Home > Focus Areas > Obesity Connect > Post
  • Saved

5h
Integrating oral GLP-1 pathways into obesity care: clinical decisions beyond initiation

As obesity care continues to evolve, clinical focus is shifting from initiating therapy to managing obesity as a long-term, relapsing condition. Recent advances in oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist development reinforce this shift, prompting clinicians to consider not only whether to use pharmacologic therapy, but how it can be integrated into sustained, multidimensional care plans over time.

GLP-1 receptor activation influences appetite regulation, satiety signaling, and metabolic pathways central to obesity pathophysiology. Oral formulations demonstrate that these mechanisms can be engaged through daily administration, expanding how clinicians think about treatment design and long-term engagement. This evolution brings renewed attention to clinical integration—how pharmacologic therapy aligns with behavioral strategies, lifestyle interventions, and ongoing monitoring rather than functioning as a stand-alone solution.

Patient selection and adherence remain central considerations in long-term obesity management. Functional factors such as daily dosing routines, gastrointestinal tolerability, and treatment fatigue—as well as emotional factors including expectations, motivation, and prior weight-loss experiences—may influence sustained use and outcomes. These considerations highlight the importance of shared decision-making and regular reassessment as patient needs and priorities evolve.

Rather than viewing therapy choice as a single decision point, many clinicians are approaching obesity care as a dynamic process that requires adjustment over time. Evidence-based strategies increasingly emphasize structured follow-up, realistic goal-setting, behavioral support, and coordinated, multidisciplinary care. Within this framework, oral GLP-1 approaches may offer flexibility across different phases of treatment, including escalation, stabilization, or maintenance.

What factors most influence how you select patients for long-term pharmacologic obesity therapy?As oral GLP-1 options enter clinical practice, what adherence challenges or integration considerations will most shape how you incorporate them into comprehensive obesity care?

Profile Image
  • 5h
    I am a big fan of this class of drugs. I look at patients BMI, abdominal fat content(w/h ratio) and contraindications if any. Otherwise they are good to go. I still prefer SQ once a week over oral once a day Not to wait to take on fasting stomach , freq etc. CV and renal benefits are amazing
  • 8h
    Akram Sadaka

