FDA Approves Higher-Dose Wegovy and New Oral GLP-1 Drug for Weight Management
Federal regulators approved a higher-dose version of the weight-loss drug Wegovy in April 2026, along with a new once-daily oral GLP-1 tablet called Foundayo. The approvals expand options for patients managing obesity, though researchers note that stopping GLP-1 drugs may reverse their cardiovascular benefits.
Federal regulators approved two new weight management drugs in April 2026, expanding treatment options for patients dealing with obesity.
The FDA approved a higher-dose version of Wegovy, the injectable GLP-1 drug made by Novo Nordisk. The higher dose is expected to produce greater weight loss than the current formulation, though researchers also found it may carry a higher risk of a rare eye condition called "eye stroke," particularly in men.
Regulators also approved Foundayo, a once-daily oral GLP-1 tablet. The pill offers an alternative for patients who prefer not to use injectable medications. GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar.
A separate study found that stopping GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may reverse their cardiovascular benefits. Patients who discontinued the medications saw their heart health improvements fade, raising questions about long-term treatment strategies.
Other research published in April 2026 found that GLP-1 drugs may also help treat anxiety and depression. One study found a 42% lower risk of worsening mental health conditions among users of these medications.
On the cardiovascular front, updated dietary guidelines from the American Heart Association outlined nine steps to improve heart health. Researchers also found that extra abdominal fat, rather than body mass index, is a stronger predictor of heart failure risk.
Young adults aged 30 to 40 with high blood pressure face an increased risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease later in life, according to new data. Modest changes, including 11 extra minutes of sleep and five additional minutes of exercise daily, were found to lower cardiovascular risk.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranked the top 20 worst U.S. cities for pollen allergies in 2026, noting that allergy seasons are getting longer.
