GLP-1 medications have become the most talked-about weight loss treatment since… well, probably ever. Celebrities are using them, your coworker is on one, and your social media feed won’t stop talking about them. But between the hype and the skepticism, it’s hard to figure out what these medications actually do and whether they make sense for you.

Here’s what you need to know, without the marketing spin.

What GLP-1 Actually Means

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a hormone your body already produces. When you eat, your gut releases GLP-1, which does three things:

Tells your brain you’re full. GLP-1 acts on appetite centers in the brain to reduce hunger.
Slows stomach emptying. Food stays in your stomach longer, so you feel satisfied after smaller portions.
Helps regulate blood sugar. It stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon, keeping blood sugar stable.

The natural version of GLP-1 breaks down within minutes. GLP-1 medications are engineered versions that last much longer — days instead of minutes. That’s why they’re given as weekly injections rather than with every meal.

This isn’t some exotic mechanism. Your body already uses GLP-1 to manage appetite. The medications just amplify a system that’s already there.

The Two Main Medications

Two GLP-1-based medications are currently FDA-approved specifically for weight management:

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Brand names: Wegovy (weight loss), Ozempic (type 2 diabetes — same drug, different dosing)
How it works: Pure GLP-1 receptor agonist
Administration: Weekly subcutaneous injection
Clinical results: In the landmark STEP 1 trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with placebo
FDA approved for weight loss: June 2021
Compounded versions available: Yes, at significantly lower cost

Tirzepatide (Zepbound)

Brand names: Zepbound (weight loss), Mounjaro (type 2 diabetes)
How it works: Dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist — targets two appetite pathways instead of one
Administration: Weekly subcutaneous injection
Clinical results: In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants on the highest dose lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks
FDA approved for weight loss: November 2023
Compounded versions available: Yes

Tirzepatide is the newer option and produces more weight loss on average. But semaglutide has a longer track record and more published safety data. Your provider will recommend one based on your specific situation.

For a detailed head-to-head breakdown, see our Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide comparison guide.

What the Clinical Trials Actually Show

Let’s look at the numbers instead of the marketing:

Semaglutide (STEP trials):

Average weight loss: ~15% of body weight
About 1 in 3 participants lost 20% or more
Weight loss continued for about 60-68 weeks before plateauing
Most weight was regained if the medication was stopped

Tirzepatide (SURMOUNT trials):

Average weight loss: ~20-22% of body weight at highest doses
About half of participants on the highest dose lost 25% or more
Similar timeline — most loss happened in the first 60-72 weeks
Also regained upon discontinuation

The “regain after stopping” part is important. These medications don’t cure obesity. They manage it, similar to how blood pressure medications manage hypertension. Most experts recommend thinking of them as long-term treatments.

Common Side Effects

Most side effects are gastrointestinal and typically improve as your body adjusts:

Very common (experienced by 20-40% of users):

Nausea — usually worst in weeks 1-3, especially when starting or increasing dose
Decreased appetite — this is partly the point, but it can be uncomfortable
Constipation or diarrhea — varies by person

Common (10-20% of users):

Stomach pain or discomfort
Headache
Fatigue
Bloating

Less common but important:

Gallbladder problems — gallstones are more common during rapid weight loss
Pancreatitis — rare but serious; seek immediate care for severe abdominal pain
Injection site reactions — redness or itching at the injection spot

The dose escalation approach helps. You start at a low dose and increase gradually over weeks. This gives your body time to adjust and significantly reduces the severity of side effects. Most people find nausea manageable by week 3-4.

For a deeper look at managing side effects, read our GLP-1 Side Effects Guide.

Who Qualifies?

GLP-1 medications for weight loss are typically prescribed to adults who meet one of these criteria:

BMI of 30 or higher (clinical obesity), OR
BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea)

Some telehealth providers also consider patients with a BMI of 25+ who have significant metabolic risk factors, though this is at the individual provider’s discretion.

