A quick look at the best places to find GLP-1s
A peek at different GLP-1 treatments
| Brand (generic name) |
Approved use | Type of GLP-1 | Dose frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) |
• weight management • heart attack and stroke risk |
• injection • pill |
• weekly injections • daily pill |
| Foundayo (orforglipron) |
weight management | pill | daily |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) |
weight management | injection | weekly |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) |
weight management | injection | daily |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) |
type 2 diabetes | injection | weekly |
| Rybelsus (semaglutide) |
type 2 diabetes | pill | daily |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) |
type 2 diabetes | injection | weekly |
| Victoza (liraglutide) |
type 2 diabetes | injection | daily |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) |
type 2 diabetes | injection | weekly |
Note on GLP-1s
Though GLP-1 agonists can be beneficial for weight loss, it’s important to keep in mind that there is limited research on the long-term effects of these medications.
Additionally, research from 2022 suggests that weight regain is likely once you stop taking GLP-1 agonists.
Therefore, it’s best to pair GLP-1 agonists with modifications to your diet and lifestyle. A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, can also provide ongoing guidance and support to promote long-term weight loss.
How do I know if I qualify?
GLP-1 agonists are currently approved for three conditions: type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Keep in mind that these medications should be used alongside other lifestyle modifications, including changes to your diet and regular physical activity.
A doctor or other trusted healthcare professional can help determine whether a GLP-1 agonist may be beneficial for you, depending on your health concerns and goals.
OK, what about side effects?
Though GLP-1 agonists may support weight loss and help manage blood sugar levels, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects, such as vomiting, stomach pain, fatigue, constipation or diarrhea, mood changes, and more.
Less common but more severe side effects include:
- allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- acute pancreatitis
- acute cholelithiasis (gallstones)
- acute kidney injury
- diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes
- changes in heart rate
- suicidal behavior or ideation
- risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
Because of the risk of side effects, it’s important to check in regularly with a healthcare professional. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any concerns you have about potential side effects with your doctor or other healthcare professional to make sure the medication is right for you.
Quick prick, but not a quick fix
When you lose a lot of weight quickly, your body loses fat, but it also loses lean mass, including muscle and bone density. This is problematic because muscle is the “engine” of your metabolism, helping you burn energy even when you are resting.
Research shows that people taking GLP-1 medications can lose a significant amount of muscle alongside fat. For example, in studies, about 15% to 40% of the total weight lost was lean mass. Exercise, such as strength training, can help preserve and build muscle while the medication helps you lose fat.
Exercise is also vital for bone health. Rapid weight loss is often linked to a reduction in bone mineral density, which can make bones weaker and more prone to fractures later in life.
A 2024 analysis of a randomized clinical trial found that people using the GLP-1 liraglutide without exercising lost weight but had decreased bone density in the hips and spine. People who combined liraglutide with regular exercise experienced the best weight loss and preserved their bone mineral density.
Exercise also has a lot of other benefits that GLP-1 medications can’t provide, like:
- improving heart and lung health
- boosting mood
- helping with sleep
- increasing energy
Final thoughts
When used along with a balanced diet and exercise, Mounjaro can be an effective off-label treatment for weight loss and long-term weight management. How quickly the drug starts to work and the amount of weight loss can vary between people.
To learn more about what to expect when using Mounjaro for weight loss, talk with your doctor. They can tell you how soon you may see results and help determine what a safe weight-loss goal is for you based on your specific health factors.
