Decoding GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications

GLP-1 medications are changing how we approach weight loss — and everyone is talking about them. Originally created to help people living with type 2 diabetes, drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy have skyrocketed in popularity for their powerful effects on weight loss. From celebrity endorsements to social media buzz, these medications have sparked excitement, debate, and many questions. How do they work? How effective are they? Are they right for me? We will explore what you need to know about GLP-1s.

What are GLP-1 medications and how do they work?

“GLP-1” stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. GLP-1 is a hormone your body makes that helps control your blood sugar levels and appetite.

When you eat, GLP-1 is released in your gut. Here is what it does:

• Tells your pancreas to release insulin, which lowers blood sugar
• Slows how fast your food leaves your stomach, so you feel full longer
• Sends signals to your brain to reduce feelings of hunger

Some weight-loss and diabetes medications are called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which means they copy this natural hormone and boost its effects. Examples of GLP-1s include semaglutide (Wegovy), and liraglutide (Saxenda).

Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is a drug that works in two ways; it activates both GLP-1 and another hormone known as GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). GIP works with GLP-1 to lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and also helps your body process fat.

Other brand-name GLP-1 medications you might recognize, like Mounjaro, aren’t officially approved by the FDA for weight loss. However, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe them for weight loss as an off-label use, to help patients access medication—for example, if their insurance plan will cover Mounjaro for weight loss but not Zepbound.

How does the dosing work?

To prevent side effects, these medications should be started at a low dose and increased over time. Typically, the dose is increased every month until a long-term maintenance dose is reached, but the timeframe can be customized to your needs.

How are the drugs administered?

GLP-1s are given as shots you take at home, either every day or every week. The injection goes just under the skin and is delivered by a very small needle that is delivered in the top fatty layer just beneath the skin. Most people report mild to no pain with the injection.

The medications are most commonly available as auto-injector pens, in which the medication is preloaded into the pen, and the needle is administered automatically when the injector is pressed against the skin. Some manufacturers offer single-dose vials, and you draw the medication up yourself using the supplied needle and syringe. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will give you instructions on how and where to self-administer the injection.

Pill forms of GLP-1 medications are not yet available but are being developed.

What are compounded GLP-1 medications?

Compounded GLP-1 medications are prepared by a pharmacist for each individual patient, sometimes at different doses or with different active forms of the drug than the FDA approved, brand-name medications. Pharmacists may also add in other components, such as vitamin B12, that can change the way the active drug works in the body.

It’s important to know that compounded GLP-1 medications aren’t FDA-approved, and the FDA hasn’t reviewed them for safety, quality, or how well they work. Compounded GLP-1 medications come with several safety concerns, such as inconsistent dosing that can lead to accidental overdoses, a higher risk of side effects, and possible contamination.

How well do GLP-1 medications work for weight loss?

GLP-1 drugs work for most people, but some lose more weight than others, and not everyone has the same results. People using these medicines can lose more weight than with diet and exercise alone — a loss of between 5% and 21% of their body weight can be expected depending on which medicine is taken and how long it is used.

In clinical trials, people using GLP-1 drugs lost an average of about 10 pounds more than people using a placebo. The greatest weight loss is usually seen after a year, and people without diabetes tend to lose more weight than those with diabetes. The best results happen when the medicine is used along with healthy eating and exercise, and people may gain weight back if they stop taking the medicine.

How long does treatment last?

GLP-1 medications often need to be taken long-term for weight loss. These medicines work best when used as ongoing treatment, similar to medicine for high blood pressure or diabetes. Most people who stop taking GLP-1 drugs gain back some or all of their lost weight, because the effects on hunger and metabolism go away when the medicine is stopped. It’s important to talk with a healthcare provider about how long to use these medicines and make long-term healthy lifestyle changes to help keep weight off for good.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or constipation. These are less likely to happen when the dose is started low and increased slowly, and they usually get better over time.

More serious side effects can include problems with your pancreas or gallbladder. It’s important to check in with your healthcare provider if you experience any unexpected symptoms.

Will my health insurance cover GLP-1s?

Insurance companies vary in their coverage of these medications. Some health insurance policies will cover them if certain criteria is met, while some don’t cover these medications under any circumstances. Check with your health insurance or your employer health program to see if it is covered.

If your insurance doesn’t cover GLP-1s, or if you don’t have insurance, there are discounted options available through the pharmaceutical companies that manufacture the medications.

Conclusion

GLP-1 medications can be a helpful tool for weight loss, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone’s body and health journey is different, so it’s important to look at the full picture. If you're thinking about starting a GLP-1 or just exploring your options, talk with your healthcare provider about a plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.