UAE approves Foundayo obesity pill offering needle-free weight loss / Image: File

In a major health care shift, the United Arab Emirates has approved Foundayo (orfoglypron), a daily oral obesity pill developed by Eli Lilly. The decision by Emirates Drug Establishment places the country among the first countries in the world to introduce needle-free alternatives to injectable weight loss treatments.The approval comes as obesity is increasingly linked to serious long-term conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. The convenience of Foundaio is what makes it different. Unlike injectable GLP-1 medications, it is taken as a simple daily pill and does not require a strict schedule for food or water intake, making it easier for patients to adhere to.

UAE offers needle-free obesity pill weight loss

Despite the growing buzz, Foundation is not for casual or cosmetic use. It will be available only through prescription and under strict medical supervision. Doctors in the UAE are expected to follow clear eligibility guidelines before prescribing a medicine.Patients are typically eligible if they have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which falls under clinical obesity, or a BMI above 27 with associated health conditions. These include metabolic and lifestyle diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and joint stress conditions.Before starting treatment, patients must undergo a detailed medical evaluation. These include blood tests, metabolic checks, and a thorough review of the medical history. Specialists such as endocrinologists and internal medicine specialists will play a central role in determining whether a medication is appropriate, ensuring that its use is targeted and medically appropriate.

How does Foundayo Weight Loss Pill work?

Foundaio belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic natural hormones in the body that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Practically, the drug helps patients feel full earlier, reduce hunger signals, and reduce overall calorie intake without drastic dietary restrictions.Clinical trials have shown strong and consistent results. Patients taking the higher doses experienced an average weight loss of 12.4 percent, with some studies reporting a loss of nearly 12 kilograms over a 72-week period. In addition to weight loss, early findings also suggest improvements in cholesterol levels, blood pressure and markers associated with heart disease risk, pointing to broader metabolic benefits.Also, doctors warn that side effects are possible, especially during the early stages of treatment. Some patients reported nausea, mild digestive discomfort, and gastrointestinal problems, especially when dosage levels were increased. These effects were generally manageable but highlight the importance of medical supervision during the treatment process.

When will it be available in UAE?

The pill is expected to be available in UAE pharmacies from May 2026, but access will be controlled through prescription channels. Health experts are clear that Foundaio is not a shortcut or a one-time solution. Instead, it is designed as part of a long-term treatment plan.In many cases, patients may need to remain on medication for a long time, sometimes lifelong, depending on their condition. Doctors emphasize that stopping the medication without lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise can lead to weight gain again. Medications work best when combined with sustained behavioral changes rather than replacing them.There are also explicit medical exclusions. The medication is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and it may not be suitable for individuals with certain thyroid cancers, endocrine disorders, or severe gastrointestinal and kidney conditions. These restrictions reinforce the need for careful investigation before starting treatment.

Expected price of Foundaio in UAE

Although the official price of Foundaio in the UAE has not yet been confirmed, early estimates suggest it could be placed within the same range as existing GLP-1 treatments. The injectable options currently available in the UAE often cost between Dh800 and Dh1,500 per month, depending on the dose and brand.Industry experts expect Foundaio to be priced competitively within this bracket, although its oral format could impact final pricing depending on demand and insurance coverage. Another important factor will be whether UAE insurers classify the drug under essential obesity treatment or alternative medicine, which could significantly impact patients’ out-of-pocket costs.Affordability is likely to play an important role in adoption. While the convenience of a daily pill is expected to attract strong demand, long-term use means that pricing and insurance support will ultimately determine access to the treatment.

UAE officials insist on security checks

UAE regulators have made it clear that the approval of Foundaio is a controlled medical step, not a mass weight loss solution. The Emirates Drug Establishment said the drug was approved only after a detailed scientific review of its safety, effectiveness and clinical trial performance, adding it was introduced as part of the country’s broader strategy to tackle rising obesity rates.In its official statement, the authority stressed that the move reflects the UAE’s commitment to bringing advanced treatments to patients while maintaining high regulatory standards. Dr Fatima Al Kaabi, Director General of the Authority, said tackling obesity remains a national priority as it is linked to more than 200 diseases, including diabetes, hypertension and cancer. He said the approval marks a shift toward more patient-friendly treatments.Medical experts have also highlighted safety considerations associated with drugs in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class. Clinical data suggests that treatment may cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, especially in the early stages or at higher doses.Regulators also emphasize that the pill is not a stand-alone treatment. It is designed for long-term use as part of a structured obesity management plan that includes lifestyle changes such as diet and physical activity. By combining strict prescription controls with ongoing monitoring, UAE authorities aim to ensure that innovation in treatment does not come at the expense of patient safety while expanding access to effective weight management solutions.[Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.]

