Oral GLP-1 shows consistent weight loss across menopause stages

Clinical Takeaway: Consider oral orforglipron as a potential weight management option for women across menopausal stages, including those with type 2 diabetes, given consistent ~9%–14% weight loss and high rates of ≥15% reduction at 72 weeks.

Menopause-related hormonal changes can make weight loss more difficult; data suggest oral GLP‑1 therapy may help address this gap across a large, understudied population.

At the ADA 2026 Scientific Sessions, Eli Lilly reported post hoc analyses from the phase 3 ATTAIN-1 and ATTAIN-2 trials showing that orforglipron (Foundayo), a once-daily oral GLP‑1 receptor agonist taken without food or water restrictions, produced significant weight loss in women regardless of menopausal status.

The analysis included more than 1,500 women with overweight or obesity. At 72 weeks in ATTAIN-1 (no diabetes), participants on the highest dose achieved weight loss of up to 28.0 lb (12.8%) in premenopause, 30.4 lb (14.4%) in perimenopause, and 28.2 lb (14.1%) in postmenopause. In ATTAIN-2 (type 2 diabetes), corresponding reductions reached 23.4 lb (11.3%), 18.5 lb (8.9%), and 27.8 lb (13.6%), respectively.

Clinically meaningful weight loss was common: up to 51.5% of participants in ATTAIN-1 and 44.2% in ATTAIN-2 achieved ≥15% weight reduction at the highest dose. Waist circumference also declined substantially, reflecting reductions in central adiposity and cardiometabolic risk.

“Menopause can be an incredibly frustrating time for many women…these findings show that [orforglipron] was associated with meaningful weight loss in women at every stage of menopause,” said Rachel Batterham, MBBS, PhD, Lilly senior vice president.

These findings align with prior GLP‑1 evidence in menopausal populations. As reported in a May 12 Novo Nordisk analysis of semaglutide, women across menopausal stages achieved substantial (~20%+) weight loss along with cardiometabolic and quality-of-life benefits, including reductions in cardiovascular events and migraine risk. Together, the datasets suggest that GLP‑1–based therapies—whether oral or injectable—may offer consistent efficacy during menopause, a historically underexamined but clinically important period for weight and metabolic risk management.

Source: Eli Lilly and Company. Lilly's Foundayo (orforglipron), the only oral GLP-1 taken without food or water restrictions, was associated with significant weight loss in women at every stage of menopause. Presented at the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 86th Scientific Sessions; June 6, 2026.