Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are prescription medications that mimic a gut hormone to reduce appetite, slow digestion, and help control blood sugar. They've become some of the most talked-about treatments for both type 2 diabetes and weight loss and for good reason, with 16% of U.S. adults having used GLP-1 medications.

Whether you're curious about how these medications work, which ones are available, or whether they might be right for you, this guide covers the science, the options, and what to expect.

Found is not affiliated with or endorsed by Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Zepbound®, Mounjaro®, and other GLP-1 medications.

Found is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Saxenda®, and other GLP-1 medications.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1based prescription medications include GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, and Saxenda, as well as GLP-1/GIP dual agonists like Mounjaro and Zepbound, which work on more than one hormone pathway. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone your body releases after eating. GLP-1 medications mimic what that hormone does, which is why they're called GLP-1 agonists (also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists).

The FDA has approved different GLP-1 medications for different purposes. Some treat type 2 diabetes, others treat chronic weight management, and a few do both. They're not supplements or over-the-counter products. A clinician evaluates your health history and goals before prescribing one.

• Hormone mimics: Copy the natural GLP-1 hormone released after eating

• FDA-approved uses: Approved for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management

• Prescription required: Available only through a clinician's evaluation

If you're already familiar with what GLP-1s are and want to understand how they work in your body, skip to the next section.

How do GLP-1 medications work?

Here's what happens when you take a GLP-1 medication. The medication activates the same receptors in your body that the natural GLP-1 hormone activates. This triggers three main effects.

• Signal fullness: GLP-1 medications communicate with your brain to reduce appetite and hunger cues. You feel satisfied sooner and stay satisfied longer.

• Slow digestion: Food stays in your stomach longer because GLP-1 medications delay gastric emptying. This extends that full feeling after meals.

• Stimulate insulin: When blood sugar rises after eating, GLP-1 medications prompt your pancreas to release insulin (glucose-dependent release). This helps keep blood sugar in a healthy range (without typically causing hypoglycemia).

Because GLP-1 medications address appetite, digestion, and blood sugar at the same time, they can support both diabetes management and weight loss. Individual results vary, but the mechanisms explain why this class of medications has become a significant tool in weight care.

Types of GLP-1 medications available

Several GLP-1 medications are FDA-approved, and they're not all the same. Some treat type 2 diabetes, some treat weight management, and they come in different forms. Weekly injections, daily injections, and daily tablets are all options depending on the medication.

One important distinction: some medications are pure GLP-1 agonists, while others are dual agonists that target both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) is another hormone involved in blood sugar and appetite regulation.

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in several brand-name medications. Ozempic is a weekly injection approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is a higher dose of the same medication, approved for chronic weight management, and is available as a weekly injection. Rybelsus is a daily oral tablet approved for type 2 diabetes, making it an option for people who prefer not to inject.

Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)

Liraglutide was one of the earlier GLP-1 medications to gain widespread use. Victoza is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Saxenda is approved for chronic weight management. Both are daily injections. Generic versions of liraglutide are now FDA-approved and available.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Tirzepatide works differently from pure GLP-1 agonists. It's a dual agonist, meaning it targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound is approved for chronic weight management. Both are weekly injections.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

Trulicity is a weekly injection approved for type 2 diabetes. It's one of the commonly prescribed options for blood sugar management.

Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)

Byetta and Bydureon were among the first GLP-1 medications available. Byetta is a twice-daily injection, while Bydureon is a once-weekly formulation. Both are approved for type 2 diabetes.

GLP-1 medications for weight loss

If you're researching GLP-1 medications specifically for weight loss, three are currently FDA-approved for chronic weight management:

• Wegovy (semaglutide): Weekly injection

• Zepbound (tirzepatide): Weekly injection (dual agonist)

• Saxenda (liraglutide): Daily injection

Other GLP-1 medications may be prescribed off-label for weight loss, meaning they're used for a purpose other than their FDA-approved indication. That's a decision between you and your clinician based on your specific situation.

