What is Foundayo®? New GLP-1 weight loss pill explained

GLP-1 medications have changed the conversation around weight loss. Drugs like Wegovy® and Zepbound® have made it possible for people to lose a meaningful amount of weight—and keep it off—in a way that felt out of reach just a few years ago. But until recently, those options have mostly come as injections.

Foundayo®  is a new medication from Eli Lilly—the same company behind Zepbound® and Mounjaro®—and it’s part of a growing shift toward pill-based options in this category. 

Unlike earlier GLP-1 medications, Foundayo® is designed to be taken as a once-daily tablet, without the strict timing or fasting requirements that come with other oral versions. It’s also not a peptide, which makes it more stable in the digestive system and easier to take as a standard pill.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what Foundayo® is, how it works, how much weight people are losing on it, what side effects to expect, how it compares to other options—including the Wegovy® pill—and what to know about cost and access.

What is Foundayo®?

Foundayo® is the brand name for orforglipron. It’s part of a broader shift in this category: moving from injections toward easier-to-take oral options, and it’s widely seen as a direct competitor to the newer Wegovy® pill.

Orforglipron has been in development for several years, with large clinical trials studying its effects on weight, blood sugar, and long-term use. Across these studies, it consistently showed meaningful weight loss along with improvements in metabolic health markers. In one of the main phase 3 trials, people lost an average of about 12% of their body weight over 72 weeks at higher doses. 

Foundayo® is now approved to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help with weight loss in people who have a BMI of 30 or over, or have a BMI of 27 or over with weight-related medical conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

How does Foundayo® work: The difference between other GLP-1s

Like other medications in this category, Foundayo® works by targeting the GLP-1 pathway, which helps lower appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar. In practical terms, that means it can help lower appetite, slow how quickly food leaves your stomach, and regulate blood sugar—potentially making it easier to eat less and make more nutritious food choices.

What makes Foundayo® different isn’t the pathway—it’s the structure. Most GLP-1 medications are peptides, which are fragile and break down in the digestive system. That’s why they’re usually injected—or, in the case of the Wegovy® pill, taken under very specific conditions to protect absorption.

Orforglipron is different. It’s a nonpeptide, small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it’s designed to activate the same GLP-1 receptor without being a peptide. Instead of mimicking the hormone directly, it binds to the receptor in a different way that still produces similar effects. Because it’s more stable in the digestive system, it can be taken as a standard pill—without needing special timing, fasting, or absorption rules.

That flexibility may seem like a small detail, but it can make a real difference. Medications that are easier to take tend to be easier to stick with—and consistency is a big part of what drives weight loss over time.

If you want a deeper explanation of how this class works, this Noom guide to orforglipron breaks it down in more detail.

Foundayo®: Dosage and how to take it

One of the most noticeable differences with Foundayo® compared to other GLP-1 medications is how it’s taken. It’s a once-daily pill that can be taken with or without food, at any time of day, and it can be stored at room temperature.

That means there’s no need to plan around meals or keep medication refrigerated, which may make it easier to stay consistent day to day for some people.

When it comes to dosing, Foundayo® uses a step-up approach, like other GLP-1 medications. Everyone starts at the lowest dose and gradually increases over time to help the body adjust and reduce the likelihood of side effects.

Foundayo® comes in six doses: 0.8 mg, 2.5 mg, 5.5 mg, 9 mg, 14.5 mg, and 17.2 mg. Everyone starts at 0.8 mg once daily, and the dose is typically increased every 4 weeks, depending on how you’re tolerating it and how it’s working for you.

Foundayo®: Dosing schedule

Step	Dose
Starting dose	0.8 mg
Step 2	2.5 mg
Step 3	5.5 mg
Step 4	9 mg
Step 5	14.5
Step 6 (maximum)	17.2

Not everyone will need to reach the highest dose. In practice, the goal is to find the lowest dose that works well for your body, balancing results with side effects.

Foundayo®: Weight loss potential

When Foundayo® was studied in large clinical studies, people lost a meaningful amount of weight—but the details help put that into perspective.

In one of the main studies, people taking higher doses of orforglipron lost about 12% of their body weight on average over about a year and a half. For many, that worked out to roughly 25 to 27 pounds, though individual results varied.

That level of weight loss was seen in people who reached the higher doses and stayed on the medication throughout the study. Lower doses still led to weight loss, but results tended to build more gradually over time as the dose increased.

There were also improvements beyond weight. People saw changes in waist size, cholesterol, and blood pressure—all markers tied to overall metabolic health.

One important thing to keep in mind: people in these studies were also making changes to how they were eating and moving. Like other medications in this category, Foundayo® is designed to work alongside those habits—not replace them.

Foundayo®: Cost and accessibility 

Cost is where things start to feel more real—and with Foundayo, pricing is a little more transparent than what we’ve seen with earlier GLP-1 medications.

For people paying out of pocket, Foundayo® is offered through LillyDirect, Eli Lilly’s direct-to-consumer platform. This is a newer model that lets you access certain medications with set, upfront pricing, often with home delivery or pharmacy pickup. This is for people who don’t have insurance coverage, which can be rare for weight loss medications 

Here’s how self-pay pricing currently breaks down:

• 0.8 mg: $149/month
  
• 2.5 mg: $199/month
  
• 5.5 mg and higher doses: around $299/month
  

If you do have insurance coverage, your cost may be lower—but it depends heavily on your plan.

