Oral GLP-1s Are About to Be the Next Big Craze: My Experience, the Science, and What Millions Need to Know

Oral GLP-1 medications are about to take over the conversation around weight loss, diabetes care, and metabolic health—and honestly, I understand why. I’ll be the first to admit: I’ve used semaglutide before. And for someone like me, who tried everything under the sun to lose weight, the effects were real.

Let me be upfront. I’ve gone days barely eating. I’ve tried eating just one meal a day. I went full carnivore, full keto. I exercised, I fasted, and I followed every suggestion from my doctor friends. And I already know someone reading this will say, “You must not have done something right.” But believe me—I tried everything.

Still, the weight wouldn’t budge.

So when I tried semaglutide, it worked. I’m always honest about that. I never saw it as a forever solution, but I viewed it as a tool—a short-term assist for two or three months to help me reach a healthier place where I could continue the journey on my own. I understood the responsibility and the potential side effects.

Now, as oral GLP-1 medications approach FDA review and likely approval, I believe they could help millions of people facing the same uphill battle I faced. But I also fear many won’t change their habits, turning this into a long-term cycle of relying on medication without addressing lifestyle.

And this matters because obesity isn’t just weight—it’s serious, chronic disease.

Obesity Is a Chronic Medical Condition—Not a Character Flaw

Obesity is a chronic health condition that increases the risk of:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Sleep apnea
• Certain cancers
• Stroke
• Liver disease
• And more

This isn’t about willpower. It’s biology, environment, lifestyle, stress, socioeconomic factors, and sometimes genetics.

Current GLP-1 treatments for obesity rely on daily or weekly injectable medications that come with drawbacks:

• Cold chain distribution and storage (must stay refrigerated)
• Needle-related discomfort
• Injection site reactions
• Fear or avoidance of self-injections

This is why an oral GLP-1 pill has the potential to transform metabolic health care.

What Exactly Is Oral Semaglutide?

Oral semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that:

• Helps regulate blood sugar
• Reduces appetite
• Supports significant weight loss
• Lowers cardiovascular risk

It is currently approved for type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise. But researchers are now evaluating a higher-dose tablet specifically for weight loss.

And what’s coming could shift the entire health landscape.

The Upcoming Pill: What You Need to Know

The 25 mg oral semaglutide—essentially Wegovy in tablet form—is expected to be reviewed by the FDA by late 2025. It is not yet approved for weight loss, but if it passes, it will be the first oral GLP-1 weight-loss medication ever released.

Inside the 72-Week Study: Major Findings

The pivotal study followed participants for 72 weeks, including:

• A 1-week screening
• A 64-week treatment period
• A 7-week follow-up period

Patients received either oral semaglutide or a placeb

Primary Outcomes

• Relative body-weight reduction
• Percentage who achieved ≥5% weight loss

Secondary Outcomes

• Participants achieving 10%, 15%, and 20%+ weight loss
• BMI changes
• Waist circumference
• Blood pressure (systolic & diastolic)
• Quality-of-life improvements
• Glycemic control
• Cardiovascular risk markers

These results weren’t just about appearance—they were about life-changing metabolic improvement.

The Results Were Impressive

A total of:

• 205 people received oral semaglutide
• 102 people received placebo

Here’s what researchers found:

• Oral semaglutide users lost –13.6% of body weight
• Placebo users lost –2.2%

Patients on oral semaglutide were also more likely to lose:

• 5% of body weight
• 10%
• 15%
• 20% or more

Even participants who didn’t achieve high levels of weight loss still saw improvements in cardiovascular and glycemic markers.

Side Effects: What to Know

GLP-1 medications are known for gastrointestinal effects. In this study:

• 74% on semaglutide experienced GI side effects
• 42.2% on placebo did

These included nausea, stomach discomfort, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

STEP UP Trial: Higher Doses, Bigger Transformations

The STEP UP (NCT05646706) phase 3b trial evaluated an even higher 7.2 mg dose and found that patients:

• Achieved a BMI below 27
• Reduced waist-to-height ratios to under 0.53
• Met healthy targets for at least two cardiovascular risk factors
  • Blood pressure
  • Cholesterol
  • Blood glucose

This shows that oral GLP-1s improve full-body health—not just the scale.

Improved Physical Function: A Hidden Benefit

Among participants with low physical function at the start:

• 77.3% on oral semaglutide improved significantly
• 42.9% on placebo improved

That’s a massive difference, showing how GLP-1s can enhance mobility, daily energy, and overall quality of life.

Why Oral GLP-1s Could Change Everything

Today’s GLP-1s—Ozempic, Wegovy, and others—are administered through weekly injections. And while that injection is small, fear of needles discourages countless people.

A pill form erases that barrier.

While all oral medications face challenges with absorption, higher oral doses are showing impressive effectiveness.

This is a major shift in obesity and diabetes care.

My Final Thoughts: Health Is a Partnership—Not a Shortcut

Let me say this clearly:

• Do your research.
• Talk to your doctor.
• Make informed choices.

Don’t lean on medication alone. Oral GLP-1s can help you take control, but they don’t replace discipline, self-care, and eating habits that honor your body.

Your health is your responsibility—and your opportunity.

Ravoke.com supports healthy outcomes, informed wellness decisions, and doing due diligence for all your health needs. We believe in evidence-based solutions, lifestyle empowerment, and giving people real tools to live better.

About the Author

Charles Mattocks is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, author, and global health advocate. The nephew of reggae legend Bob Marley, Charles has dedicated his life to raising awareness about chronic illness, health equity, and personal empowerment.

His groundbreaking television projects — including Reversed and Eight Days — have aired on major networks and inspired audiences across the world. Through film, writing, and health media, Charles continues to champion wellness, education, and evidence-based care for all communities.