FAQ

How we verify information — and answers to the most common questions.

Quick read · 5 min

In simple terms:

•Every claim on this site links to a published clinical trial — you can verify everything
•We never rank treatments or make recommendations — that decision belongs to you and your doctor
•The Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide) is now FDA-approved and available at ~$149/month
•Weight regain after stopping GLP-1 drugs is real — these are often long-term treatments

Last reviewed: March 2026

How we verify information

We only use published clinical evidence

Every statistic comes from randomised controlled trials (studies where people are randomly assigned to get the treatment or a dummy pill), systematic reviews, or official regulatory documents (FDA, EMA). We do not use press releases, company claims, or social media as sources.

Every claim links to its source

Every statistic has a reference that links directly to the published journal article or official document. You can verify everything yourself.

We never rank treatments

This site does not tell you which drug is "best" or which treatment you should use. We present the facts side by side and let you and your doctor decide.

Evidence badges reflect trial quality

For supplements and cosmetic procedures, evidence badges reflect the quality and consistency of the available trial data:

✓ Strong evidenceMultiple large randomised trials, consistent results
⚠ Moderate evidenceReasonable trial evidence with some limitations
❗ Weak evidenceSmall studies, inconsistent results, or very limited data

We are not doctors

This site does not give medical advice. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started & eligibility

What are the eligibility criteria for weight loss medication?

In most countries: BMI ≥ 30, OR BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea). Some drugs have additional criteria. Only a doctor can determine your actual eligibility — these are general guidelines, not a guarantee.

Is it "cheating" to use weight loss medication?

Obesity is a chronic biological condition — not a failure of willpower. The brain actively defends higher body weight through hunger hormones, slowing metabolism, and increasing appetite. GLP-1 drugs work by correcting these hormonal signals. Using them is no more "cheating" than treating high blood pressure with medication. See our Myths page for more on this.

Is there a pill version of Wegovy or Ozempic?

Yes. The FDA approved an oral version of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) for weight loss in December 2025. It launched in the US in January 2026. The pill (25mg, taken once daily on an empty stomach) produces similar weight loss to the weekly injection — up to 16.6% of body weight in trials — and costs approximately $149/month self-pay, compared to ~$1,350/month for the injection. See the semaglutide page for full details.

Do I have to inject myself?

Not anymore. The oral Wegovy pill (semaglutide 25mg) is now FDA-approved and available, as is the older oral combination drug phentermine/topiramate. For people who want the highest weight loss with a pill, oral Wegovy is now an option at ~$149/month. The injection form is still used for those who prefer once-weekly dosing over daily pills.

What is the cheapest GLP-1 drug?

The oral Wegovy pill (semaglutide 25mg) at approximately $149/month self-pay is currently the most affordable GLP-1 option. The weekly injection form costs approximately $1,350/month list price. With commercial insurance, the pill costs approximately $25/month. Note that orforglipron (still in trials as of March 2026) may offer an alternative oral option when it is approved.

Will I gain the weight back when I stop treatment?

Partially — and the data is clear on this. In the STEP-1 extension study, people who stopped semaglutide regained two-thirds of their lost weight within one year. However, many metabolic improvements (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar) partially persisted. Tirzepatide shows a similar pattern. This is why doctors often describe these as chronic treatments, similar to blood pressure medication — ongoing use may be needed to maintain results.

Can I just do diet and exercise instead of medication?

Yes — and for many people, this is the right starting point. A consistent caloric deficit with high protein intake and regular exercise can produce 10–20 kg of loss over 6 months with good adherence. The evidence-based plan is: 500 kcal deficit per day, 1.2–1.6g protein per kg of body weight, and 150+ minutes of aerobic exercise per week. Medication produces greater weight loss but also has costs, side effects, and requires a doctor. The right choice depends on your individual situation.

Is berberine really "nature's Ozempic"?

No. Berberine and semaglutide work through completely different mechanisms. Berberine may improve insulin sensitivity — trials show approximately 2–3 kg weight loss. Semaglutide mimics a gut hormone to directly suppress appetite — trials show up to 15% body weight loss (roughly 14–18 kg for most people in the trial). These are not comparable. See the Myths page for a full breakdown.

Are supplements safe?

"Natural" does not mean safe — supplements are not subject to the same pre-market safety testing as prescription drugs. Some have known drug interactions. Some carry real risks at the doses used in commercial products. Green tea extract at high doses has caused liver toxicity. L-carnitine may increase TMAO (associated with cardiovascular risk). Always check with your doctor before adding any supplement, especially if you take other medications.

What does "average weight loss" mean in these trials?

When we say "participants lost an average of 15% of their body weight," we mean the middle of the distribution across all trial participants — some lost more, some lost less. It includes people who had side effects, people who reduced their dose, and people who stopped treatment early. It is not a prediction of your personal result — it is the best population-level estimate we have from the trial. Individual results vary based on dose, adherence, diet, exercise, and biology.

About this site

Who writes the content and how is it verified?

Every statistic on this site comes from randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews, or official regulatory documents. We do not use press releases or company claims. Each claim links to its source — you can verify everything yourself. We do not rank treatments or make recommendations. See "How we verify information" above for the full methodology.

Based on clinical trials · No rankings · Every claim linked to source

Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.