Switching from injectable weight-loss medications to a daily Wegovy tablet may help some patients continue losing weight, according to research presented at the 2026 European Association for the Study of Diabetes meeting in Milan.

The study found that participants lost an average of 4.1% of their body weight during the three months following their switch to semaglutide tablets. However, researchers caution that the findings are preliminary and do not establish whether changing treatments directly caused the additional weight loss.

What Did The Study Discover?

The OCTANE study examined 194 adults with overweight or obesity who had previously received injectable Wegovy or Zepbound. All participants had at least one weight-related health condition, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or obstructive sleep apnoea. None had diabetes or a history of bariatric surgery.

Their average starting weight was approximately 100.5 kilograms, with an average body mass index of 34.5. Participants switched to semaglutide tablets between January and February 2026 and continued taking the medication for three months.

During that period, they lost an average of approximately four kilograms.

How Significant Were The Results?

After three months, 40.7% of participants had lost at least 5% of their starting body weight.

The proportion classified as having obesity also declined, falling from 87.1% to 65.5%. Participants reported improvements beyond the numbers on the scales. Approximately 69% said their clothes fitted better, while 51% reported making healthier dietary choices.

Overall, 82.4% experienced at least one improvement they associated with treatment.

These findings suggest that tablet-based medication may provide a practical option for people seeking to continue weight management after injectable treatment.

What Do Medical Experts Think?

Dr Betul Hatipoglu, medical director of the Diabetes and Metabolic Center at University Hospitals in Cleveland, described the findings as encouraging.

She explained that the results suggest some patients can continue losing weight after changing to a tablet-based medication. However, she emphasised that the study provides early evidence of another treatment option rather than proof that switching produces better outcomes. The research was retrospective, relied on self-reported weight measurements and did not include a comparison group that continued injections. Its findings have also not yet appeared in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

How Does The Wegovy Pill Work?

Wegovy contains semaglutide, a medication that mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1. This hormone helps regulate appetite and food intake, allowing patients to feel satisfied with smaller portions. The injectable and tablet versions contain the same active ingredient, although their absorption differs.

Dr Mir Ali, medical director of the MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California, explained that less medication reaches the bloodstream when semaglutide is absorbed through the digestive system.

Nevertheless, semaglutide tablets can still support meaningful weight loss.

Is Taking A Pill More Convenient?

For people uncomfortable with injections, a daily tablet may feel easier to manage. It can also be more convenient when travelling because it does not require refrigeration. However, Wegovy tablets come with specific instructions. Patients must take them in the morning on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes before eating.

Both formulations can cause digestive side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. Experts therefore recommend considering convenience alongside tolerability, treatment effectiveness and cost.

Should Patients Consider Switching?

The findings offer encouraging possibilities for people already receiving medication-assisted weight management. However, treatment decisions should depend on individual health needs, previous results and medical guidance.

Patients should discuss any proposed change with their prescribing clinician, who can assess the benefits, explain potential risks and monitor progress. Larger controlled studies are needed to establish whether switching to semaglutide tablets offers advantages over continuing injectable treatment.

For now, the research suggests that a daily pill may help some patients maintain progress towards their weight-management goals.