Weight Loss Medications: A Simple Guide to GLP-1s, GIPs, and Beyond

What they are, how they work, and what medications are FDA-approved today

In recent years, weight loss medications, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists, have gained popularity. But they weren’t originally created for weight loss.

Let’s break down how they started, what they do, and what’s available now.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a natural hormone your body makes to:

• Help regulate blood sugar
• Slow down stomach emptying (so you feel full longer)
• Signal satiety to your brain

GLP-1 medications mimic this natural hormone but have a longer-lasting effect in your body.
Originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes, researchers noticed a significant side effect during trials: weight loss.

That discovery led to new research and new medications, specifically targeting obesity and weight management.

FDA-Approved GLP-1 Medications

Here’s a list of FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, grouped by purpose:

For Type 2 Diabetes:

Brand Name                   Generic Name                         Approved

Byetta®                       Exenatide                             2005

‍Victoza®                         Liraglutide                            2010

‍Trulicity®                        Dulaglutide                           2014

‍Bydureon BCise®        Exenatide ER                        2017

‍Ozempic®                       Semaglutide                         2017

‍Rybelsus®                      Semaglutide (oral)                2019

‍Mounjaro®                     Tirzepatide (GLP-1 + GIP)    2022

For Weight Loss / Obesity:

Brand Name                  Generic Name                           Approved

Saxenda®                       Liraglutide                             2014

‍Wegovy®                        Semaglutide                          2021

‍Zepbound®                   Tirzepatide                            2023

What’s the Difference Between GLP-1s and GIPs?

• GLP-1: Helps you feel full longer and improves insulin response.
• GIP: Another gut hormone that helps regulate energy storage and blood sugar.

Some newer medications (like tirzepatide) target both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may improve both blood sugar control and weight loss results.

What’s Next? Dual and Triple Agonist Medications

The field is evolving rapidly. Researchers are developing medications that target multiple hormones involved in hunger, blood sugar, and energy balance.

Current and Emerging Medications:

Name                                  Type                                                           Status
Tirzepatide                      Dual GLP-1 / GIP Agonist                FDA Approved

‍CagriSema®                    Dual GLP-1 / Amylin AgonistIn        Phase 3 Trials

‍Retatrutide                      Triple GIP / GLP-1 / GlucagonIn      Phase 3 Trials

These “multi-pathway” drugs aim to improve results but may also come with more side effects. Researchers are still evaluating long-term safety and effectiveness.

Key Takeaways

• GLP-1 medications started as diabetes drugs but are now approved for weight loss due to their effects on appetite and satiety.
• Some medications are approved for diabetes, some for obesity, and some for both.
• Newer drugs like tirzepatide are dual agonists, and even triple agonist medications are being tested.
• These medications are tools, not cures, and work best when combined with nutrition, exercise, and behavioral changes.

Want to Learn More?

Stay tuned for future posts where we’ll break down:

• How GLP-1 medications affect hunger and the brain
• Common side effects and how to manage them
• How to protect your muscle and metabolism while using GLP-1s

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