New Slimming Meds of 2026

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GLP-1 medications have surged in popularity in recent years, jumping nearly 600% from 2019 to 2024 — and the momentum isn’t slowing down. By 2026, we’re set to see three major breakthroughs in weight-loss drugs. First, researchers are moving past single-target options like semaglutide and developing dual and even triple-agonist medications that activate multiple receptors at once. Second, injections may soon become optional. Several oral GLP-1 drugs are now in late-stage trials, which means you could eventually take your medication as a pill instead of reaching for a needle. And third, pharmaceutical companies are expanding beyond GLP-1 entirely, combining additional metabolic pathways to create treatments that not only curb appetite but also improve overall metabolic health. Here’s a closer look at the top weight-loss medications expected in 2026.

Multiple Receptor Agonists

A growing number of new drugs work on more than just GLP-1. GLP-1 — short for glucagon-like peptide-1 — promotes weight loss by boosting insulin, stabilizing blood sugar, slowing digestion, and increasing feelings of fullness in both the brain and the gut.

Another important pathway is GIP, or glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. Like GLP-1, GIP increases insulin and slows digestion by reducing stomach acid. It also tells the hypothalamus that you’re full, giving you another layer of appetite control.

There’s also the glucagon receptor, which plays a unique role. When gently stimulated, it increases thermogenesis, helping your body burn more energy. However, glucagon also raises blood sugar and breaks down liver glycogen, which can work against weight-loss goals. That’s why obesity drugs only activate this receptor lightly — and always alongside GLP-1 or GIP. This careful balance avoids the blood-sugar spikes seen with pure glucagon drugs like Baqsimi while still delivering strong metabolic benefits.

We’re now watching a clear shift toward medications that target multiple pathways at the same time. Novo Nordisk started with semaglutide (Wegovy), a single-receptor GLP-1 agonist that helps people lose up to 15% of their body weight. Eli Lilly followed with tirzepatide (Zepbound), a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist that can push weight loss above 20%.

Lilly’s newest candidate, retatrutide, goes even further. It’s a triple agonist that activates GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon all at once. Early data is impressive, showing average weight loss of up to 24% — levels approaching bariatric surgery. That said, the strongest doses come with higher rates of digestive side effects, so patients may need to balance power with tolerability.

Another emerging option is survodutide, a dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist designed to boost fat burning and increase energy expenditure. It delivers weight loss of up to 15%, but what really stands out is its impact on liver health. Many trial participants saw significant improvements in fatty liver disease, making this medication a potential two-in-one solution.

Amgen’s MariTide (AMG-133) targets GLP-1 and GIP but earns attention for its convenience. While most medications in this category are weekly injections, MariTide requires only a once-a-month dose. In phase 2 trials, people lost up to 16% of their body weight with monthly injections — a schedule that might make it far easier to stay consistent. Whether this long-acting approach will also lower costs remains to be seen.

GLP-1 Pills

A new wave of GLP-1 medications is arriving in pill form, giving you more flexibility than ever before. Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, Pfizer’s danuglipron, and Eli Lilly’s orforglipron all work as GLP-1 agonists, but what sets them apart is how you take them. Instead of weekly injections, these drugs come as once- or twice-daily pills, offering a needle-free option for weight loss and blood-sugar control.

Because GLP-1 medications are delicate molecules, each pill uses a different strategy to survive the stomach’s harsh environment. Semaglutide, for example, would normally break down before it reaches your system. To get around that, the oral version includes a compound called SNAC, which protects the medication long enough for your body to absorb it.

Even though all three drugs come as pills, the instructions vary. Oral semaglutide is the most particular — you must take it on an empty stomach with just a small amount of plain water, then wait before eating. Danuglipron and orforglipron are much simpler. You can take them with or without food at any time of day, which makes them far easier to fit into a normal routine.

When you look at early weight-loss results, semaglutide and orforglipron appear to lead the pack. People taking either pill lost around 8 kilograms on average, while danuglipron came in a bit lower at about 5 kilograms. The same trend shows up in diabetes management: semaglutide and orforglipron dropped HbA1c by roughly 2% and 1.7%, compared with about 1.3% for danuglipron.

All three medications share the usual GLP-1 side effects — nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, danuglipron seemed particularly tough for people to tolerate. More than half of those on the highest dose stopped treatment in clinical trials, suggesting that other, more concerning side effects may have been involved. Because of this, the development of danuglipron was halted in 2025.

New Targets

Some of the newest weight-loss drugs go beyond traditional GLP-1 pathways. One standout is CagriSema, a combination of semaglutide and a second medication called cagrilintide. Cagrilintide is an amylin analog, meaning it mimics the hormone amylin — a natural signal that slows digestion and makes you feel full. When you combine amylin with GLP-1 activity, you get a stronger, dual-pathway effect.

Clinical trials show just how powerful this approach can be. On average, people taking CagriSema lost about 20% of their body weight, a significant improvement over semaglutide alone.

Dr. Brian’s Thoughts

What this really shows is that we’re finally getting more — and better — options. GLP-1 medications don’t work the same for everyone, and many people struggle to stay on them long-term. With new targets like amylin, GIP, and glucagon entering the mix, we’re moving away from the old one-size-fits-all model. For the first time, treatments can be personalized so you can find what actually works for your body. It’s a major shift in how we think about weight loss and how we tailor care to each individual.

There’s also a ripple effect you can see in real-world trends. As these medications improve, fewer people appear to be choosing weight-loss surgery. One study of privately insured patients found that from 2022 to 2023, GLP-1 prescriptions for obesity more than doubled, while bariatric surgery rates dropped by about 8.7%.

Now, it’s important to remember that this is correlation — not proof that one caused the other. Surgery still provides the most dramatic and lasting weight loss and remains the best option for people with severe obesity or complex medical needs. Still, the shift is clear: these new medications are reshaping how we talk about, approach, and treat obesity in a way we haven’t seen before.

Learn more about

• Comparing Weight Loss Drugs in 2024
• What Forms of Semaglutide are Available?
• Comparing other GLP-1 Agonists for Weight Loss
• 5 Things To Know Before Starting Weight Loss Medication
• Other weight loss medications

See also

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