Here's something worth knowing: medication works best as part of comprehensive weight care. Combining medication with lifestyle guidance, dietary adjustments, behavioral support, and ongoing clinical oversight tends to produce better results than treating medication as a standalone solution. Individual results vary.

Benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists

Beyond the primary uses, GLP-1 medications may offer several potential benefits.

Appetite regulation and reduced cravings

For many people, the most noticeable benefit is a significant reduction in appetite and food cravings. When your brain receives clearer fullness signals, making choices aligned with your health goals becomes more manageable. This addresses biological factors that can make weight loss challenging.

Blood sugar control

Even if weight loss is your primary goal, better blood sugar control benefits overall metabolic health. GLP-1 medications help keep blood sugar levels more stable throughout the day.

Cardiovascular health support

Some GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy and Ozempic, have FDA approval for reducing cardiovascular risk in specific high-risk populations (those with established cardiovascular disease), with clinical trials demonstrating a 20% reduction in cardiovascular events. This is an important benefit worth discussing with your clinician, particularly if you have cardiovascular concerns.

Sustainable weight loss results

Because GLP-1 medications address biological factors that make weight loss difficult, they may support results that last when combined with lifestyle changes and proper muscle preservation strategies. Results vary from person to person, and sustainable weight care typically involves ongoing support and adjustments over time.

Side effects of GLP-1 medications

Like all medications, GLP-1s come with potential side effects. Knowing what to expect helps you make informed decisions and recognize when to reach out to your clinician.

Common side effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal and tend to be most noticeable when starting the medication or increasing the dose:

• Nausea: The most frequently reported side effect, often improving as your body adjusts

• Vomiting: May occur alongside nausea, especially early in treatment

• Diarrhea: A common digestive response that typically lessens over time

• Stomach discomfort: Can occur as digestion slows

• Constipation: Affects some people, particularly at higher doses

Clinicians often start with lower doses and gradually increase to help minimize side effects. If side effects persist or become difficult to manage, your clinician can adjust your treatment plan.

Serious side effects

More serious side effects are less common but important to know about:

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas; seek care immediately for severe abdominal pain

• Gallbladder problems: Including gallstones

• Bowel obstruction: Rare but serious; seek immediate care for severe constipation or abdominal pain

• Allergic reactions: Seek immediate care for signs of severe allergic response

• Severe Stomach Issues: Rare reports of gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) or ileus (intestinal blockage). If you experience severe vomiting or cannot keep food down, stop medication and seek immediate care.

Working with a clinician who can monitor for complications and adjust treatment as needed is essential for safe, effective care.

Who might benefit from GLP-1 medications

GLP-1 medications aren't right for everyone, but they may be appropriate for several groups:

• People with type 2 diabetes who want additional support managing blood sugar levels

• People with overweight or obesity seeking medical weight management

• People with weight-related health conditions like high blood pressure, PCOS, or sleep apnea

• People who haven't reached their weight loss goals through lifestyle changes alone

A clinician evaluation is essential to determine whether GLP-1 medications are appropriate for your specific situation.

Who may not be a candidate for GLP-1 medications

Certain health conditions or circumstances may make GLP-1 medications inappropriate. Being upfront with your clinician about your full health history helps ensure safe treatment.

Personal or family history of thyroid cancer

GLP-1 medications carry warnings about medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). If you or a close family member has had this specific type of thyroid cancer, GLP-1 medications typically aren't recommended.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

GLP-1 medications aren't recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you're planning to become pregnant, your clinician will likely advise stopping the medication beforehand.

History of pancreatitis

If you've had pancreatitis in the past, the risks and benefits of GLP-1 medications require careful discussion with your clinician.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2

This rare genetic condition is a contraindication for GLP-1 use due to increased thyroid cancer risk.

Disclosing your full health history to a clinician before starting any GLP-1 medication is important for safe treatment.

