Weight loss can be challenging for many people, even when they follow a well-balanced diet and exercise regimen. Because of this, some people may look for other methods to support weight loss, such as medication.

One popular medication that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved is semaglutide, which is better known by the brand name Wegovy.

This medication is a GLP-1 agonist that is designed to help reduce hunger and food intake, thus potentially supporting weight loss.

There are several other types of GLP-1 agonists available as well, many of which are sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management.

This article tells you all you need to know about GLP-1 agonists, including Wegovy, and whether these medications can help with weight loss.

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GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking a naturally produced hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).

GLP-1 is a hormone that your body naturally produces. It has many roles but is best known for its role in regulating hunger and food intake.

The release of this hormone can help delay emptying of the stomach, so food stays in your stomach longer and you feel full longer. It also helps suppress another hormone called glucagon. This can prevent you from feeling hungry.

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. These drugs increase the release of insulin, a hormone your pancreas produces. This helps remove excess sugar from your blood and thus lowers your blood sugar levels.

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.

It’s important to keep in mind that 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 weight loss interventions, such as a low calorie diet and an exercise regimen, to promote weight management.

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 weight cycling, and other factors.

Remember, not all of these factors are within your control.

Wegovy

  • What it is: Wegovy (semaglutide) is a drug that the FDA approved for use as a weight loss medication in 2021.
  • Cost: At time of publish, 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 2021 research review found that taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy once per week led to reductions in weight across multiple studies and was more effective than a placebo.

In two studies, one with 803 participants and the other involving 1,961 participants with obesity, those taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy weekly experienced an average 7.9% or 14.9% decrease in body weight, respectively.

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.

In the first study, it’s worth noting that the treatment group also had significant reductions in waist circumference, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) levels, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.

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 2022 study compared Wegovy (semaglutide) with Saxenda (liraglutide), another GLP-1 agonist. The study’s 338 participants were split into four groups: Wegovy (2.4 mg weekly), liraglutide (3 mg daily), and two placebo groups. All groups also made changes to their diet and exercise habits.

After 68 weeks, the Wegovy group had an average weight loss of 15.8%, while the liraglutide group had an average weight loss of 6.4%. The authors suspected that Wegovy could better decrease food cravings and hunger, leading to less food intake.

Pros

  • approved by 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

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 publish, 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

Multiple studies show that Saxenda could be effective for weight loss.

In fact, a 2021 study in 169 people with obesity found that 62.1% lost at least 5% of their body weight over a 6-month period while taking liraglutide. What’s more, approximately 17.2% of participants taking liraglutide experienced at least a 10% reduction in body weight.

Another recent study in 277 people showed that taking 3 mg of liraglutide per day resulted in an average weight loss of 9 pounds (lb), or 4.1 kilograms (kg) after 7 months, or about 4.2% of their baseline body weight.

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 research suggests that it may also support blood sugar management.

Pros

  • approved for weight loss in people 12 years of age and older
  • may promote blood sugar management

Cons

  • must be taken daily
  • requires self-administered injection

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 publish, the list price of Ozempic is $892.06 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 per week.

Effectiveness

Many studies have found that Ozempic could be beneficial for managing diabetes and promoting weight loss.

For instance, a 2018 study in people with type 2 diabetes found that both high (1 mg weekly) and low (0.5 mg weekly) doses of Ozempic were more effective than Trulicity (dulaglutide), another GLP-1 agonist, at improving blood sugar management and decreasing body weight.

A 2019 study in 577 people with type 2 diabetes compared the effects of Ozempic (1 mg per week) and Victoza (liraglutide), a GLP-1 agonist that is administered once daily.

Not only was Ozempic more effective at improving long-term blood sugar management compared with Victoza, but participants who took Ozempic also lost over three times as much weight over the course of the 30-week study.

However, keep in mind that both of these studies received funding from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of 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

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 publish, the list price for Rybelsus is $851.60 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 2019 study compared the effectiveness of oral semaglutide (14 mg), liraglutide (1.8 mg), and a placebo in 711 people with type 2 diabetes.

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 2019 review of 11 studies, oral semaglutide was superior to several other medications for diabetes (including liraglutide) at improving HbA1c levels and reducing body weight.

Compared with a placebo, it also reduced the risk of premature death from all causes, including heart disease.

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

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 publish, 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 1.5 mg once per week if recommended by a doctor.

Effectiveness

One 2020 study in 1,307 people taking dulaglutide found that it was effective at reducing HbA1c by 1% and decreasing body weight by an average of 6.4 lb (2.9 kg), during a follow-up period of up to 30 months.

A 2021 study — which received funding from multiple pharmaceutical companies — showed that people with diabetes taking 1.5 mg, 3 mg, or 4.5 mg of dulaglutide experienced an average weight loss of 6.8 lb (3.1 kg), 8.8 lb (4 kg), or 10.4 lb (4.7 kg), respectively, after 36 weeks.

What’s more, one 2016 review of six studies demonstrated that 57%–88% and 43%–84% of people treated with 1.5 mg and 0.75 mg of dulaglutide, respectively, experienced significant weight loss.

The review also found a dose-dependent effect of dulaglutide on HbA1c levels, meaning that it could be beneficial for blood sugar management as well.

