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Looking for weight loss options? GLP-1 agonist medications, originally designed to manage type 2 diabetes, are now FDA-approved for weight management.
Klarity connects you with healthcare providers to create a personalized plan and offers insights into 10 GLP-1 medications, including their effectiveness and potential side effects. Gain the knowledge and support to find the best solution for your needs.
Ready to take control of your journey? Let’s dive in!
How Do GLP-1 Agonists Work for Weight Loss?
GLP-1 agonists mimic the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), produced in the small intestine, which regulates key functions:
- Appetite control: GLP-1 signals your brain to reduce hunger and promote fullness.
- Insulin release: It triggers insulin production, lowering blood sugar and converting food to energy.
- Slowed digestion: GLP-1 slows digestion, helping you feel full longer.
- Reduced glucagon: It lowers glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, encouraging your body to burn fat instead of storing it.
These effects support weight loss by managing hunger, reducing food intake, and stabilizing blood sugar. Under medical supervision, GLP-1 agonists often lead to safe, sustainable weight loss, as noted in clinical reviews.
Potential Benefits of GLP-1 for Weight Loss
GLP-1 agonists share similar benefits, as they all mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone. However, the extent of these benefits varies depending on the specific medication, dosage, and additional mechanisms. Common benefits include:
- Blood sugar control: Approved for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 agonists help regulate blood sugar by triggering insulin release and blocking glucagon. This promotes fat burning instead of storage and can support weight loss, although using non-FDA-approved options for weight loss is considered off-label.
- Weight loss support: FDA-approved GLP-1 medications for weight loss reduce appetite, enhance feelings of fullness, and slow digestion. These effects can help control portions and calorie intake, leading to effective weight management.
Comparison of 10 GLP-1 agonist medications
There are several GLP-1 agonist medications on the market. Most GLP-1 agonists are available as injections. Today, only Rybelsus is available as an oral pill. Talk to your healthcare provider about which one may be right for you. For full details on both common and serious side effects, see the medication guide or talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these medications.
1. Wegovy (semaglutide)
Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. While both medications share this ingredient, they are approved for different purposes. Ozempic is primarily used for managing type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss.
Who is it for?
Wegovy is approved for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of:
- Over 30 (classified as obesity), or
- 27 or higher (overweight) with a weight-related health condition.
It’s also approved for children aged 12 or older who are at or above the 95th percentile for weight, based on their age and sex.
Effectiveness
In a 68-week clinical trial involving 1,961 adults with obesity or weight-related conditions, those who took Wegovy lost an average of 35 pounds (14.9% of their body weight), compared to 6 pounds (2.5%) in the placebo group. Both groups followed a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan.
How it’s taken
Wegovy is injected under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Starting dose: 0.25 mg weekly.
- Gradually increased over several weeks to a maintenance dose of either 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg weekly, based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation.
Potential Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, dizziness, bloating, fatigue, headache, constipation, and heartburn. Consult the Wegovy medication guide or your healthcare provider for a full list of side effects.
2. Zepbound (tirzepatide)
Zepbound is a GLP-1 agonist containing tirzepatide, the same active ingredient found in Mounjaro. While Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss, Mounjaro is approved for managing type 2 diabetes.
Who is it for?
Zepbound is approved for adults with:
- A BMI over 30, or
- A BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition.
Effectiveness
Extended clinical trials showed:
- Adults without diabetes lost 15% to 20.9% of their body weight, depending on the dosage.
- Adults with diabetes lost 12.8% to 14.7% of their body weight.
In comparison, placebo groups saw weight reductions of only 3.1% (without diabetes) and 3.2% (with diabetes).
How it’s taken
Zepbound is injected under the skin.
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg weekly, increasing to 5 mg after 4 weeks.
- Doses may continue to increase to a maximum of 15 mg per week, based on individual needs.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, indigestion, and injection site reactions. For a complete list of side effects, refer to the Zepbound medication guide.
3. Saxenda (liraglutide)
Saxenda is a GLP-1 agonist containing liraglutide, also found in Victoza. However, Saxenda is taken at a higher dose and is approved specifically for weight loss.
Who is it for?
Saxenda is approved for:
- Adults with a BMI over 30, or
- A BMI of 27 or higher with a weight-related condition.
- Children aged 12 or older who are obese and weigh more than 132 pounds.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials show:
- 85% of participants lost weight.
- A long-term study found 56% of participants achieved significant weight loss after one year, and half maintained it after three years.
- Adults lost an average of 8% of their body weight over 56 weeks, compared to 2.7% in the placebo group.
How it’s taken
Saxenda is injected under the skin.
- Starting dose: 0.6 mg daily.
- Gradually increased weekly by 0.6 mg to a maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, low blood sugar, and fatigue. Refer to the Saxenda medication guide for full details.
4. Ozempic (semaglutide)
Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist containing semaglutide, like Wegovy. However, it is approved for type 2 diabetes management and reducing cardiovascular risk, not for weight loss.
Who is it for?
Ozempic is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Improve blood sugar levels.
- Lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in individuals with heart disease.
Effectiveness
- Reduces A1C levels by 1.9% to 2.2% over 40 weeks.
- Participants also lost 12 to 15 pounds in clinical trials, though it’s not a weight loss medication.
How it’s taken
Ozempic is injected under the skin in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Starting dose: 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks.
- Gradually increased to a maximum dose of 2.0 mg weekly.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Consult your healthcare provider or the Ozempic medication guide for more information.
5: Rybelsus (semaglutide)
Rybelsus is a GLP-1 agonist with semaglutide, like Ozempic and Wegovy, but it is taken as an oral pill rather than an injection.
Who is it for?
Rybelsus is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar levels when combined with diet and exercise.
Effectiveness
A 6-month study found:
- A1C levels dropped by 1.0% to 1.3%.
- Participants weighing over 200 pounds lost an average of 5 to 8 pounds.
Data on effectiveness. A 6-month study of Rybelsus found an average drop of 1 to 1.3% A1C in adults with a starting A1C of 8.3%. While Rybelsus is not a weight loss medication, the same study saw participants weighing over 200 pounds lose an average of 5 to 8 pounds.
How it’s taken
Rybelsus is an oral medication.
- Taken once daily in 7 mg or 14 mg doses, as prescribed.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and decreased appetite. For complete details, consult your provider or the Rybelsus medication guide.
6. Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a medication approved for managing type 2 diabetes and showing promise for weight loss.
Who is it for?
Mounjaro is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Improve blood sugar control.
- Promote weight loss.
Effectiveness
In clinical trials, Mounjaro helped participants lose 15% to 22.5% of their body weight over 40 weeks, with weight loss benefits extending beyond blood sugar control.
How it’s taken
Mounjaro is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection.
- The starting dose is 2.5 mg per week.
- The dose can be increased every 4 weeks to a maximum of 15 mg per week, depending on the patient’s response.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Full information is available from your provider or the Mounjaro medication guide.
7. Victoza (liraglutide)
Victoza is a GLP-1 agonist containing liraglutide, approved for managing type 2 diabetes and reducing cardiovascular risks.
Who is it for?
Victoza is indicated for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Improve blood sugar levels.
- Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to cardiovascular events.
Effectiveness
In clinical trials, Victoza helped lower A1C by up to 1.5%. It also led to weight loss in many participants, though it is primarily focused on blood sugar management.
How it’s taken
Victoza is injected once daily under the skin.
- The starting dose is 0.6 mg daily, increased after 1 week to 1.2 mg.
- The dose may be further increased to 1.8 mg daily if needed.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Check the Victoza medication guide for a full list of potential side effects.
8. Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Trulicity is a GLP-1 agonist that helps manage type 2 diabetes and has shown to aid in weight loss.
Who is it for?
Trulicity is prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Improve blood sugar control.
