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Everything to Know About the State of GLP-1 Medications
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Key Takeaways
- GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the hormone GLP-1, aiding in blood sugar regulation and appetite suppression.
- Zepbound shows the highest average weight loss among GLP-1 medications, but individual results vary.
These drugs have quickly become household names due to their popularity as weight loss medications.
GLP-1 medications have become massively popular for weight loss.
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Is GLP-1 the same as Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand of GLP-1 receptor agonist medication. It is not the same as GLP-1, which is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. While people often refer to Ozempic as a GLP medication, that is just shorthand for the drug’s longer, more accurate name.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 medications are actually GLP-1 receptor agonist medications. They are designed to produce a similar effect in the body as GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone. These medications can help certain individuals regulate blood sugar and reduce their appetites.
Which GLP-1 is best for weight loss?
GLP-1 medications effect different people in a variety of ways, so the amount of weight lost using a GLP-1 medication will vary from person. However, according to studies, Zepbound results in the highest percentage of weight lost on average, with users reporting an average drop of 22.%.
What are the negative effects of GLP-1?
People taking GLP-1s have reported a variety of side effects, ranging from minor discomfort to serious conditions. The most common effects reported are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. The severity of these effects can vary from user to user.
Who should not take GLP-1 drugs?
GLP-1 medications are strong medications and patients should consult with a doctor before taking them. People with certain intestinal conditions and kidney disease are generally guided against taking these medications. Also, depending on the reason for a patient’s excess weight, GLP-1 medications will not be an effective medication for weight loss.
Are compounded GLP-1s available?
During the period when semaglutide was considered to be suffering from a shortage, FDA eased back on rules regarding compounding the medication. However, the shortage was officially declared to be ended in mid-2025, and the regulatory agency began enforcing its normal rules against compounding.
Is there a GLP-1 shortage?
Due to the initial popularity of semaglutide (the medication behind Ozempic and Wegovy), Novo Nordisk struggled to meet patient demand, and a shortage was declared. However, that shortage was officially ended by mid-2025. Novo Nordisk increased its production capabilities and other drug makers introduced their own GLP-1 medications to the market.
Do you have to stay on GLP-1 forever?
According to studies, patients that stop taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss tend to experience a rebound effect. These medications promote weight loss through appetitie suppression. Once the user goes off the drug, their original hunger pangs tend to return to their normal levels, which can result in over-eating.
Does insurance cover GLP-1?
The policy for covering GLP-1s varies from insurance provider to insurance provider and from plan to plan. Whether or not a GLP-1 medication is covered by insurance will also depend on the reason its being prescribed. Patients using the drugs to treat diabetes are more likely to have it covered than those using it for weight loss. There has been a decrease in coverage options for GLP-1 medications for weight loss over the course of 2025.
Are GLP-1 medications available through DTC options?
Several GLP-1 producers offer their medications through direct-to-consumer options. Novo Nordisk offers both Wegovy and Ozempic directly to patients through its online pharmacy. Similarly, Zepbound is also offered directly through Eli Lilly’s online pharmacy. Both companies also have partnerships with other online, DTC pharmacies to provide patients with options to purchase the medications directly.
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