies may give us some idea.

The OASIS 1 and OASIS 4 clinical trials tracked weight loss in adults taking oral semaglutide 50 mg and 25 mg, respectively. During OASIS 1, people taking the 50 mg dose lost about 15% of their starting body weight at 68 weeks (about 16 months). The OASIS 4 trial showed almost 14% weight loss at 64 weeks (about 15 months) with the 25 mg dose. 

This is comparable to the results from the largest Wegovy trial — about 15% average weight loss with the highest dose (2.4 mg) within a similar timeframe. But it’s important to note that a 7.2 mg Wegovy dose is being studied, with results showing nearly 21% weight loss.

3. Higher Rybelsus doses are also being studied for Type 2 diabetes, with greater blood glucose and weight-loss benefits

Higher Rybelsus doses have also been studied for Type 2 diabetes in the Pioneer Plus trial. If approved, Rybelsus could be available in higher doses than what’s currently available.

Similar to the weight-loss trials, the 25 mg and 50 mg doses in people with Type 2 diabetes resulted in greater weight loss compared to the 14 mg dose. The 50 mg dose resulted in a little over twice as much weight loss as the 14 mg dose.

Additionally, higher Rybelsus doses led to greater reductions in hemoglobin A1C (average blood glucose over 3 months). Given these findings, the manufacturer had planned to request FDA approval for the 25 mg and 50 mg doses for Type 2 diabetes in 2023. But it’s not clear if the application has been submitted yet.

4. Rybelsus isn’t the only oral GLP-1 medication being studied for weight loss, but it may be the furthest along

In addition to Rybelsus, other oral GLP-1 medications are being studied for weight loss. But, they aren’t as far along in research and development. Even so, the results also look promising. A few examples include:

• Orforglipron: A once-daily oral GLP-1 medication in phase 3 trials, with results expected in 2025. Earlier clinical trial results show average weight loss up to about 15% of starting body weight after 36 weeks (8 months) in people taking it. Orforglipron is also being studied for Type 2 diabetes and obstructive sleep apnea.

• Danuglipron: An oral GLP-1 medication in phase 2 trials for weight loss and Type 2 diabetes. Initial results from the weight-loss trial showed up to about 12% weight loss after 32 weeks (7 months) with a twice-daily dosage. However, the manufacturer plans to move forward with a once-daily modified-release formulation.

Currently, all FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, are peptides — larger molecules made of amino acids. This is why they end with “tide." Orforglipron and danuglipron are smaller, chemical-based drugs. This is why they end with “glipron” instead. Both types work in a similar way, but their molecular structures are different. Chemical-based drugs are also easier and cheaper to make, generally speaking.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts