Novo Nordisk(US:NVO) Di Yi Cai Jing·2025-12-24 09:13Core Viewpoint - Novo Nordisk's oral semaglutide for weight loss has received FDA approval, marking it as the first GLP-1 oral weight loss medication globally, although it is not yet approved in China [1][2]. Group 1: Product Details - The oral semaglutide for weight loss requires higher doses due to low bioavailability, with the approved dosage being 25mg, which is significantly higher than the previously available doses for diabetes treatment [1][3]. - The initial treatment dose is 1.5mg, increasing to 4mg after one month, then to 9mg in the third month, and finally maintaining at 25mg [3]. - Clinical data indicates that the 25mg oral semaglutide can lead to an average weight loss of 16.6% over 64 weeks, with over 34.4% of patients achieving a weight loss of 20% or more [3]. Group 2: Market and Usage Insights - Many users of oral semaglutide for weight loss are from the medical field, with most products sourced from Hong Kong and Japan, often through unofficial channels [2]. - Some users report dissatisfaction with the weight loss effects of oral semaglutide, leading them to switch to injectable forms for better results [2]. - Experts emphasize that prior to FDA approval, all oral semaglutide was intended for diabetes treatment, and using it for weight loss without diabetes may yield poor results [2]. Group 3: Safety and Administration - Experts warn against taking multiple pills at once to increase dosage, as this could lead to serious side effects without enhancing efficacy [4][5]. - The oral semaglutide must be taken on an empty stomach with strict dietary restrictions, which may limit its convenience compared to competitors like Orforglipron, which has higher bioavailability and fewer restrictions [5][6]. - Novo Nordisk is also advancing research on next-generation oral weight loss therapies, such as amycretin, which combines GLP-1 and insulin receptor agonism [6].