If you set a weight loss goal for the new year, you're in good company—and you're also stepping into a landscape that looks very different than it did even a year ago.
In late December 2025, the FDA approved the first-ever oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss: a daily pill version of semaglutide (the same active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic). This marks a significant shift in how people can approach medical weight management—no injection required.
But with so many options available—pills, injections, fasting protocols, traditional dieting, and exercise programs—how do you know which path is right for you?
In this guide, we'll break down what the new oral GLP-1 medication offers, how it compares to injectable options, and where traditional approaches like dieting and exercise fit into the picture. Our goal isn't to tell you which option is "best"—because the best approach is always the one that works for your body, your lifestyle, and your long-term health.
Understanding GLP-1 Medications: A Quick Overview
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) medications work by mimicking a hormone your body naturally produces. This hormone helps regulate appetite, slow digestion, and signal fullness to your brain. For people who struggle with weight management, these medications can provide meaningful support by addressing the biological factors that make sustained weight loss so challenging.
Until now, GLP-1 medications for weight loss have been available only as weekly injections—brands like Wegovy and Zepbound have become household names. The new oral option offers an alternative for those who prefer a daily pill over a weekly injection.
The New GLP-1 Pill vs. Injectable Options: What's the Difference?
Both the oral and injectable versions of semaglutide work through the same mechanism—they're the same medication, just delivered differently. Clinical trials have shown comparable weight loss results between the two formats. So what are the real differences?
Injectable GLP-1 Medications (Wegovy, Zepbound)
- Frequency: Once weekly
- Administration: Self-injection with a pre-filled pen (similar to insulin delivery)
- Timing flexibility: Can be taken any time of day, with or without food
- Considerations: Requires refrigeration; may not be ideal for those uncomfortable with needles
- Availability: Widely available through medical providers like Skën Med Spa
Oral GLP-1 Medication (Wegovy Pill)
- Frequency: Once daily
- Administration: Swallowed with a small amount of water (no more than 4 oz)
- Timing requirements: Must be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, with a 30-minute wait before eating or drinking anything else
- Considerations: Daily commitment required; strict timing protocol
- Availability: Newly available as of January 2026
→ Considering medical weight management? At Skën Med Spa, we offer personalized GLP-1 injection protocols at our Arlington, VA and Lakewood, CO locations. Schedule a consultation to discuss which approach aligns with your goals.
How GLP-1 Medications Compare to Traditional Weight Loss Methods
Medical weight management isn't a replacement for healthy habits—it's often most effective when combined with them. Here's how GLP-1 medications stack up against traditional approaches:
GLP-1 Medications vs. Traditional Dieting
Traditional calorie-restricted dieting works for some people, but research consistently shows that 50-80% of dieters regain most of the weight they lose within a year. Why? Because our bodies are biologically programmed to resist weight loss—metabolism slows, hunger hormones increase, and willpower alone often isn't enough to overcome these physiological responses.
GLP-1 medications address these biological barriers directly. Many patients report that the constant preoccupation with food diminishes, making it easier to make healthier choices without feeling deprived. The medication doesn't do the work for you—but it can make the work feel more sustainable.
GLP-1 Medications vs. Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting (IF) has gained popularity as a flexible approach to weight management. By restricting eating to specific windows, IF can help reduce overall calorie intake and may offer metabolic benefits.
However, IF requires consistent adherence and can be challenging for people with demanding schedules, social commitments, or certain health conditions. Some people find that GLP-1 medications naturally reduce their eating window because they simply feel less hungry—effectively achieving a similar outcome without rigid timing rules.
GLP-1 Medications vs. Exercise Alone
Exercise is essential for overall health—cardiovascular function, muscle strength, mental wellbeing, and longevity. However, exercise alone rarely produces significant weight loss. The body is remarkably efficient at compensating for calories burned through activity.
This doesn't mean exercise isn't valuable—it absolutely is. But if your primary goal is weight loss, combining physical activity with nutritional changes (and potentially medical support) tends to produce better outcomes than exercise alone.
Comparison at a Glance
TABLE GOES HERE
*Weight loss percentages are approximate averages based on clinical studies and may vary significantly by individual.
Which Approach Is Right for You?
The "best" weight loss approach depends entirely on your individual circumstances—your health history, lifestyle, goals, and what you can realistically maintain long-term.
You might consider GLP-1 medications if:
- You've tried traditional dieting and exercise with limited long-term success
- You experience persistent hunger or food preoccupation that makes weight management difficult
- You have a BMI of 30+ (or 27+ with weight-related health conditions)
- You're looking for medical support alongside lifestyle changes
Traditional approaches may work well if:
- You have a smaller amount of weight to lose
- You respond well to structured eating patterns
- You prefer to avoid medications when possible
- You have strong support systems for accountability
The Bottom Line
The approval of the oral GLP-1 medication represents another tool in the weight management toolkit—not a magic solution, but a meaningful option for those who might benefit from medical support. Whether you choose injections, pills, or prefer to focus on lifestyle changes alone, the most important step is having an honest conversation with a qualified provider about what's realistic and sustainable for you.
At Skën Med Spa, we believe in a health-first approach to weight management. We don't believe in quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. We believe in understanding your unique situation and creating a plan that supports your long-term wellbeing—not just a number on the scale.
Ready to explore your options? Schedule a free weight loss consultation at our Arlington, VA or Lakewood, CO location. We'll discuss your goals, review your health history, and help you determine whether medical weight management is right for you. Book your consultation today.
