When it arrives Foundayo will be the fourth GLP-1 prescription weight loss treatment to be approved for use in the UK.
What is Foundayo
Foundayo contains the active ingredient orforglipron. Without being overly technical like other GLP-1 treatments, it works by mimicking hormones involved in appetite regulation.
This can help:
- Reduce your appetite
- Make you feel fuller for longer
- Slow your stomach emptying
- Reduce food cravings or food noise
For many of us, including me, the constant thoughts about food, snacks and eating can make keeping our weight under control feel really exhausting. Foundayo, like the other GLP-1s, will really help keep those thoughts locked away, or at least controllable.
While everyone’s experience is different, the goal is the same: helping people create a calorie deficit with more success and fewer battles with hunger.
It’s prescription only
Like the Wegovy and Mounjaro jabs, and soon the Wegovy pill, Foundayo will only be available on prescription.
We expect the criteria for being prescribed Foundayo to be exactly the same as it is for the currently available treatments, and through private doctor prescription or online pharmacies.
There is no news on whether the NHS will prescribe this new pill (we very much expect they will not for the foreseeable future).
How do you take it?
Like the Wegovy pill, Foundayo’s biggest selling point is its simplicity.
The medication is taken as a tablet once per day. And, great news, it can generally be taken without any strict fasting routines. This is a difference to the Wegovy pill.
As with most GLP-1 treatments you will typically start on a low dose and gradually increase over time. This helps your body adjust and can help reduce the likelihood of side effects.
Of course, your doctor or healthcare provider will guide you through the dosing schedule that’s right for you.
Does Foundayo actually work?
The short answer is yes. People involved in the testing of Foundayo lost over 10% of their body weight over nearly 18 months.
This is lower than the results of Wegovy or Mounjaro but is still really meaningful. Obviously we’re all different and results will vary. And, of course, you need to make sure you get your healthcare provider’s advice on which medication is best for you.
It’s also worth remembering that weight loss isn’t your only measure of success. If you improve blood sugar control, your mobility, confidence or energy levels and overall health you are being successful. For instance, many people, including me, at last being comfortable in clothes was a massive win.
From jabs to Foundayo?
The answer will ultimately depend on your individual circumstances and the guidance of your healthcare provider.
We think Foundayo will likely be attractive to those of us have already lost weight using GLP-1 jabs and want to maintain their progress with a less powerful and more convenient option.
As more real-world experience emerges we’ll all get a better understanding of where Foundayo, and the Wegovy pill, fit into our weight management journeys.
Side effects
Like other GLP-1 medications, Foundayo can cause side effects.
The good news is that most are familiar to anyone who has researched Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Stomach discomfort
- Bloating
- Indigestion
- Fatigue
Many people find that side effects improve over time as their body adapts to treatment.
Serious side effects are uncommon but can occur. This is why it’s important to discuss your medical history fully with your doctor or healthcare provider and to report any concerning symptoms promptly.
Cost
In the United States, Foundayo launched with pricing designed to make it competitive with existing GLP-1 treatments.
The forthcoming Wegovy pill launch in the UK is giving us a signal on where pricing will be. It’s being pre-ordered at, or below, the Wegovy jabs.
Bottom line: we expect there to be ongoing price wars.
We’ll keep updating this guide as we learn more about pricing.
It’s good news
Will Foundayo replace Mounjaro or Wegovy? Probably not. But it’s a great new option for people and we passionately believe that more options are good.
We think more pill options will mean more people are able to start the journey towards better weight control and a healthier life. This is clear from the success of the Wegovy pill in the USA.
It’s good news for everyone.
We’ll continue to update this guide as more information becomes available on UK approval, pricing and real-world patient experiences.
Here’s some more information on Foundayo from Eli Lilly.
