Foundayo
From W8MD weight loss and sleep centers
Foundayo doctors serving NYC, New Jersey, and Greater Philadelphia for physician-supervised oral GLP-1 weight-loss treatment
Foundayo is the brand name for orforglipron, a once-daily oral, nonpeptide, small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist used for chronic weight management. It is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company and is available only by prescription.
| Foundayo
| |
|---|---|
| Trade names | Foundayo |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Routes of administration | By mouth
|
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly and Company
|
FDA-approved in 2026 Once-daily tablet No injection required May be taken with or without food
Brooklyn / NYC: (718) 946-5500 Philadelphia: (215) 676-2334 Request a Foundayo consultation
More than 20 years of medical weight-management experience
Prior authorization when coverage and eligibility criteria apply
Foundayo, Wegovy, Zepbound, and other options
NYC, New Jersey, and Greater Philadelphia
The United States Food and Drug Administration approved Foundayo on April 1, 2026, in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction long term in:
- Adults with obesity; or
- Adults with overweight and at least one weight-related comorbid condition.<ref name="FDAApproval">FDA Approves First New Molecular Entity Under National Priority Voucher Program(link). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.2026-04-01.Accessed 2026-07-22.</ref>
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa physicians can evaluate eligible patients looking for a Foundayo doctor in NYC, New Jersey, Brooklyn, or Greater Philadelphia. W8MD offers physician-supervised obesity treatment from its offices in Brooklyn, New York, and Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Patients from New Jersey may be evaluated through an appropriate W8MD office or eligible telemedicine pathway, depending on the patient's location, provider licensure, medical needs, and current telemedicine requirements. W8MD does not claim to operate a physical New Jersey office.
Overview • Eligibility • Mechanism • Dosage • Results • Side effects • Safety • Comparison • Insurance • Local doctors • W8MD • FAQ
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo contains orforglipron, a nonpeptide small molecule that activates the human GLP-1 receptor. Unlike injectable GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Saxenda, Foundayo is supplied as a tablet.
Foundayo is notable because it:
- Is taken once daily;
- Does not require an injection;
- May be taken with or without food;
- Does not require a specific fasting period;
- Is available in multiple strengths;
- Uses a gradual dose-escalation schedule;
- Reduces appetite and food intake; and
- Is approved for long-term weight reduction and maintenance.
Foundayo was the first nonpeptide, small-molecule oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in the United States specifically for chronic weight management.
Quick facts
| Feature | Foundayo information |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Orforglipron |
| Medication class | Nonpeptide, small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Dosage form | Oral tablet |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| FDA approval | April 1, 2026 |
| Approved use | Long-term reduction of excess body weight and maintenance of weight reduction in qualifying adults |
| Starting dose | 0.8 mg once daily |
| Maximum dose | 17.2 mg once daily |
| Administration | With or without food; swallow whole |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly and Company |
| Use with another GLP-1 medication | Not recommended |
| Pediatric use | Safety and effectiveness have not been established |
| Prescription status | Prescription only |
History and FDA approval
Orforglipron was developed as an oral small-molecule alternative to peptide-based GLP-1 receptor agonists. The compound was discovered by Chugai Pharmaceutical and later licensed to Eli Lilly and Company.
The FDA approved Foundayo under New Drug Application 220934. The approval was supported by two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 72-week studies involving adults with obesity or overweight. One trial involved adults without type 2 diabetes, and the other involved adults with type 2 diabetes.<ref name="FDAApprovalLetter">Foundayo approval letter(link). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.2026-04-01.Accessed 2026-07-22.</ref>
Foundayo should not be confused with:
- Wegovy tablets, which contain Semaglutide;
- Rybelsus, an oral Semaglutide product with diabetes-related indications;
- Wegovy injection;
- Zepbound, which contains Tirzepatide; or
- Unapproved products advertised online as oral GLP-1 medication.
Who may qualify for Foundayo?
Potential adult candidates commonly include people with:
- A body mass index of 30 kg/m² or higher; or
- A BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related comorbid condition.
Potential comorbid conditions may include:
- High blood pressure
- Dyslipidemia
- High cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Insulin resistance
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Cardiovascular disease
- Coronary artery disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
- Other clinically significant obesity-related conditions
A clinician should also consider:
- Current and previous weight
- Previous weight-loss attempts
- Previous weight-loss medications
- Current prescriptions and possible drug interactions
- Appetite, cravings, and food noise
- Eating patterns and nutritional status
- Blood pressure
- Blood-glucose status
- Kidney and liver function
- History of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Sleep and possible sleep apnea
- Personal or family thyroid-cancer history
- Pregnancy potential
- Preference for a pill or injection
- Insurance coverage and cost
BMI is a screening measurement and should not be the only factor used to select treatment.
FDA eligibility versus insurance eligibility
Meeting the FDA-approved indication does not guarantee insurance coverage. An insurance company may impose additional requirements, such as:
- A higher BMI threshold
- Specific qualifying comorbidities
- Documented participation in a structured program
- Previous diet and exercise attempts
- Step therapy
- Previous use of another medication
- Use of a preferred formulary product
- Treatment by a participating provider
- Periodic proof of continued weight loss
How Foundayo works
Foundayo binds to and activates the human GLP-1 receptor. Glucagon-like peptide-1 is a naturally occurring incretin hormone involved in appetite, food intake, blood-glucose regulation, and gastrointestinal function.
Appetite and food intake
GLP-1 receptors are found in areas of the brain involved in:
- Hunger
- Appetite regulation
- Food intake
- Cravings
- Satiety
Orforglipron may reduce hunger and calorie consumption by activating these receptors.
Gastric emptying
Foundayo delays gastric emptying. This can contribute to fullness after eating. According to the prescribing information, the gastric-emptying effect is greatest after the first dose and diminishes over time.
Blood-glucose regulation
GLP-1 receptor activation can:
- Increase glucose-dependent insulin secretion;
- Reduce inappropriate glucagon secretion;
- Reduce post-meal glucose excursions; and
- Improve overall blood glucose regulation.
Body composition
Foundayo reduces body weight through greater loss of fat mass than lean mass. Some lean body mass may still be lost during substantial weight reduction. Adequate protein intake, physical activity, and resistance training remain important.
Foundayo dosage
Foundayo is taken orally once daily. It may be taken with or without food.
The tablet should be swallowed whole. It should not be:
- Broken
- Crushed
- Chewed
Patients should not take more than one Foundayo tablet per day.
Dose-escalation schedule
| Treatment stage | Daily dose | Minimum time before next increase |
|---|---|---|
| Starting dose | 0.8 mg | At least 30 days |
| First escalation | 2.5 mg | At least 30 days |
| Second escalation | 5.5 mg | At least 30 days |
| Optional escalation | 9 mg | At least 30 days |
| Optional escalation | 14.5 mg | At least 30 days |
| Maximum dose | 17.2 mg | Maximum recommended daily dose |
Gradual escalation is intended to reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions. The dose may be increased based on:
- Treatment response
- Appetite control
- Weight change
- Side effects
- Medication interactions
- Tolerability
- Clinical judgment
- Patient preference
Not every patient needs or tolerates the maximum dose.
Available strengths
Foundayo tablets are available in:
- 0.8 mg
- 2.5 mg
- 5.5 mg
- 9 mg
- 14.5 mg
- 17.2 mg
Missed dose
Patients should follow the current prescribing information and instructions from their clinician. A patient should not take more than one Foundayo tablet in a single day.
Patients who miss several consecutive doses should contact their prescriber. Restarting at a lower dose may be appropriate in some circumstances to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Foundayo weight-loss results
Foundayo's approval was supported by two 72-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. All participants received counseling on reduced-calorie nutrition and at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week.<ref name="FoundayoLabel">Foundayo prescribing information(link). U.S. Food and Drug Administration.2026-04.Accessed 2026-07-22.</ref>
Adults without type 2 diabetes
Trial 1, NCT05869903, enrolled 3,127 adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition. Participants with type 2 diabetes were excluded.
