What Are GLP-1 Medications?

How GLP-1 medications work

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your gut produces naturally after a meal. It signals the pancreas to release insulin, slows the rate at which the stomach empties, and tells the brain that you're full. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic that hormone, but at much higher and longer-lasting levels than your body normally produces.

The result is a three-part effect:

Better blood-sugar control — through enhanced insulin response and reduced glucagon release.
Slower gastric emptying — food stays in the stomach longer, prolonging satiety.
Reduced appetite — the brain registers fullness sooner and food cravings drop.

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications

Eight GLP-1 (or GLP-1/GIP dual) medications are currently FDA-approved in the United States. They differ by active ingredient (semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide), route (injection or oral), frequency (daily or weekly), and indication (diabetes vs. weight management). See our comparison page for the full table.

Who is GLP-1 medication for?

GLP-1 medications are typically prescribed for adults who meet at least one of these criteria:

Diagnosed Type 2 diabetes (for diabetes-indicated products)
BMI of 30 or higher (obesity)
BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition (high blood pressure, sleep apnea, dyslipidemia)

GLP-1s are not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2, anyone with a history of pancreatitis, or those who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Any reputable provider will screen for these contraindications during clinical evaluation.

What results to expect

In clinical trials, weight loss outcomes vary by medication. Semaglutide (Wegovy) at therapeutic dose produces approximately 15% average weight loss over 68 weeks. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) at top dose reaches approximately 21% over 72 weeks. Individual results vary based on diet, activity, dose tolerance, and adherence.

Brand-name vs. compounded

Brand-name GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and remain expensive, sometimes hard to access through insurance. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide — custom preparations made by licensed 503A or 503B pharmacies — are available through many telehealth providers as a more affordable alternative when brand-name shortages exist.

Compounded versions contain the same active ingredient but are not finished-drug FDA-approved. Quality depends heavily on the pharmacy. Look for providers that disclose their pharmacy partners and any verification (e.g., NABP accreditation).

What to look for in a telehealth provider

The category is crowded and the marketing is loud. The four protections that actually matter to patients are:

Transparent pricing displayed before account creation.
Non-subscription billing — pay-per-order, not auto-renewal.
A documented money-back guarantee, not a conditional one.
Clinical evaluation included in the price, not a hidden add-on.