01/09/2026
Pill vs Pen: Can Oral GLP-1s Transform the Future of Weight Loss?
https://youtube.com/shorts/ENvyUqN3eUQ
Hello everyone. I’m Dr. Sam Speron, a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Chicago area.
If you’ve been following the conversation around weight management, you’ve probably heard about GLP-1 medications — the injectable treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound that have changed the way we approach obesity.
But now, a new question is emerging: could the next big thing be a pill instead of a shot?
Oral GLP-1s are creating a lot of buzz because they offer a simpler, needle-free option. For some patients, a daily pill feels easier, more discreet, and more approachable. These medications can still help control appetite, improve metabolism, and even support long-term weight maintenance. Plus, oral versions like orforglipron don’t require refrigeration, which adds convenience for people with busy lifestyles.
However, injectables still have their advantages. Many patients prefer the convenience of a once-weekly shot instead of remembering a pill every day.
Injectables have also shown stronger results in clinical studies, with greater average weight loss and additional benefits for heart and metabolic health. For many, the consistency and proven results of injectables make them the top choice.
That said, cost and access continue to be major barriers. Not everyone can afford these medications, and insurance coverage is still limited.
If oral GLP-1s are priced more affordably, they could make treatment more accessible to millions of people who currently can’t use the injectables. In that sense, having both options — oral and injectable — gives patients more flexibility and control over their treatment journey.
The reality is, it doesn’t have to be a competition between pills and pens. Different patients have different needs, goals, and preferences.The real transformation will come from expanding safe, effective options so that more people can find the right fit for their health and lifestyle.
Dr. Sam Speron