At baseline:
- Mean body weight was approximately 103.2 kg;
- Mean BMI was approximately 37 kg/m²;
- 40% had hypertension;
- 39% had dyslipidemia; and
- 11% had obstructive sleep apnea.
| Treatment at 72 weeks | Mean weight change | Lost at least 5% | Lost at least 10% | Lost at least 15% | Lost at least 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placebo | −2.1% | 26.8% | 13.0% | 6.0% | 2.9% |
| Foundayo 5.5 mg | −7.4% | 59.6% | 32.5% | 14.3% | 5.9% |
| Foundayo 9 mg | −8.3% | 63.1% | 39.8% | 20.1% | 8.9% |
| Foundayo 17.2 mg | −11.1% | 71.5% | 54.5% | 35.9% | 18.4% |
Adults with type 2 diabetes
Trial 2, NCT05872620, enrolled 1,613 adults with BMI of at least 27 kg/m² and type 2 diabetes.
At baseline:
- Mean body weight was approximately 101.4 kg;
- Mean BMI was approximately 35.6 kg/m²;
- Mean HbA1c was approximately 8%;
- 74% had hypertension;
- 71% had dyslipidemia; and
- 13% had obstructive sleep apnea.
| Treatment at 72 weeks | Mean weight change | Lost at least 5% | Lost at least 10% | Lost at least 15% | Lost at least 20% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placebo | −2.5% | 26.8% | 9.2% | 3.1% | 0.7% |
| Foundayo 5.5 mg | −5.1% | 47.4% | 22.5% | 6.7% | 2.6% |
| Foundayo 9 mg | −7.0% | 54.7% | 31.1% | 14.4% | 4.4% |
| Foundayo 17.2 mg | −9.6% | 67.0% | 45.6% | 25.9% | 10.8% |
Understanding the results
The results are treatment-group averages and do not predict an individual patient's outcome.
Weight loss may vary according to:
- Dose
- Treatment duration
- Medication adherence
- Starting weight
- Presence of type 2 diabetes
- Nutrition
- Physical activity
- Sleep
- Side effects
- Other medications
- Individual biological response
The pivotal trials were placebo-controlled. They were not direct head-to-head comparisons with Wegovy injection or Zepbound.
Waist circumference and metabolic measurements
Foundayo was associated with improvements in several secondary measurements.
At 17.2 mg, mean waist-circumference reduction at 72 weeks was:
- Approximately 10 cm among participants without diabetes, compared with 3.1 cm with placebo; and
- Approximately 8.3 cm among participants with type 2 diabetes, compared with 2.8 cm with placebo.
Changes were also observed in systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, and some lipid measurements. These findings do not mean Foundayo is separately approved to treat every cardiovascular or metabolic condition.
Side effects
The most commonly reported adverse reactions were gastrointestinal.
| Adverse reaction | Placebo | Foundayo 5.5 mg | Foundayo 9 mg | Foundayo 17.2 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 10% | 26% | 34% | 35% |
| Constipation | 9% | 20% | 27% | 24% |
| Diarrhea | 11% | 21% | 23% | 25% |
| Vomiting | 4% | 13% | 21% | 24% |
| Indigestion | 4% | 12% | 16% | 13% |
| Abdominal pain | 7% | 13% | 14% | 14% |
| Headache | 7% | 8% | 9% | 9% |
| Abdominal distension | 3% | 7% | 9% | 8% |
| Fatigue | 4% | 6% | 7% | 9% |
| Belching | 1% | 6% | 8% | 8% |
| Gastroesophageal reflux disease | 2% | 6% | 6% | 7% |
| Flatulence | 2% | 5% | 6% | 6% |
| Hair loss | 2% | 4% | 4% | 5% |
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were more common during dose escalation and generally decreased over time.
