Introduction

If you’ve heard of Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, or Saxenda, you’ve already heard about GLP-1 medications—even if you didn’t realize it. But what exactly is a GLP-1, and why are these drugs making headlines for weight loss and diabetes?

In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down what GLP-1 medications are, how they work, who they’re for, and why they’re changing the way we treat obesity and metabolic disorders.

What Does “GLP-1” Stand For?

GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, which is a hormone your body naturally produces. Its main jobs are to:

• Help regulate blood sugar
• Slow how quickly food leaves your stomach
• Signal your brain that you’re full
• Reduce appetite and cravings

GLP-1 medications mimic or amplify this natural hormone, giving your body the same appetite-controlling and metabolism-regulating benefits in a stronger form.

What Is a GLP-1 Medication?

GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs that help treat:

• Type 2 diabetes (e.g., Ozempic, Rybelsus, Victoza)
• Obesity or chronic overweight (e.g., Wegovy, Saxenda, Zepbound)

They can come in:

• Weekly injections (like Wegovy or Zepbound)
• Daily injections (like Saxenda)
• Pills (like Rybelsus)

Learn more: Wegovy vs Zepbound – Which Should You Try First?

How Do GLP-1s Help With Weight Loss?

GLP-1 medications:

• Slow digestion, so you stay full longer
• Reduce appetite and cravings, so you eat less
• Improve blood sugar and insulin sensitivity, reducing fat storage
• May even affect reward centers in the brain, reducing emotional eating

According to clinical trials, medications like Wegovy and Zepbound can help patients lose 15–22.5% of their body weight.

Common GLP-1 Medications

Medication	Active Ingredient	FDA Approved For	Typical Use
Wegovy	Semaglutide	Weight loss	Weekly injection
Zepbound	Tirzepatide	Weight loss	Weekly injection
Ozempic	Semaglutide	Type 2 diabetes	Weekly injection (off-label for weight loss)
Saxenda	Liraglutide	Weight loss	Daily injection
Rybelsus	Semaglutide (oral)	Type 2 diabetes	Daily pill

For a deeper comparison, visit our GLP-1 Medication Comparison Guide.

Are GLP-1 Medications Safe?

Yes—when prescribed by a licensed provider and used as directed.

Common side effects include:

• Nausea (especially at the start)
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Decreased appetite

Rare but serious risks include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder issues
• Thyroid tumor warning (in animal studies)

GLP-1s are not recommended for people with a personal or family history of MEN-2 or medullary thyroid cancer.

For a full breakdown, read: Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications – What to Expect

How Do I Qualify for a GLP-1 Medication?

Most GLP-1 medications for weight loss are approved for:

• BMI ≥30, or
• BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition (like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea)

Learn more: How to Qualify for Wegovy, Zepbound, or Saxenda

Can You Take GLP-1s Long-Term?

Yes. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are designed for long-term use, especially when managing obesity as a chronic medical condition.

Studies show that stopping these medications often leads to weight regain, so long-term treatment may be the best way to maintain your results.

Learn more: Can You Take Weight Loss Medications Long Term?

Final Thoughts

GLP-1 medications are more than just “diet drugs”—they’re medical tools that help rebalance your metabolism, control hunger, and treat obesity as the chronic disease it is.

Safe and FDA-approved for long-term use
Backed by clinical studies showing major weight loss
Work best with healthy eating and lifestyle changes
Available in weekly, daily, and even oral forms

To find out which GLP-1 medication is right for you, visit our Beginner’s GLP-1 Finder Tool.

For up-to-date pricing visit our Main Page.