New Delhi: Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor Friday termed the proposed delimitation process as “political demonetization” and criticized the Center for linking the implementation of women’s reservation to the expansion of Parliament and redefinition of constituencies based on census.Participating in the debate in the Lok Sabha on three bills related to amendment of the Women’s Reservation Act and setting up of the Delimitation Commission, Tharoor said the government has unnecessarily linked the widely supported reform to a highly contentious political process.Tharoor said, “Delimitation will become political demonetisation. Don’t do that.”She said there was almost unanimous political support across parties for women’s reservation and argued that the measure should be implemented immediately without relying on delimitations.He said, “Today we stand at the threshold where there is almost unanimous political consensus in favor of women’s reservation. Every major party realizes that the time of symbolism is over and the era of mass participation must begin and yet I find myself deeply troubled by the legislative exercise before us.”Tharoor mentioned the Prime Minister Narendra ModiComments supported women’s representation, but said the proposal was burdened with unnecessary conditions.He asked, “The Prime Minister says he has brought the gift of justice ‘Nari Shakti’, but he has wrapped it in barbed wire, linking the implementation of women’s reservation to the expansion of Parliament, 2011 census data and the delimitation process… Why should we confuse a moral imperative with a demographic sphere?”She said that women’s reservation is ready to be implemented on the basis of existing parliamentary strength and there is no need to wait for future reorganization of constituencies.“Women’s reservation is ripe for the harvest and should be implemented immediately on the basis of existing parliamentary strength,” she said.Warning of wider political implications of redrawing of constituencies, Tharoor said delimitation is not just an administrative process but a change in the balance of political power.“Delimitation is not just a bureaucratic rearrangement of maps, it is a profound shift in political power that is intended to…any The delimitation process is fraught with complexities that can tear apart the fabric of our federalism,” he said.He also criticized the speed with which the government was pushing the legislation and compared it to the hasty move of demonetisation.He said, “You have proposed delimitation with such haste, the same haste that you showed on demonetisation. Unfortunately, we all know how much loss this caused to the country. Delimitation will become political demonetization. Don’t do that,” Tharoor said.Tharoor said the opposition supports the principle of women’s reservation but believes it should not be made dependent on the future delimitation process. She called for wide-ranging discussions with all political parties, saying that both women’s representation and delimitation had a significant impact on India’s electoral structure and federal balance.The debate took place after the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, aimed at amending the women’s quota law, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Thursday following a division of votes.Two additional general bills, the Delimitation Bill and the Union Territory Laws (Amendment) Bill, were also introduced to facilitate the implementation of the proposed amended women’s quota law in the Union Territories of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir.

Kolkata Knight Riders fast bowler Karthik Tyagi has come to the defense of his teammate and T20 World Cup winner Varun Chakravarthy and extended support to him to recover from his poor spell ahead of KKR’s clash against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Friday.

Chakraborty has endured Difficult start to the new season of the Indian Premier LeagueGiving more than 11 runs per over in the three matches played so far, without taking any wicket. Tyagi, who himself has made a comeback after an injury-filled start to his career, believes overcoming such phases is what ultimately shapes a cricketer.

“Every cricketer goes through periods where performance declines. But such periods help you grow and become a better bowler,” Tyagi told reporters ahead of the GT clash. “Maybe this is that phase for Varun bhaiya, and he will come out of it stronger.”

Can Chakravarthy end KKR’s struggle?

Chakraborty’s struggle is linked to India’s T20 World Cup campaign. The top-ranked T20 bowler made a strong start to the tournament, taking nine wickets in the first four matches at an impressive economy rate of 5.17. However, his form declined after this and he finished the tournament with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 9.25.

Against an emerging Gujarat Titans teamKKR will be hoping that their premier spinner can stop his slump and help turn around his and the team’s fortunes. The franchise is enduring one of its worst starts IPL season, having lost its first four matches. The only point they have so far managed to get is a washout against Punjab Kings.

Tyagi said, “I think it is a mixture of things. Luck has not been on our side in some matches. Things worked for us in the last game. We need to show better intentions to move forward. Not winning hurts the entire team, but we are trying to do our best from here.”

After their clash against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, KKR will return home to take on the in-form Rajasthan Royals on Sunday, April 19.

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बद्रीनाथ हाईवे वैकल्पिक मार्ग के भूस्खलन क्षेत्र में खतरा बरकरार है। पिलंग के पास संकरी सड़क और तीखे मोड़ भी परेशानी का सबब बने हुए हैं।

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बद्रीनाथ हाईवे के वैकल्पिक नंदप्रयाग-सैकोट-कोठियालसैंण-चमोली (12 किमी) मार्ग पर सैकोट गांव के पास खतरा है. यहां करीब 20 मीटर क्षेत्र में जमीन धंसने से सड़क संकरी हो गई है, जिससे वाहनों का चलना मुश्किल हो रहा है।

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इसके अलावा पिलंग के पास संकरी सड़क और तीखे मोड़ भी परेशानी का सबब बने हुए हैं। बरसात के मौसम में बदरीनाथ हाईवे के पार्थदीप भूस्खलन जोन में भूस्खलन सक्रिय हो जाते हैं। फिर प्रशासन सैकोट-कोठियालसैंण मार्ग से पर्यटक वाहनों की आवाजाही की व्यवस्था करता है। इस वैकल्पिक मार्ग की स्थिति शुरुआत में करीब चार किलोमीटर तक बेहतर है. इसके बाद सकोट और पिलंग गांव के बीच कुछ स्थानों पर स्थिति उबड़-खाबड़ है।

ये भी पढ़ें…उत्तराखंड: देहरादून समेत चार जिलों के सभी मदरसों की जांच के आदेश, बाहरी राज्यों से बच्चों को लाने का मामला

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