What Are GLP-1 Medications? The New Class of Drugs Helping People Lose Weight and Control Diabetes

If you’ve been hearing about medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, you’re not alone. These drugs have been making headlines for their impressive results in helping people manage type 2 diabetes and lose significant weight. But what are these medications, really?

They’re part of a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists — a mouthful, we know. But don’t worry, we’re breaking it down in plain English.

So, What Exactly Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone your body naturally produces in response to eating. It helps regulate blood sugar, appetite, and digestion.

GLP-1 medications are synthetic versions of this hormone. They mimic GLP-1 and help your body:

• Release more insulin when your blood sugar is high

• Suppress glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar

• Slow down how fast food leaves your stomach (so you feel full longer)

• Reduce appetite, making it easier to eat less

In short: they help people eat less, feel full longer, and better control their blood sugar.

What Conditions Are GLP-1 Drugs Used For?

GLP-1 medicines were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but researchers quickly noticed something interesting — patients were losing weight, often a lot of it.

Now, GLP-1 drugs are used for:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Weight loss in people with obesity or overweight, especially if they have health conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol

Some medications are approved specifically for diabetes, others for weight loss — and some can do both.

Common GLP-1 Medications

Here are a few you might’ve heard about:

Semaglutide

• Brand names: Ozempic (for diabetes), Wegovy (for weight loss)

• Weekly injection

• Popular for both blood sugar control and dramatic weight loss

Liraglutide

• Brand names: Victoza (for diabetes), Saxenda (for weight loss)

• Daily injection

• Also effective, but requires more frequent dosing

Dulaglutide

• Brand name: Trulicity

• Weekly injection

• Used mainly for type 2 diabetes

What About Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)?

Tirzepatide, brand name Mounjaro, is a newer drug that works a bit differently. It’s a dual-action medication, meaning it activates two hormones: GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). This one-two punch seems to lead to even greater weight loss than GLP-1 drugs alone.

It’s already approved for type 2 diabetes, and recent trials show it could be the most powerful weight-loss medication available today.

Are There Side Effects?

Yes, like any medication, GLP-1 drugs come with potential side effects. The most common are:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Bloating or stomach discomfort

• Decreased appetite

These usually occur early on, especially during dose escalation (when your doctor gradually increases your dose). Most people find the side effects fade over time.

In rare cases, these drugs can cause more serious side effects, so they’re not suitable for everyone — especially people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.

Who Should Consider a GLP-1 Medication?

You might be a candidate if you:

• Have type 2 diabetes and struggle with blood sugar control

• Have a BMI over 30 (or over 27 with a weight-related health condition)

• Want help losing weight when diet and exercise alone haven’t worked

Talk to your healthcare provider. They’ll help you decide if a GLP-1 medication is right for you.

Final Thoughts: A Game Changer for Health and Weight Loss

GLP-1 medications have opened up a new chapter in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. With the ability to improve blood sugar, support long-term weight loss, and even reduce risk for heart disease, these drugs are changing lives.

Whether you’re exploring options for managing diabetes or struggling to lose weight, it’s worth learning more about this powerful class of medications.

Professional Tip: Lifestyle changes like eating healthier and being active still matter — but medications like GLP-1s can give you the extra support you need to reach your health goals.

References

American Diabetes Association (ADA)

https://diabetes.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Type 2 Diabetes Treatment

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html

Cleveland Clinic – GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

https://my.clevelandclinic.org

Drugs.com – GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

https://www.drugs.com/drug-class/incretin-mimetics.html

Harvard Health Publishing – Harvard Medical School

https://www.health.harvard.edu

Mayo Clinic – GLP-1 Agonists for Diabetes

https://www.mayoclinic.org

New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)

https://www.nejm.org