Who should NOT take GLP-1 medications:

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
People with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Anyone with a history of pancreatitis (relative contraindication)
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
People with a history of severe gastrointestinal disease

A qualified provider will evaluate your complete medical history before prescribing. Be wary of any service that prescribes without a thorough medical screening — that’s a red flag.

Brand-Name vs. Compounded: What’s the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions, and it matters because it dramatically affects what you’ll pay.

Brand-name (Wegovy, Zepbound):

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly
Full FDA approval with extensive clinical trials
Costs $1,000-1,500/month without insurance
May be covered by insurance (varies widely by plan)

Compounded versions:

Produced by licensed compounding pharmacies (503A or 503B facilities)
Use the same active ingredients
Not individually FDA-approved, but produced in FDA-regulated facilities
Cost $149-399/month typically
Not covered by insurance

Most telehealth providers offering GLP-1 medications under $500/month are prescribing compounded versions. This isn’t inherently bad — compounding pharmacies are regulated and inspected — but you should know the difference.

If you want brand-name specifically, you’ll either need insurance coverage or a provider like Sequence or PlushCare who can prescribe brand-name and bill your insurance.

How to Get Started

The process is simpler than most people expect:

Step 1: Take an online assessment. Most telehealth providers have a 5-15 minute health questionnaire. This covers your medical history, current medications, weight loss goals, and BMI.

Step 2: Provider review. A licensed healthcare provider evaluates your assessment. Some platforms do this asynchronously (within 24-48 hours); others offer video consultations.

Step 3: Get your prescription. If approved, your provider prescribes the appropriate medication and creates a dose escalation plan.

Step 4: Medication delivery. Your medication ships directly to your door, typically arriving within 3-7 days. Injectable medications are shipped with cold packs to maintain stability.

Step 5: Start treatment and follow up. You’ll begin at a low dose and increase over time. Regular check-ins (monthly or as-needed) help your provider adjust your treatment.

The entire process from assessment to holding your first medication typically takes 5-10 days.

Choosing a Provider

Not all GLP-1 telehealth providers are created equal. Key things to evaluate:

Provider credentials: Board-certified physicians or appropriately supervised NPs?
Pharmacy sourcing: 503A vs 503B compounding? Brand-name available?
Pricing transparency: Is the medication included in the monthly price?
Consultation type: Asynchronous questionnaire or live video?
Cancellation policy: Month-to-month or locked commitment?

We’ve reviewed and compared the top providers to help you decide. Start with our Best GLP-1 Providers for 2026 comparison, or read individual provider reviews for in-depth assessments.

If you want to browse by location, our clinic finder shows which telehealth providers serve your state and city.

FAQ

Are GLP-1 medications safe? Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have been through extensive clinical trials involving tens of thousands of participants. They’re FDA-approved and prescribed by licensed providers. Like all medications, they carry risks and side effects, which is why medical supervision is required.

How much weight will I lose? Clinical trial averages are 15% of body weight with semaglutide and 20-22% with tirzepatide. Individual results vary significantly. Some people lose more, some less. Lifestyle factors like diet and exercise affect outcomes.

Do I need to diet and exercise too? The medications work best alongside healthy lifestyle changes. In clinical trials, all participants were on reduced-calorie diets and increased physical activity. The medication reduces appetite, but what you eat when you do eat still matters.

How long do I need to take GLP-1 medications? Current evidence suggests weight regain is common after discontinuation. Most experts recommend thinking of GLP-1 therapy as long-term treatment rather than a short course. Discuss timeline expectations with your provider.

Can I take GLP-1 medications if I have diabetes? Yes — in fact, semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) were originally developed for type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, your provider may recommend different dosing. Inform your provider about all existing conditions and medications.

What’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy? Same active ingredient (semaglutide), different dosing and FDA approval. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy is approved for weight management at higher doses. Your provider will prescribe the appropriate version.

Last updated February 2026. This guide is for informational purposes and doesn’t replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication.

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