• Some people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $25/month with savings programs
  
• Coverage is still evolving, especially for weight loss indications, so costs can vary widely
  
• Medicare and Medicaid coverage are expected to expand over time, but it isn’t consistent yet. Medicare can’t currently cover weight loss medications.

Learn more: Does Medicare cover weight loss drugs? 

Foundayo®: Side effects and safety

When starting Foundayo, most people begin to notice changes within the first few weeks—both in appetite and how their body responds to food. Like other medications in this category, it can take time for each dose to fully settle in as your body adjusts.

During that adjustment period, side effects are most commonly gastrointestinal. Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting are the ones reported most often. Some people also experience fatigue, headache, and bloating. 

Even though Foundayo® isn’t a peptide like other GLP-1s, these side effects are very similar, which is important to keep in mind when comparing options. And overall, they tend to be mild to moderate, improve over time, and may come back or briefly intensify when your dose increases.

Here’s a look at some common side effects by dose:

Foundayo®: Side effects by dose

Side effect	5.5 mg (%)	9 mg (%)	17.2 mg (%)
Nausea	26	34	35
Constipation	20	27	24
Diarrhea	21	23	25
Vomiting	13	21	24
Indigestion (dyspepsia)	12	16	13
Abdominal pain	13	14	14
Headache	8	9	9
GERD (acid reflux)	6	6	7

Foundayo®: Serious side effects and warnings

While most side effects with Foundayo® are mild and digestive, there are some less common but more serious risks to be aware of. Knowing what to watch for—and when to check in with your healthcare provider—can help you use the medication more safely.

Foundayo® may cause serious side effects, including:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) – This is a rare but important risk. Symptoms include severe, persistent abdominal pain that may spread to your back, with or without vomiting. If this happens, it’s important to stop the medication and seek medical care right away.
• Severe gastrointestinal problems – Because Foundayo® slows digestion, some people may experience more intense or persistent nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. In rare cases, this can become severe enough to require medical attention.
• Dehydration and kidney problems – Ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to fluid loss, which in turn can affect kidney function. Staying hydrated is especially important, and any signs of dizziness, reduced urination, or weakness should be taken seriously.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) – Foundayo® on its own doesn’t usually cause low blood sugar, but the risk increases if you’re also taking medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, confusion, or dizziness.
• Serious allergic reactions – Although rare, allergic reactions can happen. Watch for swelling of the face, lips, or throat, rash, or trouble breathing, and seek immediate medical care if these occur.
• Changes in vision (in people with diabetes) – Rapid improvements in blood sugar can temporarily affect vision, particularly in people with diabetic retinopathy. Any noticeable changes should be discussed with your provider.
• Gallbladder problems – Weight loss and changes in digestion can increase the risk of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Symptoms may include pain in the upper abdomen, especially after eating, along with nausea or vomiting.
• Surgery-related risks – Because Foundayo® slows how quickly the stomach empties, it may increase the risk of aspiration (food entering the lungs) during procedures that require anesthesia. Your provider may recommend stopping the medication ahead of certain surgeries.
• Thyroid tumor warning – Foundayo® carries a boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This has only been seen in animal studies.

A quick note on overall risk: These side effects are uncommon, but they’re important to understand. Most people tolerate Foundayo® well, especially when doses are increased gradually—but staying aware of changes in how you feel is key.

Learn more: GLP-1 side effects: What to expect & how to manage them

Who can’t take Foundayo®?

Foundayo® isn’t right for everyone. You should not take it if you:

• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  
• Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  
• Have had a serious allergic reaction to orforglipron or any of its ingredients
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
  

There are also situations where Foundayo® may not be recommended—or where you’ll need closer monitoring. Talk with your healthcare provider if you:

• Have a history of pancreatitis
  
• Have gallbladder disease or a history of gallstones
  
• Have kidney problems, especially if you’ve had dehydration
  
• Have severe gastrointestinal disease, such as gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying)
  
• Have diabetes and take medications that lower blood sugar, like insulin or sulfonylureas (this can increase the risk of hypoglycemia)

Because Foundayo® affects digestion and appetite, it can also impact how your body handles other medications, especially those that need to be absorbed at a certain rate.

The bottom line: this is a medication that works system-wide, so your full medical history—and any other medications you’re taking—matter when deciding if it’s a good fit.

For full details, see the Medication Guide.

Foundayo® vs. Wegovy® pill: What are the differences?

Foundayo® and the Wegovy® pill are the first GLP-1 pills approved for weight loss. Let’s go through the similarities and the differences.

While both are pills, the difference is in how and when you can take them. 

• The Wegovy® pill needs to be taken on an empty stomach with no more than 4 ounces of water, with a 30-minute delay before eating or drinking anything else. 
• Foundayo, on the other hand, can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, which offers more flexibility.