Gastrointestinal adverse reactions occurred in:
- 37% of placebo recipients;
- 60% of patients receiving Foundayo 5.5 mg;
- 68% receiving 9 mg; and
- 69% receiving 17.2 mg.
Most gastrointestinal reactions were mild or moderate, although severe reactions occurred in some patients.
Warnings and contraindications
Boxed warning: thyroid C-cell tumors
Foundayo carries a boxed warning concerning the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.
It is contraindicated in patients with:
- A personal history of medullary thyroid carcinoma;
- A family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma; or
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Patients should report:
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Persistent hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
The relevance of GLP-1-associated thyroid tumors observed in animals to humans remains uncertain.
Acute pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis has been reported in patients receiving Foundayo.
Possible symptoms include:
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain
- Pain that may radiate to the back
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If pancreatitis is suspected, Foundayo should be discontinued and appropriate evaluation initiated.
Severe gastrointestinal reactions
Foundayo can cause gastrointestinal adverse reactions that are sometimes severe. It is not recommended for patients with severe gastroparesis.
Acute kidney injury and dehydration
Persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may cause dehydration and contribute to acute kidney injury. Kidney function may require monitoring, particularly during treatment initiation and dose escalation.
Hypoglycemia
Foundayo lowers blood glucose. The risk of hypoglycemia may be higher when it is combined with:
- Insulin
- Sulfonylurea medications
- Other treatments that can produce low blood glucose
Adjustment of another glucose-lowering medication may be necessary.
Hypersensitivity reactions
Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Foundayo is contraindicated in patients with a previous serious hypersensitivity reaction to orforglipron or any ingredient in the product.
Diabetic retinopathy
Rapid improvement in glucose control may temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy. Patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of retinopathy may require monitoring.
Gallbladder disease
Foundayo and other GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with acute gallbladder disease, including gallstones and cholecystitis.
Patients should report:
- Persistent upper-right abdominal pain
- Fever
- Jaundice
- Clay-colored stool
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
Surgery, anesthesia, and deep sedation
Foundayo delays gastric emptying. Patients should tell their surgeon, anesthesiologist, dentist, gastroenterologist, and other procedural clinicians that they take Foundayo.
Patients should not independently stop or continue Foundayo before a procedure without individualized medical instructions.
Pregnancy and reproductive considerations
Weight loss provides no benefit during pregnancy and may cause fetal harm. Foundayo should be discontinued when pregnancy is recognized.
Patients should tell their prescriber if they:
- Are pregnant
- Think they may be pregnant
- Are planning pregnancy
- Are breastfeeding
The prescribing information advises discontinuing Foundayo at least 30 days before a planned pregnancy.
Foundayo may reduce the effectiveness of oral hormonal contraceptives during treatment initiation and after dose escalation. Patients using oral hormonal contraception should discuss whether to use a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after each dose increase.
Drug interactions
Foundayo may interact with other medicines through CYP3A4 metabolism, OATP1B transport, delayed gastric emptying, and its effects on blood glucose.
CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers
The maximum Foundayo dose is 9 mg once daily when used with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors that also inhibit OATP1B, such as ritonavir, should be avoided.
Strong CYP3A4 inducers should generally be avoided because they may reduce Foundayo exposure and effectiveness.
Simvastatin
The prescribing information advises not exceeding 20 mg of simvastatin once daily when it is used with Foundayo.
Insulin and sulfonylureas
Concurrent treatment may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Adjustment of insulin or a sulfonylurea may be necessary.
Other oral medications
Delayed gastric emptying may affect the absorption of oral medications that:
- Have a narrow therapeutic index;
- Require rapid absorption;
- Depend on precise blood concentrations; or
- Are sensitive to gastrointestinal transit time.
Patients should give the Foundayo doctor a complete list of prescription medicines, nonprescription drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
Other GLP-1 medications
Foundayo should not be used with another orforglipron-containing product or another GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Patients should not combine Foundayo with medications such as Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Zepbound, or Mounjaro unless future approved labeling specifically permits such use.
