Because they can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce appetite, GLP-1 medications may be prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes or those looking to lose weight.
Weight loss and blood sugar management can be challenging for many people, even when following a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen. Because of this, some people may look for other methods to support weight loss, such as medication.
Medications known as GLP-1 agonists are designed to manage blood sugar levels and help reduce hunger and food intake, thus potentially supporting weight loss.
This article tells you all you need to know about GLP-1 agonists and whether these medications can help with weight loss and type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a naturally produced hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).
GLP-1 is a
- stimulating secretion of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels
- suppressing a hormone called glucagon, which can reduce hunger
- increasing feelings of fullness by delaying the emptying of the stomach
GLP-1 agonists act by binding to GLP-1 receptors, resulting in the same effects.
Originally, GLP-1 agonists were used to treat type 2 diabetes. Over time, researchers noticed that GLP-1 agonists seemed to decrease appetite and promote weight loss. Thus, they began studying the use of GLP-1 agonists as weight loss medications.
Certain medications, like Wegovy, were specifically made and approved as a weight loss drug. Meanwhile, other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are actually meant for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Doctors commonly prescribe these medications alongside other interventions, such as a low calorie diet and an exercise regimen, to promote weight management and reduce blood sugar levels.
Here’s a quick look at how the above GLP-1 agonists compare:
| Brand name | List price* | Dose frequency | Approved use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | $1,349.02 | once weekly | weight loss |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | $1,349.02 | once daily | weight loss |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | $935.77 | once weekly | type 2 diabetes |
| Rybelsus (semaglutide) | $935.77 | once daily (orally) | type 2 diabetes |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | $930.88 | once weekly | type 2 diabetes |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | $744.54 | once daily | type 2 diabetes |
| Byetta (exenatide) | $940 | twice daily | type 2 diabetes |
| Bydureon BCise (exenatide) | $855 | once weekly | type 2 diabetes |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | $1,023.04 | once weekly | type 2 diabetes |
*Note: Pricing information above is current as of publication but is subject to change. Also keep in mind that out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on insurance coverage.
Wegovy
- What it is: Wegovy (semaglutide) is a drug that the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for use as a weight loss medication in 2021. - Cost: At time of publication, Wegovy has a list price of $1,349.02 per package, which contains a 28-day supply. However, your out-of-pocket cost can vary depending on insurance coverage.
- How it works: Wegovy is an injection that you receive once per week. For the first 16 weeks, you receive smaller doses, typically between 0.25 milligrams (mg) and 1.7 mg. If tolerated, you can then continue with a weekly maintenance dose of 2.4 mg for as long as it supports weight loss.
Effectiveness
A
In two studies, one with
They also had significant reductions in waist circumference, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
In comparison, those in the placebo group who received the same diet and exercise prescriptions, either gained weight or lost less weight than those taking Wegovy.
However, keep in mind that the researchers conducting both of these studies received funding from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy. This means that there is a potential for bias and conflict of interest.
A
After 68 weeks, those taking Wegovy lost significantly more weight, which researchers believed could be due to decreased food cravings and hunger, leading to less food intake.
Related: How to Get Wegovy
Pros
- approved by the FDA for weight loss
- associated with health benefits, including improved heart health and blood sugar management
- only administered once per week
- may be more effective than some other GLP-1 agonists, including liraglutide
Cons
- requires self-administered injections
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Saxenda
- What it is: Saxenda (liraglutide) is an injectable GLP-1 agonist that is prescribed for weight management. It should be used in combination with diet and exercise and is approved for adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition. In 2020, it was also
approved by the FDA for weight management in children ages 12 and older with obesity. - Cost: At time of publication, Saxenda has a list price of $1,349.02 per month. This is the price before any insurance coverage is applied.
- How it works: The recommended dose for Saxenda is 3 mg per day. It should be initiated at a starting dose of 0.6 mg per day and increased in weekly intervals until the recommended dose is reached.
Effectiveness
One
Another
However, note that this study was funded by Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Saxenda.