- Lower cardiovascular risks.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials showed that Trulicity helped reduce A1C levels by 1.5% to 1.9% over 24 weeks. Some patients also experienced weight loss.
How it’s taken
Trulicity is injected once weekly under the skin.
- The starting dose is 0.75 mg weekly, which may be increased to 1.5 mg or 3.0 mg per week, depending on patient needs.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. For a full list of side effects, refer to the Trulicity medication guide.
9. Bydureon BCise (exenatide extended-release)
Bydureon BCise is a long-acting version of the GLP-1 agonist exenatide, used to help control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Who is it for?
Bydureon BCise is approved for use in adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Improve blood sugar levels.
- Help with weight loss when used alongside diet and exercise.
Effectiveness
Bydureon BCise has been shown to reduce A1C by 1.5% to 1.9% in clinical studies, and it also provides weight loss benefits.
How it’s taken
Bydureon BCise is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection.
- The dose is 2 mg per week, injected once every 7 days.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and injection site reactions. For full details on side effects, see the Bydureon BCise medication guide or talk to your healthcare provider.
10. Byetta (exenatide)
Byetta is another GLP-1 agonist containing exenatide, used for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
Who is it for?
Byetta is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to:
- Improve blood sugar control.
- Encourage weight loss as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan.
Effectiveness
Clinical studies showed that Byetta can reduce A1C by 0.7% to 0.9% and has been associated with modest weight loss.
How it’s taken
Byetta is injected twice daily under the skin.
- The starting dose is 5 mcg, taken twice daily before meals.
- The dose may be increased to 10 mcg after 1 month if necessary.
Side effects
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, headache, and injection site reactions. For full details on common and serious side effects, see the Byetta medication guide or talk to your healthcare provider. The guide linked here is the AstraZeneca brand of Byetta. Amylin also makes Byetta.
Precautions when using GLP-1 weight loss medications
Prior Health Conditions
If you have conditions like kidney disease or a history of thyroid cancer, GLP-1 agonists may not be suitable for you.
Potential Drug Interactions
GLP-1 medications can interact with other drugs. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including supplements and over-the-counter options.
Risk of Hypoglycemia
There’s a risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially when combined with other blood sugar-lowering medications. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, and fatigue. Treat low blood sugar promptly with fast-acting carbs like fruit juice, especially if you don’t have diabetes.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
GLP-1 agonists should not be used during pregnancy. Studies show they may increase risks of pregnancy complications and birth defects.
Allergic Reactions
Some people may experience allergic reactions, including at the injection site. In rare cases, severe reactions like anaphylaxis can occur. Seek emergency help if needed.
Approved Use
These medications should only be used for FDA-approved purposes. For example, while type 2 diabetes drugs can cause weight loss, they aren’t approved for off-label use. Off-label use and shortages can lead to complications, including insurance issues.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Insurance may cover weight loss medications if prescribed based on qualifying conditions. However, without insurance or qualifying conditions, costs can be high — Wegovy, for example, can exceed $1,400 for a two-month supply. Check with your insurance provider and explore savings programs offered by manufacturers if needed.
Bottom Line on Precautions
Always consult your healthcare provider to determine if GLP-1 medications are suitable for you. They can guide you toward the best treatment, including prescription or over-the-counter options. Most weight loss plans, including those involving GLP-1 agonists, require diet changes and exercise, and regular check-ups will help track progress.
Potential Benefits of GLP-1 agonist medications
Potential Heart Health Benefits
Some GLP-1 medications may lower heart disease risk, though the exact cause (blood glucose control, A1C reduction, weight loss) is still unclear.
Potential Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Benefits
GLP-1 agonists may improve blood pressure and cholesterol, likely due to weight loss. Studies show weight loss can help lower total cholesterol.
Find out if a GLP-1 agonist is right for you
Starting a weight-loss program can be overwhelming. With the help of a healthcare provider, you can explore the best options for weight loss, including medications, diet, and exercise.
On the Klarity platform, find a healthcare provider to tailor a plan that meets your unique needs. Get started today.