From eligibility and specialist prescriptions to long-term use and lifestyle changes, doctors explain what UAE residents should know about the newly approved pill.
United Arab Emirates residents may soon have access to a new weight-loss treatment that does not require injections; however, doctors say the recently approved oral obesity pill is not suitable for everyone and will be prescribed only under strict medical supervision.
The Emirates Drug Establishment has approved Foundayo (orforglipron), a once-daily oral medication for chronic weight management, making the UAE one of the first countries to register the treatment.
The approval comes amid a global shift toward pill-based therapies, following the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval of an oral version of semaglutide, marketed as Wegovy by Novo Nordisk.
Doctors said the treatment will be prescribed for adults with obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above, as well as for those who are overweight (BMI above 27) and have at least one related health condition.
“These may include conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, or joint-related disorders,” said Dr Noor Naji, Head of Department and Consultant Internal Medicine at Burjeel Medical City.
According to doctors, the medication may also be considered for patients who have not achieved sufficient weight loss through lifestyle changes alone.
Is it only for obesity?
No. Doctors said it can also be prescribed to overweight patients, but only if they have weight-related medical conditions.
Dr Manish Madnani, Specialist Gastrointestinal Surgeon at NMC Specialty Hospital Al Nahda, said eligibility follows a simple rule: “BMI of 30 or more, or BMI above 27 with associated health issues.”
Will a specialist be required?
Yes. Doctors said the medication will generally be prescribed by specialists, at least in the initial stages. It is recommended that it be initiated by an endocrinologist, obesity specialist, or internal medicine specialist, said Dr Nassim Y Salamin, Consultant Internal Medicine at Medcare Medical Centre.
He added that specialists are better placed to review patient history, identify contraindications, and monitor potential side effects.
What tests are needed before starting?
Patients will need a full medical evaluation before starting the medication, including:
- Weight and BMI assessment
- Blood sugar levels
- Lipid profile
- Liver, kidney, and thyroid function tests
- Detailed personal and family medical history
Doctors said additional investigations may be required depending on individual conditions.
Who should avoid the treatment?
The medication is not suitable for everyone and should be avoided in:
- Patients with a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers
- Individuals with endocrine disorders such as MEN-2
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
“Patients with severe gastrointestinal conditions, kidney issues, or previous adverse reactions to similar drugs may also require careful evaluation,” said Dr Nassim.
How long will treatment last?
Doctors said this is not a short-term therapy. Treatment may be long-term, and in some cases lifelong, depending on the patient’s condition and response.
“Patients are likely to continue as long as the medication remains effective and well tolerated. Stopping it without maintaining lifestyle changes may lead to weight regain,” said Dr Noor Naji.
Will diet and exercise still be needed?
Yes—doctors emphasized this is essential. The medication supports lifestyle changes but does not replace them.
Patients will still need a structured diet and regular physical activity to achieve and maintain weight loss, said Dr Manish Madnani.
When will it be available?
The oral treatment is expected to be available to eligible patients in the United Arab Emirates starting May 2026.
While the pill offers a more convenient alternative to injections, doctors stressed that its use will depend on proper medical assessment and long-term commitment to lifestyle changes.
