If you’ve been online at all in the past couple of years, chances are you’ve come across the word ‘Ozempic’ more times than you can count.
The so-called Hollywood shortcut has turned into a mainstream talking point worldwide — but one issue keeps putting people off: injections.
Now there may be an alternative for anyone who can’t get on board with needles. Eli Lilly has unveiled Foundayo, a once-daily tablet that many are already describing as a serious ‘Ozempic rival’.
No weekly jab routine, less hassle, and — crucially for some — it may not require structuring your mornings around fasting rules.
So what is it, and how is it different from the injection-based options already out there?
Orforglipron, marketed as Foundayo, is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. It sits in the same broader medication family as semaglutide and tirzepatide, but instead of being delivered via injection, it’s taken as a pill.
Like other GLP-1 medicines, it imitates a hormone your body naturally releases that influences appetite and blood sugar. Put simply, it can help you feel satisfied sooner, stay full longer, and reduce overall food intake.
That’s why GLP-1 treatments have traditionally been prescribed for diabetes, with weight loss often showing up as a secondary effect — leading to widespread off-label use.
What makes Foundayo stand out most is convenience: it aims to provide similar appetite and blood sugar benefits without a weekly needle, which could be a major draw for people who dislike injections.
So how does it actually work?
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, outlined the mechanism and what the drug targets in the body.
He said: “Orforglipron works by activating the body’s GLP-1 receptors, which play an important role in regulating appetite, digestion and blood sugar levels. “Essentially, the medication mimics a natural hormone released after eating, helping people feel fuller for longer, reduce hunger levels and manage food cravings more effectively.
“It can also slow stomach emptying and help stabilise blood sugar levels, both of which may support long-term weight management by encouraging a more consistent calorie deficit over time.
Can people move from GLP-1 injections to Orforglipron?
For anyone tempted to swap a weekly injection schedule for a tablet, Dr Grant said a switch may be possible — but only with proper medical guidance and planning.
He explained: “Even though both medicines affect appetite similarly, they work slightly differently and are taken in different formats,”
“Your dose, timing and how your body responds all need to be considered carefully. Switching too quickly or without guidance could increase your risk of side effects or reduce the treatment’s effectiveness.
“A prescriber would guide the transition, making sure the change is safe, well-timed and tailored to you. As more tablet options become available, switching between treatments may become more common, but it should always be done with professional support.”