Additionally, though Saxenda is not approved to treat type 2 diabetes, some
Pros
- approved for weight loss in people ages 12 years of age and older
- may promote blood sugar management
Cons
- must be taken daily
- requires self-administered injection
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Ozempic
- What it is: Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injection that is approved to improve blood sugar management in adults with type 2 diabetes. Though it is the same medication as Wegovy, Ozempic is available in a lower dose and is not indicated specifically for weight loss.
- Cost: At time of publication, the list price of Ozempic is $935.77 for a 28-day supply, though the amount you pay can vary depending on your prescribed dosage and healthcare coverage.
- How it works: It’s an injectable medication that is administered once per week. Typically, it’s recommended to start with a dose of 0.25 mg once per week and then increase to 0.5 mg after 4 weeks. If recommended by a doctor, the weekly dose can be increased up to 1 mg or 2 mg per week.
Effectiveness
A
A
Not only was Ozempic more effective at improving long-term blood sugar management, but participants who took Ozempic also lost over three times as much weight.
However, keep in mind that both of these studies received funding from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic.
Related: How to Get Ozempic
Pros
- shown to increase weight loss
- supports blood sugar management
- may be more effective than some other GLP-1 agonists, including Victoza and Trulicity
- only administered once per week
Cons
- requires self-administered injections
- not approved for weight loss specifically
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Rybelsus
- What it is: Rybelsus (semaglutide) is an oral medication that is approved as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes, alongside diet and exercise. Recently, it was also approved as a first-line treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not used other diabetes treatments.
- Cost: At time of publication, the list price for Rybelsus is $935.77 per package, which contains a 30-day supply. Out-of-pocket expenses can vary depending on your health insurance coverage.
- How it works: Rybelsus should be taken with a small amount of water at least 30 minutes before consuming any foods, beverages, or oral medications. It’s recommended to start with 3 mg daily for 30 days and then increase to 7 mg daily. If needed, the dose can later be increased to 14 mg per day after 30 days.
Effectiveness
One
Both semaglutide and liraglutide were similarly effective at reducing HbA1c levels. However, those who took semaglutide lost significantly more body weight after 26 weeks than those who took liraglutide or a placebo.
According to a
However, it’s important to note that both of these studies were funded by the manufacturer of Rybelsus.
Pros
- can be taken orally
- may be more effective than some other diabetes medications, including Victoza (liraglutide)
- shown to increase weight loss
- supports blood sugar management
Cons
- must be taken daily
- not approved for weight loss specifically
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Trulicity
- What it is: Trulicity (dulaglutide) is an injectable medication prescribed alongside diet and exercise for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults.
- Cost: At time of publication, the list price of Trulicity is $930.88 per month. However, the total amount that you can expect to pay depends on your insurance plan.
- How it works: Trulicity is administered through an injection once per week. It is usually initiated at a dose of 0.75 mg once per week, which can be increased to 3 mg, or even its max strength of 4.5 mg, once per week if recommended by a doctor.
Effectiveness
One
A
What’s more, one
However, keep in mind that this study was funded by Eli Lilly — the manufacturer of Trulicity — and other pharmaceutical companies.
Pros
- promotes blood sugar management
- shown to increase weight loss
- only administered once per week
Cons
- requires self-administered injections
- not approved for weight loss specifically
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Victoza
- What it is: Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injectable medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults, in combination with diet and exercise. It can also
help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. - Cost: At time of publication, the list price for Victoza varies depending on the specific dose. Without insurance, a two-pen package with 0.6 mg or 1.2 mg per dose costs $744.54. Meanwhile, a three-pen package with 1.8 mg per dose costs $1,116.81. Each pen contains 18 mg in total. Therefore, both packages containing 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg per dose provide a 30-day supply.
- How it works: Victoza is administered once daily through an injection. It should be initiated at 0.6 mg per day and increased to 1.2 mg per day after 1 week. If recommended by a doctor, the dose can later be increased to 1.8 mg per day.
Keep in mind that your out-of-pocket cost may be lower depending on your health insurance coverage.
Effectiveness
One
After 5 years, participants had lost an average of 11 lb (5 kg), along with a decrease in HbA1c and fasting blood sugar levels.
Similarly, a
On the other hand, a
However, because these studies were industry funded, more high quality research is needed.
