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GLP-1 drugs explained: what they are and how they work
Summary
GLP-1s are gut hormones used in diabetes care and, in specific FDA-approved forms, for weight management; they act by reducing appetite, slowing digestion and helping control blood sugar, and are commonly given as injections with some pill options now available.
Content
GLP-1 medications have attracted wide attention for their effects on weight and blood sugar. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a gut hormone that helps regulate appetite, digestion and glucose. Many of these drugs were developed for type 2 diabetes and are now being used, sometimes in FDA-approved forms and sometimes off-label, for weight management. Access has expanded through telehealth providers and compounded formulas alongside brand-name prescriptions.
Key points:
- GLP-1 refers to a naturally occurring hormone that influences appetite, digestion and blood sugar regulation.
- Several GLP-1 drugs are used to treat type 2 diabetes; some are also FDA-approved specifically for weight management, and others are prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- FDA-approved weight-management drugs mentioned include liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound); semaglutide is also sold as Ozempic for diabetes only.
- Medications are most commonly administered by subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue (belly, thighs, upper buttocks, backs of arms), though oral formulations have recently been authorized for certain products.
- Dosing schedules vary by product and plan, with some taken daily and others weekly, and telehealth companies and compounding pharmacies are among the channels offering access.
- Drugmakers are developing additional medications that target multiple hormones, and pricing and availability continue to evolve.
Summary:
GLP-1 drugs are being used more widely for diabetes and weight management, and the market shows growing availability through clinics, telehealth services and different formulations. How access, pricing and new products will change over time is undetermined at this time.
