Published on Jan. 21, 2026
The conversation around weight management is rapidly evolving. Once dominated by diet plans, exercise programs and injectable medications, the landscape is now expanding to include non-injectable GLP-1 medications, such as oral pills. These emerging treatments are drawing interest from patients looking for effective, less invasive ways to manage obesity and metabolic health — and from clinicians who see them as another important tool in a comprehensive care plan.
At MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, the Surgical Weight Loss Program is an Accredited Comprehensive Center designated by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) — a distinction that reflects the highest standards of quality and patient safety. This accreditation underscores the program’s commitment to evidence-based care and multidisciplinary support for patients seeking lasting weight-loss solutions.
As obesity rates continue to rise nationwide, experts emphasize that there is no single solution that works for everyone. Instead, long-term success often depends on personalized treatment plans that may include lifestyle changes, medications and, for some patients, bariatric surgery.
“Obesity is a chronic disease, not a personal failure,” says Michael Russo, M.D., bariatric surgeon, Surgical Weight Loss Program, MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. “As our understanding of metabolic health improves, we’re seeing more innovative therapies that can help patients regulate appetite, improve insulin sensitivity and support sustainable weight loss. The growing popularity of GLP-1 medications — including pill-based options — reflects a broader shift in how obesity is treated.”
Understanding GLP-1 Medications and How They Work
GLP-1 medications — short for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists — were originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes. Researchers later discovered that these medications also influence appetite regulation and digestion, leading to significant weight loss in many patients.
GLP-1 medications work by:
- Slowing stomach emptying, which helps patients feel fuller longer
- Reducing appetite and food cravings
- Regulating blood sugar levels
- Improving insulin sensitivity
Traditionally, most GLP-1 medications have been delivered through injections. While effective, injections can be a barrier for some patients due to discomfort, needle anxiety or concerns about long-term adherence.
That’s where non-injectable GLP-1 oral pills come in.
“The introduction of oral GLP-1 medications is exciting because it gives patients another option,” Russo said. “For individuals who are hesitant about injections, pills may feel more accessible and easier to incorporate into daily routines.”
Why Non-Injectable GLP-1 Options Are Gaining Popularity
The growing interest in GLP-1 pills is driven by several factors, including convenience, patient comfort and broader acceptance of medication-assisted weight management.
For many patients, taking a daily pill feels more familiar than administering an injection. This perceived simplicity can improve consistency, which is a critical factor in achieving and maintaining weight loss.
However, experts caution that convenience does not mean these medications are a quick fix.
“GLP-1 medications, whether injectable or oral, are not magic solutions,” Russo said. “They are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive plan that includes nutrition, physical activity and behavioral support.”
Benefits of Non-Injectable GLP-1 Medications
When appropriately prescribed and monitored, non-injectable GLP-1 medications may offer several benefits for patients managing obesity and metabolic health.
Potential benefits include:
- Appetite control and reduced caloric intake
- Improved blood sugar regulation
- Weight loss that supports overall metabolic health
- An alternative for patients unable or unwilling to use injections
These medications may be particularly helpful for patients in the early stages of weight management or those who need medical support but are not ready or eligible for surgery.
Still, they are not suitable for everyone.
“Patient selection is critical,” Russo said. “These medications must be prescribed by experienced clinicians who understand a patient’s medical history, goals and long-term needs.”
Where GLP-1 Medications Fit in a Comprehensive Care Plan
At the Surgical Weight Loss Center, at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, GLP-1 medications are not viewed as standalone treatments. Instead, they are thoughtfully integrated into individualized care plans when appropriate.
The Surgical Weight Loss Center’s nationally recognized surgical team offers a full spectrum of minimally invasive bariatric surgery options.
“Our approach is not ‘medication versus surgery,’” Russo said. “It’s about finding the right combination of tools for each patient.”
For some individuals, GLP-1 medications may serve as:
- A first step toward weight loss
- A bridge to bariatric surgery, by getting people to a healthy weight so they are ready for surgery
- A complementary therapy before or after surgery
- A long-term medical management option
The center’s multidisciplinary model ensures patients receive support well beyond medication alone.
A Multidisciplinary Program Designed for Long-Term Success
The Surgical Weight Loss Program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center is built on the understanding that sustainable weight loss requires far more than a surgical procedure. The program is intentionally designed to surround patients with continuous, specialized support before and long after surgery — a level of care that distinguishes it as one of the most comprehensive weight loss programs in Southern California.
Patients are supported by a multidisciplinary team that includes experienced bariatric surgeons, registered dietitians, physical therapists, psychologists and a dedicated nurse navigator who work collaboratively to address every aspect of weight loss and metabolic health. This integrated approach ensures patients receive consistent guidance on nutrition, movement, behavior change and emotional well-being, all of which are critical to achieving lasting results.
Education is a cornerstone of the program. Patients participate in structured educational seminars that prepare them for the realities of surgery and life afterward, while weekly support groups provide ongoing accountability, peer connection and encouragement throughout the journey. Long-term follow-up care is embedded into the program, reinforcing healthy habits and allowing the care team to adjust treatment plans as patients’ needs evolve over time.
When Surgery Is the Right Option
While GLP-1 medications offer promising results, they may not provide sufficient or lasting weight loss for patients with severe obesity or complex medical conditions.
For these individuals, bariatric surgery remains one of the most effective long-term treatments.
The Surgical Weight Loss Program offers advanced procedures, including:
- Gastric sleeve surgery - Reduces the size of the stomach to help feel full sooner and supports natural, sustainable weight loss.
- Gastric bypass surgery - Alters the digestive process to maximize weight reduction and improve long-term results.
- Revision weight-loss surgery - Corrects or enhances previous procedures for better outcomes.
- Lap-Band® removal surgery - While the MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center does not perform Lap-Band® placement, MemorialCare specializes in safe removal and offers alternative surgical weight-loss options tailored to the patient’s needs. The removal is performed laparoscopically, followed by a short hospital stay to promote comfort and recovery.
Since the program’s inception, more than 12,500 bariatric surgeries have been performed by experienced, board-certified surgeons using minimally invasive techniques designed for faster recovery and improved outcomes.
“Surgery is not a last resort — it’s a powerful tool,” Russo said. “And for many patients, it dramatically reduces obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Weight Management
The emergence of non-injectable GLP-1 medications signals a future where weight management is more personalized, flexible and patient-centered than ever before.
As research continues, experts anticipate expanded options that combine medication, surgery and behavioral health strategies to support lifelong wellness.
“The future of weight management is not one-size-fits-all,” Russo said. “It’s about meeting patients where they are and giving them access to innovative options that support lasting health.”
The Journey to Lasting Weight Loss Starts Here
For those struggling with weight loss despite diet, exercise or medications, help is available.
The Surgical Weight Loss Program at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center specializes in helping patients achieve sustainable results through advanced bariatric surgery and comprehensive support. From the initial consultation through long-term follow-up, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, dietitians, psychologists, and nurses supports patients at every step of their journey.
To learn more about medical and surgical weight-loss options, call (714) 378-7622 or speak with a primary care physician about a referral.
About the Author
Dr. Michael Russo, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained bariatric, gastro-esophageal, and general surgeon at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center's Surgical Weight Loss Program, specializing in minimally invasive and robotic techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes for his patients.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine, followed by a surgical internship, research fellowship, and five-year general surgery residency at the University of Nevada School of Medicine, where he served as chief resident. Dr. Russo then completed advanced training in bariatric, minimally invasive, and robotic surgery through the prestigious fellowship at Stanford Hospital & Clinics, where he also served as a faculty surgeon.
Recognized as a leader in his field, Dr. Russo was an assistant professor and director of the Southwestern Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, a state-of-the-art education and simulation facility.
He is an active member of the American College of Surgeons, ASMBS, SAGES, and other professional organizations, serving on multiple leadership committees. Dr. Russo is committed to using the most advanced and safest technologies to improve the quality of his patients’ lives.