GLP-1 Medications Guide | Riverside Health

Overview

GLP-1 medications have quickly become one of the most talked-about advances in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. With growing public interest in drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, it’s important to understand what these medications are, how they work, and whether they might be a good fit for you or someone you love.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are a class of prescription medications that mimic a naturally occurring hormone in the body. This hormone is released after eating and helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite.

What Are GLP-1s Used For?

GLP-1 medications are primarily used for two medical purposes:

To improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes
To support long-term weight loss in individuals with overweight or obesity, especially those who have weight-related health conditions

Some formulations, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing diabetes. Others, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, are approved specifically for chronic weight management.

How They Work

How Do GLP-1s Work?

GLP-1 medications help regulate the body’s metabolism in several ways. They:

Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin after meals
Slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach, which increases the feeling of fullness
Reduce appetite by acting on brain receptors that control hunger
Lower glucagon levels, which reduces the amount of sugar released by the liver

These combined effects help lower blood sugar levels and support meaningful, sustained weight loss over time.

Diabetes Treatment

When Are GLP-1s Prescribed for Diabetes?

GLP-1s are generally prescribed for adults with type 2 diabetes who have not been able to achieve adequate blood sugar control with oral medications such as metformin. They are particularly helpful for individuals who also have cardiovascular risk factors, since some GLP-1s have been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

These medications are not typically used in people with type 1 diabetes, as they rely on some natural insulin production to be effective.

Weight Loss Treatment

When Are GLP-1s Prescribed for Weight Loss?

GLP-1s that are specifically approved for weight loss, such as Wegovy and Zepbound, may be prescribed for adults who meet one of the following criteria:

A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (classified as obesity)
A BMI of 27 or higher (classified as overweight) along with a weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

When used for weight management, GLP-1s must be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They are not intended to replace healthy lifestyle habits, but rather to support them.

Benefits and Risks

What Are the Benefits and Risks of GLP-1 Medications?

Benefits

GLP-1s offer a wide range of benefits for individuals with type 2 diabetes and for those managing excess weight. These benefits may include:

Improved blood sugar control
Reduced appetite and cravings
Lower risk of cardiovascular events (for some GLP-1s)
Weight loss that exceeds what most people can achieve through lifestyle change alone

On average, people taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss experience a weight reduction of 10% to 20% of their total body weight over the course of 6 to 12 months. For example, someone who weighs 250 pounds could expect to lose approximately 25 to 50 pounds, depending on the specific medication, dosage, and their adherence to dietary and exercise recommendations.

Risks and Side Effects

As with any medication, GLP-1s are associated with some risks. Common side effects include:

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Constipation or bloating
Headache or fatigue
Potential risk of pancreatitis
Gallbladder issues in some individuals
Muscle loss associated with rapid weight loss

Some people also notice facial thinning or sagging skin, often referred to in media as “Ozempic face,” due to fat loss. GLP-1s are not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare condition called MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2).

It’s also important to be aware of unregulated or non-approved versions of GLP-1 medications, which may be sold online or by non-medical providers. These products may be unsafe or ineffective and should be avoided.

Stopping GLP-1s

Are Health Improvements Maintained After Stopping GLP-1s?

In many cases, the health improvements seen with GLP-1 use (especially weight loss and blood sugar control) are not sustained after the medication is discontinued. Research shows that most people regain some or all of the lost weight and that blood sugar levels tend to rise again once the medication is stopped.

GLP-1s are most effective when used as part of a long-term health plan, which may include extended use of the medication, lifestyle support, and regular medical follow-up.

Alternatives

Are There Alternatives to GLP-1s?

Yes, there are several alternatives depending on your health goals and medical history.

For Diabetes:

Other medications such as SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, metformin, or insulin
Diabetes self-management education programs and lifestyle coaching

For Weight Loss:

Other weight-loss medications such as bupropion-naltrexone, phentermine-topiramate, and orlistat
Bariatric surgery, especially for people with severe obesity or weight-related complications
Natural GLP-1 boosters, such as:
- Eating meals high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats
- Limiting refined carbohydrates and sugar
- Getting enough sleep and regular physical activity

Next Steps

What Should You Do If You Think GLP-1s Might Be Right for You?

If you think you might benefit from a GLP-1 medication, the best first step is to speak with your primary care provider or endocrinologist. They will evaluate: