GLP-1 Medications and Weight Loss: What You Should Know

Calories are not created equally

Let’s be honest. Losing weight should not feel like a full-time job. If you’ve tried the diets, counted the macros, chased willpower, and still feel like your body is working against you, you are not alone. And you are not broken.

Recently, medications like Semaglutide (brand name: Ozempic, Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (brand name: Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become more widely known. These are part of a group of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, and they are changing the way we approach weight loss and metabolic health.

So what do they really do? And are they safe? Let’s break it down.

What Are GLP-1s?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It is a hormone your body naturally makes in your gut. It helps regulate appetite, blood sugar, insulin release, and how fast food moves through your stomach.

GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic this hormone. That helps your body feel fuller, respond better to insulin, and slow digestion just enough to keep you satisfied longer after meals.

Although these medications were originally developed to help manage blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, researchers quickly noticed something else. People started losing weight. Not in a crash-diet kind of way, but gradually and steadily over time.

How Do They Work?

These medications target multiple systems in your body to help reduce appetite and improve metabolic function.

They help:

• Reduce hunger by acting on the brain’s appetite centers

• Keep you feeling fuller longer by slowing digestion

• Support more balanced insulin and blood sugar levels

• Lower inflammation, which is linked to many chronic health issues

The result is often a quieter mind around food, fewer cravings, and better control without relying on constant willpower.

What Does the Research Say?

Several large studies have confirmed the effectiveness of these medications for weight loss and overall health improvement.

• A major clinical trial showed that Semaglutide led to an average weight loss of about 15 percent over 68 weeks in adults without diabetes (Wilding et al., NEJM, 2021).

• Tirzepatide showed even greater results. In one study, participants lost between 15 and 21 percent of their body weight over 72 weeks (Jastreboff et al., NEJM, 2022).

• A 2024 real-world study also found that Tirzepatide often led to more weight loss than Semaglutide in everyday settings (Wharton et al., JAMA Internal Medicine, 2024).

• On top of that, a cardiovascular outcomes study showed that Semaglutide reduced the risk of major heart problems by 20 percent in people with obesity and heart disease (Kristensen et al., Nature Medicine, 2024).

Other Health Benefits

These medications are not just about weight loss. People also report:

• Fewer food cravings and emotional eating

• Improved blood sugar control

• More stable energy throughout the day

• Better sleep and mood

• Lower blood pressure and cholesterol

• Less inflammation and joint pain

• Improved insulin sensitivity, especially in people with PCOS or prediabetes

For many, the biggest benefit is not needing to think about food all the time. That mental freedom can be just as powerful as physical changes.

Is This Right for Everyone?

Not necessarily. These medications are not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They are also not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2. Like any medication, they should only be prescribed and monitored by a licensed medical provider.

That said, if you have struggled with weight loss despite putting in the effort, these treatments might be worth exploring with a qualified clinician.

Are There Alternatives?

Yes. If you are not ready for an injectable medication, or you are looking for a short-term option, Phentermine may be appropriate. It is an FDA-approved appetite suppressant that has been used for decades to help reduce hunger and increase energy.

Phentermine works differently than GLP-1s and may be used alone or in combination with other treatments depending on your goals and medical history.

Final Thoughts

GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are giving people new tools to manage their weight and improve their health. They are not magic solutions, but they are grounded in strong science and offer real support for people who are ready to feel better in their bodies.

If you are curious about whether these options are right for you, talk with a provider who will take the time to understand your history and guide you through your choices.

References

1. Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., … & Rubino, D. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

2. Jastreboff, A. M., Aronne, L. J., Ahmad, N. N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., … & Kushner, R. F. (2022). Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038

3. Wharton, S., Raelands, R., Serafini, R. A., Fan, C. P., Wen, A., & Aronne, L. J. (2024). Effectiveness of tirzepatide vs semaglutide in patients with overweight or obesity. JAMA Internal Medicine. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2821080

4. Kristensen, S. L., Rørth, R., Furtado, R. H. M., Lau, D. C. W., & Husain, M. (2024). Semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with overweight or obesity. Nature Medicine. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-02996-7