The takeaway
Two small trials found that people ate less during supervised meal tests while taking oral semaglutide. They offer clues about appetite—not a daily calorie target.
A 20-week study
Researchers randomized 61 adults with obesity to oral semaglutide, increased to 50 mg daily, or placebo. Participants reported less hunger, more fullness, and fewer cravings with semaglutide.
The change in lunchtime energy intake favored semaglutide by 39.2 percentage points. This compared changes from each group’s starting intake at one test lunch; it does not mean everyone ate 39.2% fewer calories every day.
Digestive side effects affected 17 of 30 semaglutide participants versus 10 of 31 receiving placebo. Novo Nordisk sponsored the study.
Not directly comparable; neither is a daily calorie target
20-week study: difference in lunchtime intake change
39.2 percentage points
12-week crossover: intake across a test day
38.9% lower
Original visual based on the studies cited below.
| Group or measure | Result |
|---|---|
| 20-week study: difference in lunchtime intake change | 39.2 percentage points |
| 12-week crossover: intake across a test day | 38.9% lower |
An earlier diabetes study
Fifteen adults with type 2 diabetes received oral semaglutide, increased to 14 mg daily, and placebo in separate 12-week periods. Among 13 evaluable participants, intake across a test lunch, dinner, and snacks was 38.9% lower with semaglutide.
Digestive effects were more frequent. One heart attack during semaglutide treatment led to withdrawal; the study cannot establish causation.
What remains uncertain?
Both studies were small and short. Controlled meals do not capture everyday eating. The earlier study also had lingering weight effects between treatment periods. Neither compared tablets directly with injections.