Foundayo compared with Wegovy and Zepbound
| Feature | Foundayo | Wegovy | Zepbound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Orforglipron | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
| Medication type | Nonpeptide GLP-1 receptor agonist | Peptide GLP-1 receptor agonist | Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Form | Tablet | Injection or product-specific oral formulation | Injection |
| Frequency | Once daily | Product-dependent | Once weekly |
| Injection required | No | Yes for injectable Wegovy | Yes |
| Food restrictions | May be taken with or without food | Depend on formulation | Not applicable to injection |
| Specific OSA indication | No | No specific OSA-treatment indication | Yes, for qualifying adults with obesity and moderate-to-severe OSA |
Foundayo should not automatically be described as better or worse than Wegovy or Zepbound. The pivotal Foundayo trials were not direct head-to-head weight-management comparisons with those medications.
Selection should consider:
- Expected weight-loss response
- Oral versus injectable preference
- Daily versus weekly dosing
- Side effects
- Contraindications
- Drug interactions
- Diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Insurance coverage
- Cost
- Medication availability
- Previous treatment response
There is no direct dose equivalence between Foundayo, Semaglutide, and Tirzepatide.
Insurance coverage and prior authorization
Insurance coverage for Foundayo may depend on:
- Formulary placement
- Coverage of obesity medications
- BMI
- Qualifying comorbidities
- Previous treatment attempts
- Step therapy
- Prescriber-network requirements
- Pharmacy requirements
- Prior authorization
- Copay, deductible, or coinsurance
- Continued-coverage criteria
W8MD accepts many insurance plans for qualifying medical weight-loss visits.
When Foundayo coverage is available and the patient satisfies the insurer's BMI, comorbidity, and other requirements, W8MD may help by:
- Documenting height, weight, and BMI
- Recording obesity-related conditions
- Reviewing previous weight-loss attempts
- Documenting previous medications
- Submitting prior-authorization information
- Responding to requests for additional records
- Discussing formulary alternatives
- Assisting with renewal documentation
W8MD may also be able to submit a pharmacy prior authorization when it does not participate in the patient's medical insurance network, provided the pharmacy benefit accepts prescriptions and authorization requests from an out-of-network provider.
Insurance approval is controlled by the plan and cannot be guaranteed.
Finding a Foundayo doctor near NYC, New Jersey, or Philadelphia
Patients searching for a local Foundayo prescriber should choose a clinician who provides more than a prescription.
A qualified Foundayo doctor should evaluate:
- FDA eligibility
- BMI and waist measurements
- Obesity-related medical conditions
- Current medications
- Drug interactions
- Contraindications
- Previous GLP-1 treatment
- Nutrition and protein intake
- Risk of muscle loss
- Side effects
- Insurance requirements
- Long-term maintenance
Foundayo doctors in NYC and Brooklyn
W8MD's Brooklyn office serves patients seeking a Foundayo doctor in:
- Brooklyn
- Manhattan
- Queens
- Staten Island
- The Bronx
- Long Island
- The greater New York City area
Brooklyn / NYC office:
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa
2632 East 21st Street, Suite L3
Brooklyn, New York 11235
Phone: (718) 946-5500
Foundayo doctors serving New Jersey
W8MD may serve eligible New Jersey patients through an appropriate W8MD office or telemedicine pathway, subject to:
- The patient's New Jersey location
- Provider licensure
- Current telemedicine requirements
- Medical eligibility
- Need for an in-person examination
- Insurance-network and pharmacy rules
New Jersey patients may seek care for:
- Foundayo evaluation
- Oral GLP-1 treatment
- Wegovy or Zepbound evaluation
- GLP-1 prior authorization
- Affordable Semaglutide or Tirzepatide alternatives
- Long-term weight maintenance
W8MD does not currently list a physical New Jersey office. Patients should contact W8MD to determine the appropriate pathway.
