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What Is GLP-1?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a peptide hormone secreted by the L-cells of your small intestine after you eat. It acts on receptors in the pancreas, brain, stomach, and heart to regulate blood sugar and appetite. Your body produces GLP-1 naturally — but only briefly, since the enzyme DPP-4 breaks it down within minutes.
GLP-1 medications (formally called GLP-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs) are synthetic peptides engineered to resist DPP-4 breakdown. They activate the same receptors as natural GLP-1, but stay in the bloodstream for hours or days instead of minutes — extending the appetite-suppressing and glucose-lowering effects.
This drug class includes both single-agonist (just GLP-1) and dual/triple agonists that hit GLP-1 plus other related hormone receptors:
- Single-agonist GLP-1s: semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, lixisenatide
- Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist: tirzepatide
- Dual GLP-1/glucagon agonist (pipeline): survodutide, pemvidutide
- Triple GLP-1/GIP/glucagon agonist (pipeline): retatrutide
How Do GLP-1s Work?
GLP-1 medications produce four main effects in the body:
- Reduce appetite. GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus and brainstem send "I'm full" signals. Many users describe a "GLP-1 voice" — food no longer occupies their thoughts the way it used to.
- Slow gastric emptying. Food stays in the stomach longer, so a meal feels satisfying for hours instead of returning hunger within 60-90 minutes.
- Stimulate insulin (when needed). GLP-1 increases insulin release from the pancreas only when blood glucose is elevated — which is why GLP-1s rarely cause low blood sugar on their own.
- Suppress glucagon. Glucagon raises blood sugar by signaling the liver to release glucose. GLP-1 lowers glucagon, helping flatten post-meal blood sugar spikes.
The combined effect is 10-22% body-weight reduction at therapeutic doses over 12-18 months, plus significantly improved blood-sugar control. Read the full how GLP-1 works mechanism guide.
All GLP-1 Drugs (FDA-Approved + Pipeline)
The GLP-1 landscape covers eight FDA-approved single-/dual-agonist drugs and a deep pipeline of next-generation candidates. Here are the most important ones:
Semaglutide
The most-prescribed GLP-1. Active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus.
Tirzepatide
Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist. Active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Ozempic
Semaglutide for type 2 diabetes (off-label for weight loss).
Mounjaro
Tirzepatide for type 2 diabetes (off-label for weight loss).
See all 22 GLP-1 medications →
How Much Does GLP-1 Cost?
List prices for branded GLP-1 medications without insurance:
| Drug | Form | List Price | Cheapest Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Weekly injection | $1,349/mo | $179/mo compounded |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Weekly injection | $1,069/mo | $349/mo LillyDirect vials |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Weekly injection | $998/mo | Insurance copay typically $25-100 |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Weekly injection | $1,069/mo | $249/mo compounded tirz |
| Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) | Daily pill | $1,029/mo | Insurance copay typically $50-100 |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | Daily injection | $1,349/mo | Generic ~$450/mo |
The cheapest legitimate path for most uninsured patients is compounded semaglutide via licensed telehealth, $179/month. The drug ships in 5-7 days after a clinician evaluation. Read more in our GLP-1 cost guide and insurance coverage page.
GLP-1 Side Effects
The most common GLP-1 side effects are gastrointestinal and usually peak during dose escalation (weeks 1-4 and after each titration step):
- Nausea (20-44% of users in trials, decreasing over time)
- Diarrhea or constipation (10-20%)
- Vomiting (5-15%)
- Decreased appetite (universal — this is the intended effect)
- Fatigue (5-10%)
- Injection-site reactions (mild, transient)
Less common but more serious: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury (often dehydration-related), and the boxed warning for medullary thyroid carcinoma in patients with personal/family MEN 2 history. See the full GLP-1 side effects guide with management tips for each.
How to Get GLP-1
You have three legitimate paths to a GLP-1 prescription in 2026:
- Your existing doctor (with insurance). If your insurance covers Wegovy or Zepbound, the in-person path is usually cheapest — copays often $25-100/month. The challenge: prior authorization requirements are common and can delay starting by weeks.
- Online telehealth (compounded GLP-1). Cash-pay path. Compounded semaglutide ($179/mo) or tirzepatide ($249/mo) shipped to your door after a free online clinician evaluation. See our online GLP-1 guide.
- Manufacturer direct (LillyDirect, NovoCare). Eli Lilly sells single-dose Zepbound vials via LillyDirect for $349/month (vs. $1,069/month autoinjector). Novo Nordisk has expanded patient assistance for Wegovy. Both require self-pay.
For most cash-pay patients, online telehealth is the fastest and cheapest. Read the full guide or take our 60-second quiz to find the right path.
Explore the GLP-1 Guide
Drugs
22 GLP-1 medications compared — FDA-approved, pipeline, and non-GLP-1 alternatives.
Browse Drugs