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

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 publish, 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 2019 study in 40 people with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity evaluated the long-term effectiveness of up to 1.8 mg of Victoza for weight management.

After 5 years, participants had lost an average of 11 lb (5 kg), indicating that it could be beneficial for long-term weight loss. Additionally, participants also experienced a decrease in HbA1c and fasting blood sugar levels.

Similarly, a 2021 study found that liraglutide was associated with significant reductions in body mass index (BMI) and body weight compared with a placebo in children and adolescents with type 2 diabetes over 1 year.

On the other hand, a 2019 study and a 2019 review of 11 clinical trials show that it may not be as effective for weight loss as other types of GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide.

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

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 publish. 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

Though Byetta is approved to treat type 2 diabetes, some research suggests that it could be beneficial for weight loss and appetite management as well.

For instance, one 2016 review of six studies evaluated the effects of exenatide in people with overweight or obesity without diabetes.

Interestingly, exenatide resulted in a significantly greater reduction in body weight, BMI, and belly fat compared with a control group, regardless of dosage.

Another 2016 study in young adults and adolescents with overweight and Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic condition associated with obesity, found that taking exenatide decreased appetite after just 1 month and improved long-term blood sugar management.

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

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 2021 12-week study, pairing 2 mg of Bydureon BCise per week with metformin was more effective than metformin alone at decreasing body weight, BMI, and belly fat and improving insulin sensitivity in females with overweight or obesity and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

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 2015 review comparing the effectiveness of several types of GLP-1 agonists concluded that liraglutide and exenatide once daily (Byetta) were both associated with greater reductions in weight compared with other types of GLP-1 agonists, including Bydureon BCise.

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

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 publish, 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

Several studies have found that Mounjaro could be beneficial for weight management.

For instance, one 2022 study looked at the effects of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg once-weekly tirzepatide in people with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition.

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 2022 study in 259 people had similar findings, reporting that taking tirzepatide for 26 weeks was effective at reducing body weight, improving blood sugar management, and altering levels of certain substances associated with type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.

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

Here’s a quick look at how the above GLP-1 agonists compare:

Brand nameList price*Dose frequencySpecifically for weight loss
Wegovy
(semaglutide)		$1,349.02once weeklyyes
Saxenda
(liraglutide)		$1,349.02once dailyyes
Ozempic
(semaglutide)		$892.06once weeklyno
Rybelsus
(semaglutide)		$851.60once daily (orally)no
Trulicity
(dulaglutide)		$930.88once weeklyno
Victoza
(liraglutide)		$744.54once dailyno
Byetta
(exenatide)		$940twice dailyno
Bydureon BCise
(exenatide)		$855once weeklyno
Mounjaro
(tirzepatide)		$1,023.04once weeklyno

*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.

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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:

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 thoroughly 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 factors like your medical history, health concerns, and what other medications you’re taking to determine whether you might be a candidate for a GLP-1 agonist.

They can also provide more information about insurance coverage and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your prescription.

Some telehealth services, such as Calibrate and Ro, may also offer prescriptions for GLP-1 agonists after a virtual consultation.

Though GLP-1 agonists, such as Wegovy, may support weight loss, 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

Ultimately, it’s important to discuss any concerns you have with a healthcare professional to make sure the product is right for you.

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 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.

If you’re looking to lose weight 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.
  • Eat more fiber and protein: Fiber and protein can help increase fullness, since foods high in these substances take longer to digest.
  • Limit added sugars: Calories from added sugars — especially from sugary beverages — can add up quickly. 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.
  • Work with other health professionals: Weight may be only one piece of the puzzle of your health. 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.

Here are some questions people often ask about taking GLP-1 agonists for weight loss.

Which GLP-1 agonist is approved for weight loss?

Wegovy and Saxenda are the only GLP-1 agonists approved as weight loss drugs.

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.

Heads-up

Weight loss drugs may not be recommended for people with eating disorders and more body weight.

Studies from 2015 and 2018 also suggest that people with more body weight are disproportionately likely to experience disordered eating and eating disorder symptoms.

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.

Disordered eating and eating disorders can affect anyone, regardless of gender identity, race, age, body size, socioeconomic status, or other identities.

They can be caused by any combination of biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors — not just by exposure to diet culture.

Talk with a qualified healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, if you’re having a hard time.

You can also chat, call, or text anonymously with trained volunteers at the National Eating Disorders Association helpline for free or explore the organization’s free and low cost resources.

There are several types of GLP-1 agonists available, which help promote feelings of fullness by delaying stomach emptying and decreasing levels of hunger hormones.

Wegovy and Saxenda are both approved for weight management. Meanwhile, other GLP-1 medications are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but they may be prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Numerous studies have found that GLP-1 agonists can be effective for weight loss, especially when combined with a reduced calorie diet and an exercise regimen.

However, most studies reporting positive results are funded by the manufacturers of these medications. That means there is room for potential bias and conflict of interest in the research.

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 weight loss strategies that do not involve medication, consider trying a variety of healthy habits that can help support meaningful weight loss.

You may want to try eating more fiber and protein, eating fewer ultra-processed foods, increasing your physical activity, looking for healthy ways to manage your stress levels, or getting enough sleep.