By Lew Kizer — 2026-11-04 — Health & Nutrition
The short answer
On Nov. 4, 2026, Novo Nordisk raised its 2026 outlook, citing higher expected GLP-1 sales. It reported DKK 5,394 million in third-quarter sales of the Wegovy pill, now sold in eight countries including the U.S., and said it is preparing a U.S. launch of CagriSema in early 2027, subject to regulatory approval. CagriSema is not approved yet.
Key facts
- Novo released third-quarter 2026 results on Nov. 4, 2026.
- Q3 net sales were DKK 79,195 million, up 4% at constant exchange rates (CER). Adjusted operating profit rose 27% at CER to DKK 31,720 million.
- Wegovy pill sales were DKK 5,394 million in Q3. That is a global figure; Novo did not break out U.S. pill sales.
- The Wegovy pill was on sale in eight countries by the end of the quarter, including the U.S., UK, Germany and UAE.
- Novo says the Wegovy family leads U.S. new patient starts with more than 50% of the branded obesity market.
- The Ozempic pill launched in the U.S. in May 2026; Novo says weekly new prescriptions are up about 100% versus the Rybelsus brand before launch.
- CagriSema: 21% weight loss at week 68 in REDEFINE 9 (1.0/1.0 mg dose), and 12.4% vs. 9.1% for tirzepatide 5 mg at week 60 in REIMAGINE 5 (type 2 diabetes with obesity).
- Novo's raised 2026 guidance is adjusted sales and adjusted operating profit growth of -2% to +2% at CER.
KINGSPORT, Tenn., Nov. 4, 2026 — Novo Nordisk raised its outlook for 2026 on Wednesday, saying it now expects more GLP-1 sales than it did three months ago. Its third-quarter report shows the Wegovy pill brought in DKK 5,394 million in the quarter and says the company is getting ready to launch CagriSema in the U.S. in early 2027, if regulators approve it. Last week, Eli Lilly reported its own quarter; our story on Lilly's Q3 and employer coverage covers that side.
This article reports medical news and is not medical advice. SmashMeals is a food company, not a medical provider, and is not affiliated with the companies or researchers named here. Talk with your prescriber before you start, stop or change any medicine.
What Novo reported
Third-quarter net sales were DKK 79,195 million, up 4% at constant exchange rates. Adjusted operating profit rose 27% to DKK 31,720 million. Reported operating profit fell 9%, which Novo says reflects DKK 8.7 billion in one-time, non-cash write-downs, mostly tied to a heart drug program and trimming its manufacturing network.
The Wegovy pill was sold in eight countries by the end of the quarter. Novo says the Wegovy family holds more than 50% of the U.S. branded obesity market for new patient starts. The Ozempic pill, launched in the U.S. in May, has roughly doubled weekly new prescriptions compared with the old Rybelsus brand before launch, according to the company.
"We are particularly pleased to see both US Operations and International Operations deliver sales growth this quarter," CEO Mike Doustdar said in the release. "Our focus is on sustaining this progress through disciplined execution and broader access to our medicines."
One thing to keep straight: the DKK 5,394 million is a worldwide pill figure in Danish kroner. Novo did not say how much of it came from the U.S., and it did not report prices or patient counts in this release.
CagriSema: the next one in line
CagriSema pairs semaglutide with cagrilintide, an amylin-type medicine. Novo listed two newer trial results. In REDEFINE 9, the lower 1.0/1.0 mg dose led to 21% weight loss at week 68. In REIMAGINE 5, in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity, that dose produced 12.4% weight loss at week 60 versus 9.1% for tirzepatide 5 mg, a lower dose of the medicine in Mounjaro and Zepbound. Novo says it is "preparing for the US launch of CagriSema in early 2027, subject to regulatory approval."
Novo's lower-dose and food noise data are due at ObesityWeek, Nov. 14-17; our ObesityWeek preview lists what to watch. CagriSema is not approved anywhere yet.
What it means at the table
A pill is easier for many people than a weekly shot, and that is part of why it caught on. It does not change the eating side. The Wegovy pill is taken on an empty stomach with a wait before eating, so breakfast often moves later. After that, appetite tends to be smaller, and protein has to fit into less food. Our explainer on GLP-1 pills and nutrition goes through the routine.
For a starting point, see our Wegovy meal plan, the illustrative 7-day GLP-1 meal plan and our GLP-1 meal planning page. None of it replaces advice from your prescriber or a registered dietitian.
“When you're on a GLP-1 medication, what you eat matters more, not less. You need high-protein, portion-controlled, nutrient-dense food — and you need to know it's safe. That's exactly what we do.” — Lew Kizer, Founder, SmashMeals
Holidays coming up with a smaller appetite? Our gluten-free Thanksgiving menu sells items one at a time, so you can order what you will actually eat; order by Saturday, November 21, 2026. Pick up locally or order for shipping; checkout confirms timing. See this week's meals.
Commentary, not medical advice
The SmashMeals perspective
More people are starting GLP-1 medicines as pills, and the pill does not change what happens at the table. Appetite is still smaller, and every bite still has to count. We keep meals portioned, protein-forward and labeled so people on a pill, a shot or neither can eat well without doing the math.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Wegovy pill?
It is semaglutide, the same medicine as the Wegovy shot, taken as a daily tablet. It is FDA-approved for weight management in adults. Your prescriber or pharmacist will explain how to take it.
Is DKK 5,394 million a U.S. number?
No. Novo reported that as global Wegovy pill sales for the third quarter, in Danish kroner. It did not give a separate U.S. figure.
When will CagriSema be available?
Novo says it is preparing for a U.S. launch in early 2027, subject to regulatory approval. It is not approved yet, and Novo's release does not give an FDA decision date.
What did REIMAGINE 5 show?
In people with type 2 diabetes and obesity, CagriSema 1.0/1.0 mg led to 12.4% weight loss at week 60 versus 9.1% for tirzepatide 5 mg, with blood sugar control that was non-inferior, according to Novo. Tirzepatide 5 mg is a lower dose of that medicine.
Does this change how I should eat on a GLP-1?
Not by itself. A company's earnings report is not new nutrition guidance. The usual questions still apply: smaller appetite, enough protein and foods your stomach tolerates. Ask your care team what fits you.
Sources and credits
Follow the original sources for context and verification. A reference is not an endorsement of SmashMeals.
- Novo raises full-year outlook on continued GLP-1 momentum, with third-quarter adjusted operating profit increasing 27% at CER to DKK 31,720 million (opens in a new tab)
Novo Nordisk (GlobeNewswire)
Why it matters: The primary release with the sales figures, CagriSema trial numbers, launch timing, guidance and CEO quote.