Pros
- can enhance blood sugar management
- reduces risk of major cardiovascular events in people with diabetes
- could support long-term weight loss
Cons
- must be taken daily
- not approved for weight loss specifically
- requires self-administered injections
- might not be as effective for weight loss as other GLP-1 agonists
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Byetta
- What it is: Byetta (exenatide) is a medication used to treat diabetes, which is administered through an injection. Like some other types of GLP-1 agonists, it should be combined with diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar levels.
- Cost: While the price isn’t available on the manufacturer’s website, many online pharmacies offer a 1-month supply of Byetta for around $940, at time of publication. However, the amount you pay can vary based on several factors and may be lower if covered by your insurance plan.
- How it works: Byetta should be injected within 60 minutes prior to your morning and evening meals, or your two main meals of the day. The recommended starting dose is 5 micrograms (mcg) twice daily, which can be increased to 10 mcg twice daily after 1 month if needed.
Effectiveness
A
Another
Notably, it did not cause any short-term changes in body weight or BMI. However, researchers noted that more long-term research is needed.
Pros
- could support weight loss
- may help decrease appetite
- can promote blood sugar management
Cons
- not approved for weight loss specifically
- requires self-administered injection
- must be injected twice daily
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Bydureon BCise
- What it is: Bydureon BCise (exenatide extended-release) is an injectable medication that is prescribed to improve blood sugar management in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be paired with other lifestyle modifications, including diet and physical activity.
- Cost: While the price isn’t available on the manufacturer’s website, many online pharmacies offer a 4-week supply of Bydureon BCise for around $855, at time of publish. Your out-of-pocket expenses may differ depending on your health insurance and pharmacy.
- How it works: It’s recommended to inject 2 mg of Bydureon BCise once per week. It can be taken at any time of day and should be administered immediately after the dose is prepared.
Effectiveness
In a
One 2013 review also noted that Bydureon BCise could decrease HbA1c levels by 1.6% and may cause fewer digestive side effects than Byetta, which is the same medication administered twice daily rather than once per week.
On the other hand, a
Pros
- only administered once per week
- may cause fewer digestive side effects than Byetta
- could improve blood sugar management
Cons
- not approved for weight loss specifically
- requires self-administered injection
- might not be as effective for weight loss as other types of GLP-1 agonists
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
Mounjaro
- What it is: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication that was recently approved by the FDA to improve blood sugar management when used alongside diet and exercise in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Cost: According to the manufacturer, the list price of Mounjaro at time of publication, is $1,023.04 per fill. However, the amount you can expect to pay each month may differ depending on how much your insurance covers.
- How it works: The recommended starting dose for Mounjaro is 2.5 mg, which should be administered once per week. After 4 weeks, you can increase the dose to 5 mg per week. If needed, you can increase the dose in 2.5 mg increments after 4 weeks as directed, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg once per week.
Effectiveness
One
After 72 weeks, the average amount of weight loss was 15% for those taking 5 mg per week, 19.5% for those taking 10 mg per week, and 20.9% for those taking 15 mg per week.
A
Keep in mind that both of these studies were funded by the manufacturer of Mounjaro.
Pros
- only injected once per week
- shown to promote weight management
- may improve blood sugar management
Cons
- not approved for weight loss specifically
- requires self-administered injection
- risk of weight regain after stopping the medication
- may require long-term use to maintain weight loss, which could get expensive
GLP-1 agonists can help improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Though metformin — another antidiabetes medication — is considered the first line of treatment for diabetes, GLP-1 agonists
A GLP-1 agonist might also be recommended for people who are unable to meet their blood sugar goals using other medications or those with a HbA1c level at least 1.5% above their target.
For weight loss, healthcare professionals may prescribe GLP-1 agonists for people with an initial BMI of 30 or higher or people who have a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as:
- type 2 diabetes
- prediabetes
- high blood pressure
- high cholesterol
- heart disease
- nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- obstructive sleep apnea
- PCOS
Typically, these medications are only prescribed after someone has tried other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without success.
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.
Who should not take GLP-1 agonists?
Those who should not take GLP-1 agonists include people who:
- are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
- have a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis
- are allergic or sensitive to semaglutide
- have multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome type 2
Weight loss medications are not recommended for people with past or active eating disorders.