Foundayo doctors in Greater Philadelphia
W8MD's Northeast Philadelphia office serves patients from:
- Northeast Philadelphia
- Center City and other Philadelphia communities
- Bucks County
- Montgomery County
- Delaware County
- Chester County
- South Jersey
- The Greater Philadelphia region
Philadelphia office:
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep and MedSpa
1718 Welsh Road, 2nd Floor, Suite C
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19115
Phone: (215) 676-2334
How W8MD can help
W8MD physicians have more than 20 years of medical weight-management experience. W8MD has offered physician-supervised programs since 2011 and has helped thousands of patients work toward weight loss and long-term maintenance.
Personalized Foundayo evaluation
W8MD can determine whether Foundayo is medically appropriate by reviewing:
- BMI and weight history
- Comorbid medical conditions
- Current medications
- Drug interactions
- Previous weight-loss treatment
- Previous GLP-1 response
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Pancreatitis and gallbladder history
- Thyroid-cancer risk
- Kidney and liver considerations
- Diabetes and blood-glucose treatment
- Pregnancy potential
- Preference for a tablet or injection
- Insurance and affordability
Choosing between oral and injectable treatment
W8MD can compare Foundayo with:
- Wegovy tablets
- Wegovy injection
- Wegovy HD
- Zepbound
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
- Saxenda
- Traditional prescription weight loss medications
The newest medication is not automatically the best medication for every patient.
Alternatives when Foundayo is not covered
If Foundayo is excluded, denied, unavailable, unaffordable, contraindicated, or not preferred, W8MD may discuss:
- Insurance-covered Wegovy or Zepbound
- Affordable Semaglutide-based treatment
- Affordable Tirzepatide-based treatment
- Phentermine
- Phentermine/topiramate
- Qsymia
- Contrave
- Orlistat
- Diethylpropion
- Phendimetrazine
- Metformin
- Nutrition and meal-replacement plans
- Behavioral treatment
- Self-pay treatment pathways
Current W8MD starting prices may include:
| W8MD pathway | Starting price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits | From $29.99/week and up | Price generally increases with dose |
| Tirzepatide with insurance accepted for qualifying visits | From $45/week and up | Subject to medical eligibility and availability |
| Self-pay Semaglutide | From $59.99/week and up | Fully self-pay pathway |
| Self-pay Tirzepatide | From $69.99/week and up | Price varies by dose and treatment plan |
Prices are starting prices and are not guaranteed for every patient or dose. Medical visits, laboratory testing, program fees, copays, deductibles, medication costs, and pharmacy charges may be separate.
Nutrition and muscle-preservation support
Reduced appetite can make it difficult to consume adequate nutrition. W8MD may provide guidance concerning:
- Protein-rich foods
- Lean protein
- Hydration
- Fiber
- Meal size
- Management of nausea or constipation
- Resistance training
- Preservation of lean body mass
- Meal planning
- Low-glycemic diet
- Low-carbohydrate diet
- Meal replacements
Sleep evaluation
Poor sleep and untreated obstructive sleep apnea may contribute to fatigue, appetite dysregulation, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and difficulty maintaining weight loss.
W8MD may evaluate eligible patients for:
Long-term maintenance
Obesity is a chronic disease. W8MD helps patients plan for weight maintenance by addressing:
- Continued medication when appropriate
- Dose reassessment
- Return of hunger or food noise
- Nutrition
- Protein intake
- Physical activity
- Resistance training
- Sleep
- Weight plateaus
- Treatment interruptions
- Prevention of weight regain
W8MD patient results
Results disclaimer: This testimonial describes an individual W8MD medical weight-loss experience and does not establish that the patient used Foundayo. Individual results vary according to treatment, dose, adherence, medical conditions, nutrition, activity, sleep, and biological response.
Frequently asked questions
What is Foundayo?
Foundayo is the brand name for Orforglipron, an FDA-approved once-daily oral GLP-1 receptor agonist used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in qualifying adults.
Is Foundayo FDA-approved?
