Once-daily pill provides an injection-free option for long-term weight management.
In a significant step forward for public health, the Emirates Drug Establishment has approved a new oral treatment for obesity, placing the UAE among the first countries globally to adopt the latest pharmaceutical innovations for long-term weight management.
The medication, Foundayo (orforglipron), developed by Eli Lilly and Company, is the first once-daily pill of its kind that can be taken without restrictions on food or water. It represents a shift in obesity treatment, especially for patients looking for an alternative to injectable therapies.
A growing global challenge
Obesity remains one of the world’s most urgent public health challenges, affecting more than one billion people globally. In the UAE, it has been a major focus for health authorities because of its strong links to chronic conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.
Medical experts increasingly emphasise that obesity is not simply a lifestyle issue, but a complex and chronic disease shaped by genetic, biological and environmental factors. However, public understanding has not fully caught up. A recent Ipsos global study found that nearly two-thirds of people living with obesity still believe diet and exercise alone are enough to manage the condition.
How the new treatment works
Orforglipron belongs to a class of medicines known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help regulate appetite and metabolism. By helping patients feel fuller for longer and reducing overall food intake, the treatment supports gradual and sustained weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
Clinical trials have shown promising results, with patients taking the highest dose achieving an average weight reduction of up to 12.4 per cent. This brings oral treatments closer to the level of effectiveness usually associated with injectable options.
Importantly, the convenience of a once-daily pill is expected to improve patient adherence. Unlike some existing treatments that require injections or strict timing, Orforglipron offers greater flexibility, making it easier to fit into daily routines.
UAE at the forefront
Health authorities say the approval reflects the UAE’s proactive approach to addressing Obesity and expanding access to advanced treatments. By speeding up the availability of innovative medicines, the country aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the long-term burden of chronic disease.
Officials have also stressed the importance of integrating such therapies into a broader care model. The new treatment is designed to complement — not replace — healthy lifestyle habits such as balanced nutrition and regular physical activity.
Changing perceptions
Awareness of obesity as a medical condition is also growing in the UAE. Studies show that a high percentage of residents living with obesity are actively considering steps to manage their weight, while the use of prescription treatments is already above the global average.
Experts believe innovations like Orforglipron could help further change public perceptions, reinforcing the understanding that Obesity requires long-term medical care, much like other chronic diseases.
Tony Joseph, Consultant Endocrinology at Burjeel Day Surgery Center, said: “Orforglipron marks a turning point in obesity care, offering a once-daily pill with weight loss approaching that of injectable therapies. Current oral options typically achieve modest results, around 3–8% weight loss, and are often limited by side effects or short-term use. In contrast, Orforglipron works through the GLP-1 pathway, regulating appetite and metabolism to deliver 8–12% weight loss in clinical trials. Its oral form improves accessibility, making treatment easier to prescribe and accept.
Beyond its clinical impact, such therapies are reshaping perceptions of obesity. By addressing underlying biology, they reinforce that obesity is a chronic, treatable disease — much like Diabetes or hypertension — requiring long-term, sustained care rather than short-term lifestyle fixes.”
Meanwhile, Roberta Marinelli, President and General Manager for Eli Lilly and Company META Hub, said the new once-daily oral treatment provides an additional option for people living with obesity and supports broader disease management approaches. She added that making the treatment available in the UAE following approval by the Emirates Drug Establishment allows eligible patients to benefit from it as part of the country’s treatment options.
Looking ahead
The treatment is expected to become available to eligible patients in the UAE from May 2026, offering a new option for those seeking medically supported weight management.
As healthcare systems continue to evolve, the introduction of convenient and effective therapies could play a key role in improving patient outcomes and reshaping how Obesity is understood and treated across society.