    I was probably among the first group of providers who utilized GLP1 in the management of obesity for many years starting with Victoza, to Saxenda, to Ozempic, and now Wegovy. while GLP-1 is proven to be effective, safe, and well tolerated, I found subset of patients who find the injectable form is less convenient and somewhat less practical for them particularly those who are on the go all the time and the travelers. Upon request from those individuals, I prescribed Rybelsus off-label to them and worked for them. Now that Wgovy pills became available, I find it attractive and very useful in that subset of obese patients.
  • 9h
    The most important factor in selecting patients is their personal motivation. Did they initiate the process? Are they motivated to do the work necessary to achieve their goals? Can they afford the therapy? In addition to cost, another barrier is that a significant number of patients find that the therapy fails to provide adequate appetite suppression and/or sustained weight loss over time.
  • 9h
    I was probably among the first group of providers who utilized GLP1 in the management of obesity for many years starting with Victoza, to Saxenda, to Ozempic, and now Wegovy. while GLP-1 is proven to be effective, safe, and well tolerated, I found subset of patients who find the injectable form is less convenient and somewhat less practical for them particularly those who are on the go all the time and the travelers. Upon request from those individuals, I prescribed Rybelsus off-label to them and worked for them. Now that Wgovy pills became available, I find it attractive and very useful in that subset of obese patients.
  • 10h
    I was probably among the first group of providers who utilized GLP1 in the management of obesity for many years starting with Victoza, to Saxenda, to Ozempic, and now Wegovy. while GLP-1 is proven to be effective, safe, and well tolerated, I found subset of patients who find the injectable form is less convenient and somewhat less practical for them particularly those who are on the go all the time and the travelers. Upon request from those individuals, I prescribed Rybelsus off-label to them and worked for them. Now that Wgovy pills became available, I find it attractive and very useful in that subset of obese patients.
  • 11h
    I discuss patients level of obesity, risk factors, health problems and then discuss options for GLP-1 weight loss treatment=injection certainly for higher bmi's and oral options for lower bmi's. Adherence challenges are typically cost and formulary. Patients certainly do well with these meds and lose substantial weight, but cost can be a problem frequently. Hopefully, more insurance companies will cover. IF patient has diabetes, moderate to severe sleep apnea or Fatty liver with liver fibrosis, certainly much easier to get covered.
  • 13h
    The need to take GLP-1 agents indefinitely makes oral GLP-1 agents more attractive to needle-averse patients. Cost and insurance coverage will continue to be major barriers to wide use
  • 16h
    It’s a shared decision with the patient keeping in mind their other comorbidities like ckd , osa , heart conditions . Most important factor ultimately is the insurance coverage and cost . Oral glp are more affordable but less effective. Ultimately patient preference and side effects have a play as well . Direct drug company deals like lily direct and financial plans can be helpful .
  • 18h
    Obesity is medical problem that has significant impact a plethora of areas. If a patient can afford effective therapy, I think it is a disservice not to provide effective therapy for a problem that can have devastating health impacts. I try to target known indications to match medication to patient (someone has psoriasis I am more likely to use tirzepatide, someone has CKD I will more likely use semaglutide). I think oral GLP-1 specifically the wegovy with the SNAC coating which can minimize side effects are a very promising option to help get over needle phobia. I do think the injections are probably more effective with less long term concerns regarding gut inflammation.
  • 18h
    I will mainly reserve oral GLP1s for maintenance treatment in patients who have achieved the desired weight loss. Daily medications are a challenge as far as compliance is concerned. I have started some patients on oral Wegovy who are needle phobic and would not accept an injectable option.
  • 18h
    Multiple factors affect patient selection for GLP-1, including patients who fit the obesity criteria, patient preference, patient expectation, and most importantly insurance coverage. The cost is the main challenge we see. The oral GLP-1 options are more cost effective (currently cash pay cost is $150 per month) and is much more affordable to many patients than the injectable GLP-1. The fact that patients are unable to eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking the oral GLP-1 will likely become a challenge. I do believe the integration of oral GLP-1 will help reach more patients.
  • 18h
    Comorbidity profiles and health benefits significantly influence medication selection. I will use oral GLP-1s based on shared decision making and also use them for long term weight loss maintenance. I utilized BMI thresholds inadequate response to lifestyle interventions, and individual patient factors including comorbidities, contraindications, preferences, and access to therapy (their insurance plans); although many are open to self pay options. The oral GLP-1 may enhance compliance and also convince those needle phobic patients to accept this treatment option.
  • 18h
    As long as patients are tolerating it well and losing weight or not gaining, I continue their GLP-1, whatever dose they are on.
  • 18h
    Selection is influenced by patient motivation, cost and GI tolerability. Oral agents are more appealing to patients but not less expensive and often less well tolerated. A patient support program is most effective at fostering weight loss results. Drug company financial assistance programs are very helpful.
  • 18h
    Attempts at weight loss and expectations. Orals are also a challenge in how they need to be taken. If meds are needed for weight loss, they are likely needed to keep the weight off as well.
  • 2d
    A patient will need to have reasonable expectations regarding the limitations of this therapy. Insurance coverage or lack thereof is a major driver of prescriptions for oral agents. The need to take oral agents on an empty stomach can be a deal-breaker
  • 2d
    Prior authorization and insurance coverage. Patients tolerance and getting good coverage for patients in their insurance which is easier but sometimes takes longer
  • 2d
    Explaining the risks of obesity and benefit of losing weight, explain different options to lose weight, we have to adjust to what medications are covered but the process is getting easier.
  • 1w
    The initial evaluation of patients must include a detailed discussion about the possibility of needing to take GLP1a medications life long. It’s not a quick fix and just like other chronic illnesses Obesity is one as well and needs long term management. Challenges include insurance coverage and patient tolerability. A large proportion of patients who meet criteria for GLP1a drugs do have underlying conditions such as heart failure , CKD , OSA for which these drugs are a great addition as well.
  • 1w
    After talking with my patient, if they show interest and meet criteria for weight loss with GLP 1 we discuss options. Insurance dictates which GLP 1 patient starts with (if even has insurance coverage for this) if not we review the cost going through Novo Care and Lily direct
  • 1w
    Yes GLP 1 medications oral and subq injections are an integral part of the treatment for obesity in my clinic. the problem is the insurance coverage. i do use a compounding pharmacy or lilly direct, novocare, costco has also helped with wegovy coverage at affordable price.
    the adherence challenges are the constipation and the potential for decreased blood flow to the gut. we have seen an increase in mesentaric artery stenosis requiring surgery. this is yet another concern with these meds. we way the risk/benefit when patient starts these medications. overall they are an excellent class of meds and once patient is using them and effective a game changer for obesity.
  • 4w
    If my patient is motivated, has no contraindications, and BMI over 30 I will offer GLP-1, but insurance is the gatekeeper. My office has a Prior Auth team (1 person) and this is helpful, but the P.A. process is long and frustrating for the patient and the prescriber. I expect the same hoops to jump through for oral GLPs.
  • 1mo
    Patient preference, insurance coverage and side effects profile is all considerations on which one to select. There has been a oral GLP-1 in the past known as rybelsus and it was a nightmare for side effects and after trying patients on it I gave up since no one seemed to tolerate this medication. So my input on oral GLP-1 is very hesitant due to potential side effects of nausea/vomiting. However this med has potential but I'm not the first in line to prescribe it. I'd prefer injectable GLP-1s since it's been tried and true for so long now and patients generally tolerate this very well and the dosing is titrated on a monthly basis.
  • 1mo
    A lot of the decision is associated with secondary benefit. If patient have cardiovascular or renal risk, then something like Wegovy is the better option. So as far as the Oral option it's about patient choice. If you prefer oral, then that's the way to go. Often the weekly injection is more convenient. It doesn't make any difference to me. I try to be flexible in terms of form and dosing to keep the weight loss slow and steady and to keep patients at their goal once they are there.
  • 1mo
    Patient preference for delivery. Current oral option has unique requirements but very manageable. Insurance dictates choice however in products. Long term treatment appears necessary for most.

Show More Comments