What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-like Peptide-1. It's a hormone your body naturally produces after you eat. GLP-1 medications mimic this hormone—but they're much stronger and last longer.
You've probably heard the brand names: Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound. These are all GLP-1 receptor agonists (or in Mounjaro/Zepbound's case, GLP-1 plus GIP dual agonists). Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, they've become breakthrough treatments for weight loss.
How Do They Work?
GLP-1 medications work through four main pathways:
1. They reduce hunger signals in your brain. The medication crosses into your hypothalamus and turns down the volume on hunger. It stimulates the "I'm full" neurons and quiets the "I'm hungry" ones.
2. They slow down digestion. Food stays in your stomach longer, so you feel physically full after smaller portions. That third slice of pizza? You won't want it.
3. They silence "food noise." This is the constant mental chatter about food—planning your next meal while eating, obsessing over cravings. For many people, this quieting is life-changing.
4. They help regulate blood sugar. The medication enhances insulin release when you eat and keeps blood sugar stable throughout the day.
The bottom line: These medications don't just reduce how much you eat—they change how your brain and body relate to food.
How Well Do They Work?
The clinical results are impressive:
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Average weight loss of 15% in clinical trials. That's about 35 pounds for someone starting at 230 lbs.
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Average weight loss of 21%. Over one-third of participants lost more than 25% of their body weight.
These aren't outlier results from highly motivated trial participants. Real-world outcomes are tracking close to trial data when people stick with treatment.
What Does Treatment Look Like?
Most GLP-1 medications are weekly injections. Yes, needles—but the needles are tiny (think insulin pen, not blood draw). Many people say they barely feel it.
You start on a low dose and gradually increase over several weeks. This "titration" period helps your body adjust and minimizes side effects. Most people reach their full dose within 4-5 months.
Oral options exist too—there are now tablets and sublingual (under-the-tongue) forms available through some providers.
What About Side Effects?
The most common side effects are GI-related: nausea, constipation, and sometimes what people call "sulfur burps." These are usually worst during the first few weeks and improve as your body adjusts.
Most people find side effects manageable—and worth it. The key is starting low, going slow, and learning which foods work best with your new digestion.
More serious risks include pancreatitis (rare) and a warning about thyroid tumors (seen in rodent studies, unclear in humans). Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome should not take these medications.
Who Can Take GLP-1s?
FDA guidelines require:
- BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), OR
- BMI of 27+ with at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea)
Who can't take them: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of pancreatitis, have thyroid cancer history (or family history of MEN2), or have Type 1 diabetes generally shouldn't use GLP-1 medications.
How Much Do They Cost?
Brand-name versions (Wegovy, Zepbound) run $1,000-1,300/month without insurance. Most insurance doesn't cover them for weight loss.
Compounded versions through telehealth providers cost $150-400/month. Same active ingredients, prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies. This is how most cash-pay patients access treatment.
Ready to compare your options?
Compare 12 GLP-1 Providers →The Bottom Line
GLP-1 medications represent a genuine shift in weight management. They're not magic—you still need to build healthy habits—but they address the biological factors that make losing weight so difficult.
For many people, the mental relief alone is transformative. When food stops dominating your thoughts, you can finally focus on living your life.