Furthermore, it’s not recommended to take multiple GLP-1 agonists without consulting a healthcare professional, as it’s unclear how they may interact. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any other medications you may be taking with the prescribing healthcare professional.
After a medical exam, a healthcare professional — such as a primary care doctor or bariatric physician — may provide a prescription for a GLP-1 agonist, depending on whether or not you meet the required criteria.
A doctor may consider the following factors:
- your medical history
- your health concerns
- what other medications you’re taking
They can also provide more information about insurance coverage and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your prescription.
If you’re interested in GLP-1 medications for weight loss, some telehealth services, such as Calibrate and Ro, may also offer prescriptions for GLP-1 agonists after a virtual consultation.
A note on GLP-1 agonists for weight loss
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, some research
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.
Additionally, weight loss drugs may not
If you are preoccupied with food or your weight, feel guilt surrounding your food choices, or routinely engage in restrictive diets, consider reaching out for support. These behaviors may indicate a disordered relationship with food or an eating disorder.
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:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- headache
- fatigue
- dizziness
- constipation or diarrhea
- heartburn, indigestion, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes
- bloating, belching, and flatulence
- mood changes
- drug interactions
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 be followed closely by 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 product is right for you.
GLP-1 agonists may not be appropriate or desired for everyone. Several other medications have been approved by the FDA for weight loss and the management of type 2 diabetes. It’s important to talk with your doctor about which medication is right for you.
Additionally, if you’re looking to lose weight or manage blood sugar levels without using medication, there are many strategies you can try, such as the following:
- Make more homemade meals: Cutting back on ultra-processed foods and takeout can reduce your calorie consumption and intake of added sugar.
- Eat more fiber and protein: Fiber and protein can help decrease blood sugar levels and increase fullness, as foods high in these substances take longer to digest.
- Limit added sugars: Consuming high amounts of added sugar — especially from sugary beverages — can increase blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain. You may want to opt for water or low calorie beverages more often.
- Increase your physical activity: Moving your body helps you burn more calories and can improve other aspects of your physical and mental well-being.
- Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can contribute to less nutritious food choices and a decrease in physical activity. Plus, sleep helps you recover and feel your best, both physically and emotionally.
- Work with a registered dietitian: Registered dietitians are nutrition specialists and can work with you to identify positive, health-promoting food choices to support weight loss and manage blood sugar levels.
- Work with other health professionals: Working closely with a trained professional — such as a physical therapist, social worker, psychologist, or endocrinologist, depending on your needs — can help ensure that you’re getting well-rounded care.
What else affects your weight?
Weight loss medications generally focus on reducing appetite.
It’s a common misconception that overeating is the sole cause of higher body weight — and, therefore, that simply eating less will result in weight loss. However, food intake isn’t the only factor that influences weight.
Your weight — and your body’s ability to modify weight — may also be influenced by genetics, sex, hormones, medications, health conditions, stress levels, sleep quality, physical activity, age, a history of dieting or
Remember, not all of these factors are within your control.
Which GLP-1 agonist is approved for weight loss?
Wegovy and Saxenda are currently the only GLP-1 agonists
Do GLP-1 agonists suppress appetite?
GLP-1 agonists, such as Wegovy, have been shown to suppress appetite, which may lead to decreased food intake.
Are GLP-1 medications covered by insurance?
If deemed medically necessary, many GLP-1 medications are often covered by insurance. However, coverage can vary depending on your health insurance. Some manufacturers, including Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, also offer savings cards to help make your copay more affordable.
There are several types of GLP-1 agonists available, which help manage blood sugar levels and promote feelings of fullness to support weight loss.
Numerous studies have found that GLP-1 agonists can be effective for weight loss and blood sugar management, especially when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
However, many studies are funded by pharmaceutical companies, meaning there is room for potential bias and conflict of interest.
Plus, GLP-1 agonists aren’t for everyone and can result in undesirable side effects. Therefore, it’s important to discuss the pros and cons with a healthcare professional.
If you’re more interested in other strategies to support blood sugar management and weight loss, consider trying a variety of healthy habits instead, including making changes to your diet and lifestyle.