The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Novo Nordisk’s oral semaglutide (Wegovy) for chronic weight management and reduction of major cardiovascular events, clearing the first oral GLP‑1 formulated specifically for obesity. Phase 3 data showed the highest-dose pill produced a mean 16.6% weight loss at 64 weeks versus 2.7% for placebo, a margin comparable to the injectable formulation. Novo Nordisk plans an early‑January launch; clinicians and payers will watch pricing and formulary placement closely as oral competition from other makers looms. GLP‑1 agonists mimic a gut hormone that slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite; the oral formulation requires dosing on an empty stomach to maintain efficacy.