- GLP-1 medications mimic a natural gut hormone that curbs appetite and slows digestion.
- They are prescription drugs approved for type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, weight management.
- Doses are raised slowly over months; side effects are usually digestive and often fade.
- This is general education, not medical advice — decisions belong with your clinician.
If you have heard about Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound and felt lost in the branding, here is the plain version.
What “GLP-1” actually means
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your gut releases after you eat. It tells the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar rises, slows how fast the stomach empties, and signals fullness to the brain (Wegovy FDA label). GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs that copy this signal and make it last far longer than the natural hormone.
Some newer medicines add a second target. Tirzepatide activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which is why you will see it described as a “dual agonist” (SURMOUNT-1).
What to expect
The headline effect is reduced appetite: smaller portions feel satisfying, and constant food thoughts often quiet down. In the STEP 1 trial, adults taking semaglutide for obesity lost an average of about 15% of body weight over 68 weeks alongside lifestyle changes (STEP 1, NEJM).
The trade-off is a slow ramp-up. Prescribers start low and increase the dose every few weeks specifically to reduce nausea and other digestive side effects. Rushing that schedule tends to make side effects worse, not the results better.
The names, decoded
| Generic | Common brands | Notable target |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | GLP-1 |
| Tirzepatide | Mounjaro, Zepbound | GLP-1 + GIP |
| Liraglutide | Victoza, Saxenda | GLP-1 |
Same generic drug can carry different brand names and approvals depending on whether it is marketed for diabetes or weight management. For details on each, see our medication profiles.