What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications — formally called GLP-1 receptor agonists — are a class of injectable drugs that mimic a hormone your body already makes called glucagon-like peptide-1. That hormone helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and how quickly food leaves your stomach. The medications in this class amplify those effects.
What they do, in plain English
When food enters your gut, your body releases GLP-1 to help manage the blood sugar rise that follows. GLP-1 also signals fullness to your brain and slows the rate at which your stomach empties. The medications extend and strengthen those signals. The practical experience for many people is reduced hunger, smaller portion sizes, and less interest in highly palatable foods.
What they're approved for
In the United States, several GLP-1 medications are approved for adults with type 2 diabetes. A subset are also approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight plus a weight-related condition. As of 2026, the medications most discussed for weight loss include:
- Semaglutide (brand names include Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight management)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight management) — technically a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, but commonly discussed alongside GLP-1s
- Liraglutide (Victoza for diabetes, Saxenda for weight management), an older daily-injection option
Approval status and labeling change over time. Your provider can tell you what is currently approved and appropriate for your situation.
How they're taken
Most GLP-1 medications for weight loss are subcutaneous injections — typically a small, prefilled pen used once a week. Some older medications in the class are taken daily. Oral semaglutide also exists for diabetes management. Providers usually start patients on a low dose and gradually increase it over weeks to months to manage side effects.
What they are not
- They are not a one-time treatment. Effects typically diminish or reverse if the medication is stopped, similar to medications for high blood pressure or cholesterol.
- They are not appropriate for everyone. People with certain personal or family medical histories should not take them.
- They are not weight-loss supplements or over-the-counter products. They are prescription medications that require provider oversight.
- They do not replace nutrition, hydration, sleep, and physical activity. Most clinicians treat them as a tool that works best alongside lifestyle care.
How effective are they?
In published clinical trials for chronic weight management, average weight loss after about a year ranged roughly from 12% to 20% of starting body weight depending on the medication, dose, and study population. Individual results vary widely. Some people respond more strongly, some less. Trials are conducted under structured conditions that may differ from real-world use.
Who should consider talking to a provider?
Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol, are the populations these medications are studied and labeled for. A licensed provider will evaluate the full clinical picture before deciding whether treatment is appropriate.