Yes. The FDA approved Foundayo for chronic weight management on April 1, 2026.
Is Foundayo a pill or an injection?
Foundayo is a tablet taken by mouth. It does not require an injection.
Does Foundayo have to be taken on an empty stomach?
No. According to its FDA-approved prescribing information, Foundayo may be taken with or without food and should be swallowed whole.
What is the starting dose?
The starting dose is 0.8 mg once daily. After at least 30 days, the dose is increased to 2.5 mg and later to 5.5 mg. Additional increases depend on response and tolerability.
What is the maximum Foundayo dose?
The maximum recommended dose is 17.2 mg once daily.
How much weight did patients lose with Foundayo?
In the 72-week trial involving adults without type 2 diabetes, average weight reduction ranged from 7.4% with 5.5 mg to 11.1% with 17.2 mg, compared with 2.1% with placebo. Individual results vary.
What are the most common side effects?
Common adverse effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal discomfort, bloating, belching, reflux, headache, and fatigue.
Can Foundayo be taken with Wegovy, Ozempic, or Zepbound?
Foundayo should not be combined with another GLP-1 receptor agonist or another orforglipron-containing product.
Is Foundayo better than Wegovy or Zepbound?
No single medication is best for every patient. Foundayo offers oral administration, while Wegovy and Zepbound have different mechanisms, dosing schedules, indications, and clinical-trial results. Direct dose equivalence should not be assumed.
Does Foundayo have a thyroid warning?
Yes. Foundayo carries a boxed warning concerning the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. It is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2.
Can Foundayo be used during pregnancy?
No. Foundayo should not be used for weight loss during pregnancy. The prescribing information advises stopping it at least 30 days before a planned pregnancy.
Will insurance cover Foundayo?
Coverage varies. Insurers may consider formulary status, BMI, comorbidities, previous treatment, step therapy, provider-network requirements, and prior authorization.
Can W8MD help obtain prior authorization?
When Foundayo is covered and the patient meets the insurer's criteria, W8MD may document medical necessity and submit the required clinical information. Approval is controlled by the insurance company.
Where can I find a Foundayo doctor in NYC?
W8MD provides Foundayo and medical weight-loss evaluations at its Brooklyn office, serving patients from Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, Long Island, and surrounding New York City communities.
Does W8MD serve Foundayo patients from New Jersey?
W8MD may serve eligible New Jersey patients through an appropriate office or telemedicine pathway, depending on provider licensure, patient location, medical needs, and current telemedicine requirements.
Where can I find a Foundayo doctor in Philadelphia?
W8MD's Northeast Philadelphia office serves Philadelphia, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Chester County, South Jersey, and the Greater Philadelphia area.
What if Foundayo is not covered or is not right for me?
W8MD can discuss Wegovy, Zepbound, Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, traditional prescription medications, nutrition programs, and other evidence-based alternatives.
Request a Foundayo doctor appointment
W8MD serves eligible patients seeking Foundayo and physician-supervised medical weight loss in New York City, Brooklyn, New Jersey, Philadelphia, and the Greater Philadelphia region.
Brooklyn / NYC: (718) 946-5500
Philadelphia / Greater Philadelphia: (215) 676-2334
See also
- Orforglipron
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- GLP-1 weight loss injections
- Wegovy pill
- Wegovy for weight loss
- Wegovy HD
- Semaglutide weight loss
- Zepbound for weight loss
- Tirzepatide weight loss
- Saxenda
- Retatrutide
- CagriSema
- Prescription weight loss medications
- Insurance GLP-1 shots
- GLP-1 prior authorization
- Medical weight loss
- Weight loss maintenance
- NYC medical weight loss
- Philadelphia medical weight loss
- New Jersey weight loss
References
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External links
- FDA-approved Foundayo prescribing information
- FDA Foundayo approval announcement
- Official Foundayo website
- Medicare coverage of weight-loss medications
- Foundayo trial in adults without type 2 diabetes
- Foundayo trial in adults with type 2 diabetes
