How GLP-1 weight loss medications work

Educational information only. This is not medical advice.

What is a GLP-1 medication?

GLP-1 is a hormone your gut releases after you eat. It tells your brain you are full, slows how fast your stomach empties, and helps your body manage blood sugar. GLP-1 medications copy this signal. Semaglutide (sold as Wegovy and Ozempic) acts on GLP-1. Tirzepatide (sold as Zepbound and Mounjaro) acts on GLP-1 and a second hormone called GIP.

What they do in practice

Most people notice less hunger and fewer cravings, and feel full on smaller portions. They are usually taken as a weekly injection. Doses start low and increase gradually over several months to limit side effects.

Who may qualify

Doctors generally consider these medications for adults with obesity (a body mass index of 30 or higher), or a BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or sleep apnea. A clinician decides based on your full health picture.

Common side effects

The most common are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach discomfort. These often ease over time and with slow dose increases.

Serious risks to discuss with a clinician

• Pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.
• Dehydration, which can affect the kidneys, especially with vomiting or diarrhea.
• A warning about thyroid tumors seen in animal studies. These medications are not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2.
• They should not be used during pregnancy or while trying to conceive.

What happens if you stop?

Research shows many people regain a good part of the weight after stopping. Clinicians often treat obesity as a long-term condition and plan with you for the long run, along with nutrition, movement, and sleep.

Brand name versus compounded

Brand-name medications are FDA-approved. Compounded versions made by pharmacies are not FDA-approved, and rules around them have changed. Ask any provider exactly what you would receive and where it comes from.

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