There are also some differences in outcomes. Although they weren’t studied head-to-head, studies show that the Wegovy® pill can lead to an average of 14% of body weight lost over time, while Foundayo® has shown an average of about 12%. 

In terms of cost, what you pay out of pocket will depend on whether you have insurance coverage or not. If you’re paying cash, here’s what you can expect: 

• Foundayo: $149 to $299 through Lilly Direct, depending on dose
• Wegovy® pill: $149 to $299 through NovoCare Pharmacy, depending on dose

So the difference between these two options isn’t just about how much weight someone might lose—it’s also about how the medication fits into everyday life. One option involves more structure and may lead to slightly higher average weight loss, while the other offers more flexibility, with a somewhat different side effect profile. They cost about the same when paying cash, depending on the dose you are on.

Learn more: Wegovy® pill vs. injection

Foundayo® vs. Wegovy® and Zepbound®

If you’re comparing options, one of the biggest differences comes down to how much weight people tend to lose on average—but also how the medication fits into your day-to-day life.

Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Foundayo® (daily pill): about 12% weight loss on average
• Wegovy® pill (oral semaglutide): about 14 to 15% on average
• Wegovy® (weekly injection): about 15% on average
• Zepbound® (weekly injection): about 20% on average

That gives you a general sense of effectiveness—but it’s only one piece of the picture.

What often matters just as much:

• How you take it: daily pill vs. weekly injection
  
• How it fits into your routine: morning schedule, meals, consistency
  
• How your body responds: side effects, appetite changes, and overall tolerance
  

So instead of thinking about a single “best” option, it’s usually more helpful to think about what fits your life.

For some people, a once-weekly injection feels easier to stick with. For others, a daily pill—especially one you can take anytime—feels more manageable.

The right choice comes down to a mix of effectiveness, convenience, and what you can realistically maintain over time.

Learn more: Wegovy pill vs. Zepbound

Frequently asked questions about Foundayo®

What is the new weight loss pill from Eli Lilly?

The new weight loss pill from Eli Lilly is Foundayo® (orforglipron). It’s a once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist designed to help reduce body weight and support long-term weight maintenance when used alongside diet and lifestyle changes. Unlike older GLP-1 medications, it’s a nonpeptide, which allows it to be taken as a pill rather than an injection.

How should I store Foundayo®?

One small but practical difference with Foundayo® is that, unlike injectable GLP-1 medications that often need to be refrigerated, this is a standard pill—so storage is much simpler and easier to manage day to day.

• Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
  
• Keep it in the original bottle and carton to protect it from light
  
• Replace the cap tightly after each use
  
• If you don’t have the carton, store it away from direct light
  
• Keep it out of reach of children
  

Because it doesn’t require refrigeration, Foundayo® can be easier to travel with and fit into a routine without extra planning.

How is Foundayo® different than Wegovy® and Zepbound®?

The main difference comes down to how the medication is built—and what that means for how you take it.

• Foundayo® is a nonpeptide (small-molecule) medication – That means it’s more stable in the digestive system, so it can be taken as a standard pill without special timing.
  
• Wegovy® and Zepbound® are peptide-based – Peptides are more fragile and can break down in the stomach, which is why they’re typically given as injections or require very specific dosing conditions when taken as a pill.
  
• What that means in real life: – Foundayo® offers flexibility—you can take it with or without food, at any time of day, without needing to plan around it.
  

Even though the structure is different, they still target the same GLP-1 pathway, which is why their effects—and side effects—can feel similar.

Can you take Foundayo® with food?

Yes. Foundayo® can be taken with or without food, at any time of day.

How do you get Foundayo®?

Foundayo® is prescription-only and is starting to become available as it rolls out. You can get a prescription through a primary care provider, a specialist, or a telehealth platform, where a clinician can review your options and prescribe it if appropriate. Availability is still expanding, so access may vary depending on where you are.

What is the new GLP-1 pill called?

The newest GLP-1 weight loss pill is Foundayo™, which contains the active ingredient orforglipron. It’s part of a newer generation of GLP-1 medications designed to be taken orally rather than by injection.

How do I order Foundayo®?

Foundayo is available by prescription only, so you’ll need to speak with a licensed healthcare provider to see if it’s appropriate for you. It may be accessed through primary care providers, telehealth services, or platforms like LillyDirect, depending on availability.

The bottom line: Foundayo® is another effective oral option for weight loss

Foundayo adds a new option to a category that’s been evolving quickly. It works through the same GLP-1 pathway as other medications, but its nonpeptide structure and once-daily pill format make it simpler to take and easier to fit into everyday life. While average weight loss may be somewhat lower than injectable options, the tradeoff for some people is flexibility—no injections, no strict timing, and no refrigeration.

That’s really what this comes down to: not just how well a medication works, but how well it works for you. The right choice depends on your goals, your routine, how your body responds, and what feels realistic to stick with over time. And like other options in this category, Foundayo works best when it’s paired with changes in how you eat, move, and care for your health—because long-term results come from both the medication and the habits that support it.

If you’re exploring options, see if you qualify for Noom Med. You’ll connect with a clinician who can walk you through your options and prescribe what’s appropriate. You’ll also get simple tools and support to help you build habits, feel better, and keep the weight off over time.