GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A New Frontier in Weight Loss
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) receptor agonists mimic a hormone that helps regulate:
Blood sugar
Appetite
Digestion
By enhancing satiety and slowing gastric emptying, GLP-1s reduce calorie intake and support weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
Brand names: Ozempic (for diabetes), Wegovy (for weight loss)
Mechanism: GLP-1 receptor agonist
Dosing: Weekly injection
FDA approval:
Ozempic: Type 2 diabetes
Wegovy: Chronic weight management (2021)
Average weight loss: ~15% of body weight (with lifestyle changes)
Side effects:
Nausea, vomiting, constipation
Rare risk of pancreatitis, gallstones
Cost: ~$1,000+/month without insurance
Best for: Individuals with obesity (BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with comorbidities) who do not respond to diet and exercise alone.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
Brand names:
Mounjaro: FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes (2022)
Zepbound: Approved for obesity (Nov 2023)
Mechanism: Dual agonist of GLP-1 and GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide)
Dosing: Weekly injection
Efficacy: More weight loss than semaglutide
Average: Up to 22.5% of body weight in trials (Zepbound)
Side effects:
Similar to semaglutide, with potential for greater GI effects
Cost: Similar to or slightly more than semaglutide
Best for: Patients needing more aggressive weight loss; may outperform semaglutide in certain populations.
Mounjaro vs. Zepbound
Though both contain tirzepatide, their FDA-approved uses differ:
Mounjaro: Type 2 diabetes
Zepbound: Obesity/weight management
Insurance coverage often hinges on these distinctions. Zepbound has a dedicated approval for weight loss, enabling better coverage for non-diabetic patients.
Comparison Table
Medication | Active Ingredient | FDA Indication | Avg Weight Loss | Dosing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ozempic | Semaglutide | Type 2 Diabetes | ~5-10% | Weekly | Off-label for weight loss |
Wegovy | Semaglutide | Weight loss | ~15% | Weekly | Higher dose than Ozempic |
Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Type 2 Diabetes | ~15-21% | Weekly | Off-label for weight loss |
Zepbound | Tirzepatide | Weight loss | ~22.5% | Weekly | Highest efficacy currently |
Other GLP-1 Options
Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza): Older, daily injectable GLP-1. Less effective (~5–8% weight loss).
Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus): Available in pill form, but currently not approved for weight loss.
Emerging options: Triple agonists (GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon) are in development and may surpass tirzepatide.
Safety and Considerations
Contraindications: Personal/family history of medullary thyroid cancer, MEN 2 syndrome.
Monitoring: Regular follow-up for GI side effects, blood sugar, and potential pancreatitis.
Lifestyle support: Most effective when combined with diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions.
Final Thoughts
While semaglutide remains a popular first-line treatment, tirzepatide (particularly as Zepbound) is emerging as the most potent pharmacological tool for weight loss. As research evolves and competition increases, access and affordability may improve.
💡 Tip: Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance on weight loss medications and their risks.
Disclaimer: This content was written with AI, along with human verification.
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