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Foundayo
Medication features
- New obesity management treatment from Eli Lilly
- Non-peptide small molecule treatment to reduce appetite and support weight loss
- Taken as a once-daily tablet
- Not currently licensed in the UK
Overview
Foundayo Weight Loss Tablet
Foundayo is a once-daily weight loss tablet, taken with or without food. Timing does not matter. No injections. US-approved already, a UK launch is anticipated in late 2026.
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo (orforglipron) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Eli Lilly, the same company behind Mounjaro. Most GLP-1 weight loss medications are injections. Foundayo is the first weight loss tablet of its kind. You can take it at any time of day, with or without food.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Foundayo in April 2026, but it is not yet available in the UK. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is expected to review the application in late 2026 or 2027. We will update this page when UK access is confirmed.
Who is Foundayo for?
Foundayo is prescribed in the US to adults with obesity or who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. That means a BMI above 30, or above 27 with a condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovaries (PCOS), or sleep apnoea.
In the UK, NHS eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss treatments is set by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). It typically requires a higher BMI threshold. Until NICE reviews Foundayo, UK eligibility criteria are not confirmed. Private prescribers may apply different criteria to assess whether you are suitable for support with losing weight.
How does Foundayo work?
Foundayo mimics GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a gut hormone released after you eat. It dials down hunger and cravings, and slows how quickly your stomach empties. Food sits in the stomach longer, so you feel full sooner and for longer. And it helps steady your blood sugar levels when they rise after eating, by triggering the release of insulin.
Wegovy, Mounjaro and Saxenda already target this pathway. They support weight loss by helping you to eat less. The difference is that Foundayo is a daily pill, not an injection.
How Foundayo works on appetite varies between individuals. Most people report reduced appetite and fewer cravings. This tends to develop gradually rather than appearing straight away. You should combine Foundayo with a healthy, balanced diet and increased physical activity for the best results.
How does the Foundayo pill compare to the Wegovy pill?
Both Foundayo and Wegovy tablets are daily oral GLP-1 weight loss treatments. The main difference between Foundayo vs Wegovy pill is when and how you take them.
The Challenges of Peptide-Based Medications
Until Foundayo, all GLP-1 medicines have been peptides (small proteins). Peptides break down in the stomach. Oral Wegovy uses an absorption enhancer called SNAC to protect the drug from stomach acid. But it requires strict fasting rules to work. An empty stomach, no more than 120mL water and at least 30 minutes before food, drink or taking other medication. Some patients manage this without issue. Others do not.
Why does the Foundayo pill offer more flexibility?
Foundayo is the first non-peptide GLP-1 treatment to receive approval for weight loss. It works differently. No absorption enhancer needed and no fasting rules. Foundayo is a small molecule that the gut can absorb directly.
Even with SNAC and strict fasting rules, the body only absorbs around 1% of each oral Wegovy dose. The rest is lost. Foundayo's smaller structure means the body absorbs around 79% of each dose, which is why it works without fasting or a chemical enhancer.
How effective is Foundayo for weight loss?
In the ATTAIN-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight took Foundayo for 72 weeks. More than 3,100 adults, without diabetes, took part across nine countries.
Foundayo weight loss results varied by dose:
| Dose | Average body weight loss | Approximate weight lost |
| Foundayo 36mg | 11.1% | 11.4 kg (25 lbs) |
| Foundayo 9mg | 8.3% | 8.5 kg (19 lbs) |
| Foundayo 5.5mg | 7.4% | 7.6 kg (17 lbs) |
| Placebo | 2.1% | 2.2 kg (5 lbs) |
These figures include everyone who started the trial, whether they completed it or not. Average weight loss rose to 12.4% in people who stayed on the highest dose for the full 72 weeks. Almost half lost at least 10% of their starting body weight on the highest dose. The trial also saw reductions in waist size, cholesterol, blood fats, and blood pressure.
The separate ACHIEVE-4 clinical trial confirmed these improvements. It studied Foundayo in adults with type 2 diabetes, at higher risk of heart disease. It also found reductions in inflammation levels. Results will differ from person to person.
Foundayo compare Oral Wegovy weight loss results
Foundayo 36mg led to an average weight loss of 11.1% over 72 weeks in the ATTAIN-1 trial. In the OASIS 4 trial of oral Wegovy, average weight loss over 64 weeks was around 14%. Both oral treatments produce meaningful weight loss. The difference is convenience: Foundayo does not require fasting or timed dosing.
Although 36mg was the highest dose in the clinical trials, Lilly has confirmed that a 17.2mg dose is bioequivalent to the 36mg dose. This means that results for 17.2mg and 36mg should be very similar.
Foundayo dosage schedule
Foundayo dosage starts at 0.8mg. We increase the dose based on how you respond and how well you tolerate each step. A minimum of 30 days is spent on each strength:
0.8mg → 2.5mg → 5.5mg → 9mg → 14.5mg → 17.2mg (maximum)
Foundayo tablets come in all six strengths. Not everyone reaches the maximum of 17.2mg. The goal is to find the lowest effective dose for you. Some patients get results at 5.5mg or 9mg and stay there. Others stop because side effects outweigh the benefits at higher strengths.
How do I take Foundayo?
Take one tablet once daily. Swallow it whole. Do not break, crush or chew.
You can take it at any time of day, with or without food or water. You do not need to fast before or after dosing. We advise taking FOundayo at the same time each day.
If you miss a dose, take it the same day when remembered. Do not take two tablets in one day. If you've missed seven or more days in a row, seek clinical advice before restarting.
Foundayo Side Effects
Foundayo side effects are similar to what we see with other GLP-1 medications. They mainly affect the gut, a direct result of how these treatments work.
Increasing the dose gradually helps reduce the impact of these side effects. In the ATTAIN-1 trial, 3.5 to 7% of people on higher doses still stopped treatment because of stomach-related side effects. On placebo, that figure was around 0.4%.
If you notice anything unexpected, report side effects to our clinical team or through the Yellow Card scheme.
Common side effects
Nausea is the most common. It tends to be at its worst during the first 4 to 8 weeks of treatment and after each dose increase.
Other common Foundayo side effects include:
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Bloating (gas)
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Tiredness
Some people also experience:
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Belching
- Hair loss
These are usually mild to moderate. Most ease as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects are uncommon but require urgent attention. Stop taking the medicine immediately, and seek urgent medical attention if you experience any of the following:
| Side effect | Symptoms |
| Pancreatitis | Severe stomach pain that does not go away. It may spread to the back |
| Severe stomach problems | Ongoing pain, vomiting, unable to keep fluids down |
| Dehydration/kidney problems | Diarrhoea or vomiting lasting more than a day or two, dark urine |
| Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) | Dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat. Higher risk with insulin or sulfonylureas |
| Serious allergic reaction | Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Difficulty breathing, severe rash, fainting |
| Gallbladder problems | Upper stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, fever, and clay-coloured stools |
| Vision changes | Changes in eyesight, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes |
Who should not take Foundayo?
Do not take Foundayo if you or a close family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
The Foundayo prescribing information includes a boxed warning about thyroid tumours, including cancer. Animal studies have shown this with other GLP-1 medications. Whether the same risk applies to people is not yet known.
Seek medical advice if you are taking Foundayo and notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Treatment is also not suitable if you have severe liver impairment or a known serious allergy to orforglipron.
Tell us before starting if you have a history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, delayed stomach emptying, diabetes-related eye disease, or scheduled surgery.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Foundayo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Use reliable contraception during treatment. See the drug interactions section for important information about oral contraceptive pills. Foundayo is not recommended for use during breastfeeding.
Does Foundayo interact with other medicines?
Tell us about all the medicines you take. Some combinations need dose changes or are best avoided.
Certain medicines slow down how your liver breaks down Foundayo. Examples include ketoconazole and clarithromycin. Slowing Foundayo breakdown means increased drug levels in your blood. And increased side effects. If you take one of these, Foundayo prescribing guidancesuggests limiting your dose to 9mg daily. Please speak to our clinical team so we can advise you on the most suitable dose for you. Ensure you advise us of all medications you are currently taking.
Some medicines speed up how your liver processes Foundayo (for example, carbamazepine or rifampicin). This can lower drug levels and make it less effective. We do not generally recommend using these medicines together.
In some cases, Foundayo can affect how well you process other medications:
- Insulin and sulfonylureas (a type of diabetes tablet): combining these with Foundayo may increase hypoglycaemia risk. Your GP or diabetic clinic may need to adjust the dose.
- Simvastatin: Foundayo can increase how much of it reaches your bloodstream. Prescribing guidance recommends keeping simvastatin at 20mg daily or below while on treatment. Let your GP know if you are taking simvastatin and plan to start using Foundayo.
- Oral contraceptive pills: the pill may not work as well while you are on treatment. Use a barrier method or non-oral contraceptive for 30 days after starting and 30 days after each dose increase.
Foundayo slows stomach emptying, which may affect how quickly your body absorbs other oral medicines. We should be aware of all other medicines you take to check for potential interactions with Foundayo.
If you are having surgery or a procedure under general anaesthetic, tell your medical team you take Foundayo. GLP-1 medicines slow stomach emptying. This raises the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs while under sedation.
How should I store Foundayo?
Store Foundayo at room temperature (20–25°C). The tablets are light-sensitive, so it is important to keep them in the original bottle and carton. Place the cap on after use. Keep them away from direct light and out of the reach of children.
How much will Foundayo cost in the UK?
Once the MHRA approves Foundayo, price in the UK will depend on a few things. Eli Lilly will set the list price. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) will decide whether to recommend it for NHS funding. Private prescription services will set their own prices separately.
Sign up for updates to learn when Foundayo becomes available in the UK, including pricing and eligibility guidance.
Key takeaways
- Foundayo is FDA-approved and anticipated in the UK in late 2026 or 2027. The medicine cannot yet be prescribed or bought in the UK.
- One tablet, once a day. No injections and no fasting. In clinical trials, the highest dose led to an average weight loss of 11.1% over 72 weeks.
- Side effects are mainly stomach-related and tend to ease over time. Not everyone tolerates higher doses, and weight loss varies between individuals.
How do I get Foundayo in the UK?
The Foundayo orforglipron tablet is not yet available in the UK. If approved, Foundayo will be a once-daily tablet alternative to injectable GLP-1 treatments.
Join our waitlist, and we will notify you when Foundayo becomes available.
Written by Qualified Experts
All of our medication and condition content is written by UK qualified pharmacists and doctors.
Medically reviewed: 04/05/2026
References
Foundayo (Orforglipron) Prescribing Information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026
FDA Approves First New Molecular Entity Under National Priority Voucher Program, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2026
FDA Approves Foundayo (Orforglipron), Eli Lilly and Company, 2026
Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment, New England Journal of Medicine, 2025
ACHIEVE-4, the Longest Phase 3 Study of Lilly's Foundayo (Orforglipron) to Date, Eli Lilly and Company, 2026
Orforglipron: A Comprehensive Review of an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026
The Pharmacological Basis for Nonpeptide Agonism of the GLP-1 Receptor by Orforglipron, Science Translational Medicine, 2024
Effect of Food Consumption on the Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Tolerability of Orforglipron, Diabetes Therapy, 2024
Disposition and Absolute Bioavailability of Orally Administered Orforglipron in Healthy Participants, Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development, 2025
Transcellular Stomach Absorption of a Derivatized Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, Science Translational Medicine, 2018
Oral Semaglutide 25 mg in Adults with Overweight or Obesity, New England Journal of Medicine, 2025
Wegovy (Semaglutide) Prescribing Information, Novo Nordisk, 2026
Yellow Card Scheme, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
FAQ
General Information
What are weight loss injections like Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic?
GLP-1 treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) or Mounjaro (tirzepatide) mimic hormones that help control appetite and blood sugar by signalling fullness. Initially used for diabetes, they are now approved for weight loss at higher doses.
Who can use weight loss injections?
Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescribed for obesity. They are typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with related health issues), with UK guidelines usually suggesting them if your BMI is above 35 or 30+ with additional conditions.
Can I use Wegovy or Mounjaro without diabetes?
Yes. Wegovy and Mounjaro are approved for weight loss in people without diabetes who meet the required BMI criteria, while Ozempic primarily targets diabetes but can also aid weight loss.
Is a GLP-1 injection like insulin?
No. Weight loss injections are not insulin. They help your body release its own insulin and reduce appetite, working through a different mechanism than insulin, which directly lowers blood sugar.
Is there a pill form of GLP-1 treatments?
Only Rybelsus, an oral semaglutide, is available – but solely for diabetes. Weight loss injections such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are available by injection only.
Effectiveness & Results
How effective are GLP-1 injections for weight loss?
Very effective. Mounjaro can achieve around 20% weight loss, Wegovy about 15%, and Ozempic typically 5–10%. Results are optimised when combined with diet and exercise.
How quickly do weight loss injections work?
Weight loss is gradual. Initial appetite changes may occur within weeks, but significant weight loss typically appears between 3–6 months and continues over time.
Why am I not losing weight with my Weight Loss Pen?
Initial weight loss can be slow, especially at lower doses. Higher doses of Mounjaro and Wegovy tend to offer better results. Also, check your diet and lifestyle, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
What if my GLP-1 injection isn’t effective enough?
Your doctor might adjust the dose, switch medications, or suggest additional lifestyle modifications. Patience is essential as slow, consistent weight loss is typical.
Do weight loss pens have benefits besides weight loss?
Yes. GLP-1 injections improve blood sugar control, reduce the risk of diabetes, and can positively affect blood pressure, cholesterol, and other metabolic factors.
Will I regain weight after stopping injections?
Typically, yes – appetite and metabolism tend to revert once treatment stops. Ongoing use or strict lifestyle changes are necessary to maintain weight loss.
Which is the most effective weight loss injection for weight loss?
Mounjaro typically offers the highest weight loss (20%+), followed by Wegovy (around 15%), with Ozempic at diabetes doses providing moderate weight loss.
Administration & Usage
How are GLP-1 medications administered?
They are administered as subcutaneous injections into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm using easy-to-use pens.
Do weight loss injections hurt?
Typically, no. The needles are very fine and any discomfort is usually limited to a brief pinch or mild sting.
Where should I inject weight loss injections?
Inject into fatty tissue under the skin of your abdomen, thighs, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites weekly to minimise irritation.
What if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose within 4–5 days. If more time has elapsed, skip the dose and resume your regular schedule. Never double the dose.
What if I take an overdose?
Contact your doctor immediately. Side effects such as increased nausea may occur temporarily, but serious complications are rare.
Alcohol and GLP-1 treatments?
Moderate alcohol consumption is generally acceptable; however, it can increase nausea and may affect blood sugar control, particularly for diabetics.
Special diet or exercise needed with weight loss injections?
There is no specific diet, but a healthy, balanced eating plan and regular exercise can enhance the results of your treatment.
How do I store weight loss pens?
Refrigerate the pens before use. Once in use, Ozempic can be stored for up to 56 days, Wegovy for 28 days, and Mounjaro for 21 days at room temperature.
Can I travel with injections?
Yes, you can travel with your injections. Keep them cool in your hand luggage using an insulated bag and cool packs, and adhere to the recommended storage timelines.
Can I switch Weight Loss Pen?
Switching should be done under your doctor’s supervision. Typically, you would stop one medication and start the other at its lowest dose.
Safety & Side Effects
Are GLP-1 treatments safe?
Generally, yes. Although mild stomach issues are common, serious risks such as pancreatitis or thyroid cancer are very rare.
What are common side effects of GLP-1 treatments?
Common side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, diarrhoea, and constipation. These are usually temporary and tend to improve over time.
Do GLP-1 weight loss injections cause low blood sugar?
Low blood sugar is rare when used alone, but the risk increases if combined with insulin or sulfonylureas.
How do I manage nausea when taking weight loss injections?
To manage nausea, eat small, bland meals, stay well hydrated, try ginger or peppermint, and consult your doctor about adjusting your dose if necessary.
Will nausea fade over time?
Yes, nausea typically diminishes within a few weeks to months as your body adjusts to the treatment.
Can I use GLP-1 treatments with other diabetes medications?
Yes, GLP-1 treatments are commonly used alongside other diabetes medications; however, doses of insulin or sulfonylureas may need to be adjusted to avoid hypoglycaemia.
Product Comparison & Availability
What are the differences between injections?
Mounjaro: dual-hormone action with greater weight loss (20%+).
Wegovy: single-hormone, high-dose treatment for obesity (around 15% average weight loss).
Ozempic: primarily for diabetes at lower doses, offering moderate weight loss.
Wegovy: single-hormone, high-dose treatment for obesity (around 15% average weight loss).
Ozempic: primarily for diabetes at lower doses, offering moderate weight loss.
Are they available on the NHS?
Wegovy is available for obesity under NHS specialist criteria.
Ozempic is prescribed for diabetes only.
Mounjaro has been approved recently for both obesity and diabetes, with access initially limited to specialist clinics.
Ozempic is prescribed for diabetes only.
Mounjaro has been approved recently for both obesity and diabetes, with access initially limited to specialist clinics.
What do they cost privately?
Privately, Mounjaro costs around £139–£229 per month, with Wegovy and Ozempic priced similarly or slightly less. NHS availability remains restricted.
Can I buy online without a prescription?
No. Always purchase from reputable, registered online pharmacies that are registered with the GPHC, like Simple Online Pharmacy.
What alternatives can I consider and how do they compare?
Alternatives include lifestyle changes, older medications with limited effect, and bariatric surgery—which is highly effective but invasive. GLP-1 injections offer significant weight loss (15–20%) without the risks of surgery.
Compare
Treatment Comparison
| Saxenda | Xenical | Orlistat | Mysimba | |
| Ingredient | Liraglutide | Orlistat 120mg | Orlistat 120mg | Naltrexone/Bupropion |
| Mechanism | Regulates appetite | Reduces fat absorption | Reduces fat absorption | Regulates appetite |
| Dose | Injected once daily | One three times daily with meals | One three times daily with meals | Gradually increased to 4 tablets daily |
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