How to find the right GLP-1 medication

With several options available, how do you determine which GLP-1 medication might work best? The answer depends on multiple factors:

• Treatment goal: Blood sugar management, weight loss, or both

• Administration preference: Weekly injection, daily injection, or daily tablet

• Insurance coverage: What medications your plan covers, and for which conditions

• Health history: Conditions that may make certain medications more or less appropriate

• Lifestyle factors: What realistically fits into your daily or weekly routine

Some people try more than one medication before finding the best fit. A clinician who specializes in weight care can help navigate the decision and adjust your treatment plan based on how your body responds.

GLP-1 medication cost and insurance coverage

GLP-1 medications can be expensive, so it helps to understand what insurance may cover and what options are available.

Insurance coverage varies significantly, with 44% of large employers now covering weight-loss medications in 2024. Many plans cover GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes but not for weight management alone. Even when covered, co-pays can be substantial.

• Insurance coverage: Check whether your plan covers GLP-1 medications for your specific condition

• Manufacturer savings programs: Some brands offer savings cards or patient assistance programs

• Cash-pay options: Some providers offer competitive cash-pay pricing for both brand-name and generic medications

• Telehealth platforms: May offer streamlined access and more transparent pricing

A note about compounded medications: The FDA has raised concerns about unapproved compounded versions of GLP-1 medications. If considering compounded options, work only with licensed pharmacies, ensure proper clinician oversight, and verify sourcing and quality checks. Compounded GLP-1s are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality, and may not be available in all states. See site for black box warnings and risk information.

Found offers both insurance-covered medical care and affordable cash-pay GLP-1 access, helping make treatment more accessible regardless of your coverage situation.

Getting started with GLP-1 treatment

If you're ready to explore whether GLP-1 medications might be right for you, here's what the process typically looks like:

• Complete a health assessment: Share your health history, current medications, and weight care goals

• Meet with a clinician: Discuss whether GLP-1 medication is appropriate for your biology and situation

• Receive a personalized plan: If medication is prescribed, it's tailored to your needs alongside lifestyle guidance

• Get ongoing support: Regular check-ins help adjust treatment and maintain progress

Medication is most effective as part of comprehensive care that addresses the root causes of weight challenges.

Found is among the largest medically-supported telehealth weight care platforms in the country, having served more than 250,000 members to date (based upon member data as of December 2024). Prescriptions are provided only if clinically appropriate after evaluation by a licensed provider. To discover your MetabolicPrint and start your journey with Found, take our quiz. *Individual results may vary.

FAQs about GLP-1 medications

Is GLP-1 the same as Ozempic?

Not exactly. GLP-1 refers to both a natural hormone your body produces and a class of medications. Ozempic is one specific brand-name GLP-1 medication containing semaglutide, approved for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is a GLP-1 medication, but not all GLP-1 medications are Ozempic.

Can you take GLP-1 medications without having diabetes?

Yes. Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people without diabetes who meet eligibility criteria. A clinician can determine whether you're a candidate.

How long do most people take GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications are typically prescribed as long-term treatment because weight management is an ongoing process. Stopping medication often leads to weight regain, which is why clinicians usually discuss long-term treatment plans. The specific duration varies by individual.

What happens when you stop taking GLP-1 medications?

Many people experience weight regain after stopping GLP-1 medications. Combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes and discussing long-term treatment plans with your clinician can help maintain results.

Are GLP-1 injections or oral tablets more effective for weight loss?

Both forms can be effective, and newer high-dose oral options have shown weight loss results comparable to injections in clinical trials. The choice often comes down to individual preference, lifestyle, and how your body responds. Currently, most GLP-1 medications approved for weight loss are injections, though oral options are expanding. Your clinician can help determine the best option for you.

How quickly do GLP-1 medications start working?

Many people notice appetite changes within the first few weeks of starting treatment. Meaningful weight loss typically develops over several months as the medication reaches therapeutic levels. Individual response and timeline varies.