When it comes to weight loss, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, or GLPs, are on their way to becoming America’s sweetheart. Functionally, the drugs work to titrate feelings of satiety, like your appetite. They scramble signals between your brain and your gut.

Originally, the drugs were created to help people with Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels.

Now, a new drug might be arriving on the scene — that was also targeted toward people managing Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet have developed a pill that amplifies metabolic activity in skeletal muscles, helping control blood sugar and break down fat. And where many GLPs tend to be administered via injection, this drug is taken orally — and as of early trials, has fewer side effects.

They also show a better preservation of muscle mass, which can be a concern when someone is quickly losing weight.

Because GLPs work through a different biological mechanism, researchers suggest they could still be used alongside this new drug.

While diet and exercise continue to play a major role in weight loss (and its maintenance), drugs like GLPs and their cousins can help level the playing field for those of us who struggle with feelings of fullness or thoughts overly focused on food.

The drug has been tested in animals and in a phase 1 clinical trial. And, though researchers have their sights set on a phase 2 clinical trial next, these steps still mean it will be some time before this is a readily available option at your next doctor’s visit.

But hey — it’s nice to have things to look forward to.