If you've been researching medications to support weight loss, you've likely come across Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. These medications are part of a growing class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These drugs have gained massive attention from both the medical community and the public due to their effects on health, weight, and wellness.
Here, we'll break down how these medications work, what makes them different, and how to navigate which of these drugs (if any) might be a good fit for your needs.
Understanding GLP-1 receptor agonists
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone that helps your body regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. When you eat, GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying (how quickly food leaves your stomach) and increases feelings of fullness.
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic this naturally occurring hormone, helping people with type 2 diabetes manage blood glucose levels. Some of these drugs are also used to support weight loss by decreasing appetite and supporting healthy metabolic function. While these medications are not insulin, they can help people with insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction gain better control over the ways their body responds to food and sugar.
How GLP-1s differ: short-acting vs. long-acting
GLP-1 receptor agonists can be classified as short- or long-acting, depending on how long they stay active in the body. Short-acting GLP-1s, like Adlyxin, require daily dosing and are used to stop post-meal blood sugar spikes. Long-acting GLP-1s like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, are dosed less frequently and help control overall blood sugar and weight by supporting steady hormone levels. For most people, long-acting GLP-1s are more convenient because they offer sustained effects.
Ozempic vs. Wegovy vs. Mounjaro: what's in a name?
These name-brand medications are often confused. While they may have the same end effect — weight loss — they're not exactly the same thing.
Here are the basic facts you need to know if you're considering Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound:
- Ozempic (semaglutide): This medication is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with both diabetes and heart disease.
- Wegovy (semaglutide): This medication is approved exclusively for weight management in people with obesity or overweight who have at least one weight-related condition (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes).
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): This is a newer medication that mimics not only GLP-1, but also GIP (glucose-independent Insulinotropic polypeptide), another hormone involved in regulating appetite and insulin. It's approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): This injectable medication also mimics both GLP-1 and GIP, but like Wegovy, is approved for weight management for people who have at least one weight-related health condition.
More than diabetes: weight loss and cardiovascular benefits
The success of GLP-1 medications goes beyond blood sugar management. Clinical trials have shown that semaglutide and tirzepatide produce substantial weight loss, often exceeding 15% of total body weight when combined with lifestyle changes, including nutritional changes and exercise.
The heart health benefits of these medications are also significant. In 2023, a clinical trial showed that semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, like heart attacks and strokes, in overweight adults (including people who did not have diabetes).
Medications like Wegovy are valuable tools in treating obesity as a chronic disease, not just as a cosmetic concern. These drugs have the potential to improve metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and lower cardiovascular risk, helping healthcare providers reshape how they treat a wide variety of chronic illnesses.
Emerging therapies: dual receptor agonists and oral formulations
The next generation of GLP-1 medications has already arrived. Mounjaro and Zepbound act as dual agonists, as they activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual action appears to produce greater weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity compared to medications that only contain GLP-1.
For those who are uncomfortable with injections, oral semaglutide (brand name Rybelsus) is also an option. While it requires daily dosing and must be taken under specific conditions (on an empty stomach, followed by no eating for at least 30 minutes), it's an alternative for people who aren't comfortable with needles.
Researchers are also in the process of developing triple agonists and other combinations to increase the effectiveness of this class of medications. As these medications continue to improve, it's expected that they'll become more effective at helping people achieve weight loss, improve lipid profiles, and enhance energy use.
Are weight loss drugs safe? Side effects and safety considerations
For most people, GLP-1s are well-tolerated. If your doctor prescribes a GLP-1 medication, they may recommend that you start out with a smaller dose. If the dose is well-tolerated, your doctor may increase your dose over time to boost your results. Side effects may include fatigue, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and/or vomiting, and are typically dose-dependent and more common during your first few weeks on the medication.
There are some additional, more serious health risks associated with GLP-1 medications, including thyroid c-cell tumors, kidney problems, gallbladder issues, and pancreatitis. Some people, including those who have a family history of certain cancers and certain metabolic disorders, are likely not good candidates for GLP-1 medications.
Choosing the right glp-1 for individual needs
Your doctor will work with you to help you determine whether GLP-1 medications may be the right fit for your needs. Together, you'll consider your goals (such as whether you're focusing on diabetes management or weight loss), your insurance coverage, your medical history, and your lifestyle preferences (including whether you're comfortable with needles) to decide what medication will be the best fit for your needs.
How Evidation can support your journey to a healthy weight
If you're considering a GLP-1 medication, or you're already taking one, tracking your habits and your progress is key to continued success. When you download Evidation, you'll be prompted to connect the apps you're already using to track your health-related behaviors. We'll use the information you share to find patterns and trends, and you'll get personalized, content-based insights that help you move your health forward. Click here to start using Evidation to support your weight loss journey.
