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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Health and Wellness devider Cheaper alternative to weight loss injections enters the US market

Cheaper alternative to weight loss injections enters the US market

Wegovy unveils new weight loss pill

Published Jan 6, 2026 10:04 am
Starting next week, Danish company Novo Nordisk is launching its Wegovy weight loss pill in the US. Consumers can purchase 1.5 mg and 4 mg doses at $149 (₱8,808) per month. Larger doses, at  9 mg and 25 mg, are also available for $299 (₱17,677) for a month’s supply. This comes just two weeks after the pill gained approval for treating obesity and lowering cardiovascular risk from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 
These weight loss pills come as an alternative to injectables, which sell for as high as $349 (₱20,633) a month. It consists of semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in injectable weight loss and diabetes treatments such as Ozempic. Meanwhile, the US company Eli Lilly released its plans to cap higher doses of its obesity pill. It will sell for around $399 (₱23,589) a month. Currently, Eli Lilly's pill is still pending review from the FDA. 
For those under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, Novo and Lilly are looking to offer starter doses of their weight-loss pills at $149 (₱8,808) per month via the upcoming TrumpRx site.  
Are weight loss pills healthy?
Prescription weight loss drugs have become a global phenomenon over the last year. Most notably, Ozempic took the market by storm after initially being sold as a type 2 diabetes treatment, with weight loss as a mere side effect. Often, these types of treatment are given to people with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 27 who have a weight-related health condition. They help in decreasing one's food cravings and in controlling blood sugar. Though it isn't a one-quick-fix type of deal, as regular exercise and a balanced diet are still needed to go along with the weight loss drugs. According to an article by Harvard Medical School, side effects commonly felt by those using weight loss drugs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Going through a rapid loss of fat can also have effects on the facial structure, causing wrinkles, saggy jowls, and sunken eyes. As such, it's best to consult with your doctor before taking any of these weight loss pills or injectables.

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