Weight Loss Medication: Pills, Shots, and What to Know 

By Dr. Ellie Chuang, Southern NH Weight Management 

Weight loss medication is changing fast. From weekly weight loss injections to new daily weight loss pills, there are more options than ever. But with so many ads and online programs, it can be hard to know what is safe, what works, and where to start. Southern NH Weight Management, part of nonprofit Southern New Hampshire Health, helps patients understand their options and build a full plan for better health. 

Weight loss medication can be a helpful tool. It can help lower hunger, help you feel full sooner, and help with cravings. It may also help with binge eating. 

But weight loss medication is not magic. It works best as part of a full weight management plan. This plan must also include healthy eating, physical activity, mental health support, and good sleep. 

Using medicine without healthy habits will not work as well. It may also lead to problems, such as muscle loss. 

How weight loss medication can help 

Weight loss medication can make it easier to build healthy habits. 

It may help if you have: 

• High hunger levels 
• Strong cravings 
• A hard time eating smaller portions 
• A habit of eating more in the evening 
• Low motivation 

The goal is to help you reach a healthier status. It may also help improve health problems you already have or help prevent future ones. 

At Southern NH Weight Management, weight loss medication is looked at as one part of a full care plan, not the whole plan. 

Weight loss medication can have side effects 

Like any medicine, weight loss medication can have side effects. These should be talked about with your medical provider. Not every medication is right for every person. 

For example, Zepbound may not be a good choice for someone who often has nausea, because nausea can be a common side effect. 

Phentermine, which is a pill, may not be a good choice for someone with uncontrolled anxiety, because it may make anxiety worse. 

This is why it is important to have a full medical review before beginning medication. A provider can help decide if weight loss medication is right for you and which option may fit your needs. 

Weight loss shots 

Some weight loss medicines are injections. These include GLP-1 medicines. 

Right now, Zepbound has shown the highest weight loss in clinical trials. In studies, people lost about 20% of their total body weight on average. 

Wegovy shots showed about 15% total body weight loss in studies. 

But real-life results can be different from studies. One person may lose no weight. Another may lose the amount seen in the study. Another may lose more. 

Weight loss pills 

In addition to injections, there are also new weight loss pill options. 

A Wegovy pill came out in January 2026. It is the same drug as the Wegovy injection, but it is taken as a daily pill instead of a weekly shot. 

There is also a newer pill called orforglipron. It is not FDA-approved yet, but it is expected to be later this year. It is also taken once a day and can be taken with or without food. 

Weight loss pills vs. shots: Which is better? 

The best choice depends on the person. Some people do not want shots or may have a true fear of needles. Others would rather take a weekly injection than remember a pill every day. 

Cost may also matter. Insurance does not always cover weight loss medications. For people paying cash, pill options may be a little cheaper than shots. 

The team at Southern NH Weight Management can help patients talk through these choices and understand what may be safest for them. 

Who may not be a good fit for weight loss pills? 

The Wegovy pill may not be used for people who have had gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass surgery. This is because the pill is absorbed in the stomach. After these surgeries, the stomach is much smaller, which may make it harder for the body to absorb the medicine. 

The Wegovy pill may also not be a good choice if you cannot follow the rules for taking it. It must be taken fasting and at least 30 minutes before food or other pills. 

Both pill options are daily medicines. So, they may not be the best choice if you have trouble taking medicine every day. 

Safety and side effects of weight loss medication 

It’s important to be carefully evaluated by a reputable expert before beginning a weight loss medication. Even if you are a good candidate for treatment, you don't want to take the wrong medication and suffer unexpected consequences. For example, GLP-1 weight loss medications can have stomach side effects. 

Phentermine, which is a pill option, might not be a good option for you if you already have uncontrolled anxiety, as that medication could potentially worsen your condition.   

In clinical trials, about 7% of people stopped because of side effects. In real life, that number may be higher. 

The problem with online weight loss programs 

There are countless ads and online programs offering weight loss medication. Before using one, make sure it is safe and trusted. 

Look for a program that: 

• Has licensed medical providers  
• Does a full health review before giving medicine, including medical and weight history, medication list, and other health details 
• Uses FDA-approved medications 
• Offers a full weight management plan 
• Gives regular follow-up visits 

Be careful with compounded versions of medicines. These are not FDA-approved and may not be consistent or safe. 

Talk to a trusted medical provider 

A good first step when deciding to lose weight is to talk with your primary care provider. They can help you or refer you to a weight management clinic. Some specialists, such as heart or gastrointestinal providers, may also be knowledgeable about obesity care. 

Weight loss medication can be a useful tool, but it should be used with care. The best plan is one that fits your health, your needs, and your life. 

For useful articles, information, advocacy, and other support around obesity and obesity treatment, I suggest visiting the Obesity Action Coalition website.   

At Southern NH Weight Management, patients can learn about weight loss medication options and get help building a full plan for long-term health. To learn more about Southern NH Weight Management and register for a free weight loss information session, visit Weight Loss | Southern NH Health. 

Dr. Ellie Chuang is board-certified in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Clinical Lipidology, and Obesity. She practices at Southern New Hampshire Weight Management.