GLP-1 Medications
A comprehensive guide to FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and tirzepatide medications.
Understanding GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone. To learn more about how these medications work, visit our What is GLP-1? page.
Currently, there are two main types of GLP-1 medications available:
- • Semaglutide — Found in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus
- • Tirzepatide — Found in Mounjaro and Zepbound (dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist)
Medication Comparison
Each GLP-1 medication has specific FDA approvals, dosing schedules, and characteristics:
Ozempic
semaglutide • Novo Nordisk
Dosing
Once weekly injection
Available Doses
0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- Often prescribed off-label for weight management
- Same active ingredient as Wegovy at lower doses
Wegovy
semaglutide • Novo Nordisk
Dosing
Once weekly injection
Available Doses
0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, 2.4mg
- FDA-approved for chronic weight management
- Higher maximum dose than Ozempic
- Requires BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥27 with comorbidity
Mounjaro
tirzepatide • Eli Lilly
Dosing
Once weekly injection
Available Doses
2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- Often prescribed off-label for weight management
Zepbound
tirzepatide • Eli Lilly
Dosing
Once weekly injection
Available Doses
2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
- FDA-approved for chronic weight management
- Same active ingredient as Mounjaro
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism
Rybelsus
semaglutide • Novo Nordisk
Dosing
Daily oral tablet
Available Doses
3mg, 7mg, 14mg
- Only oral GLP-1 medication
- FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes
- Must be taken on empty stomach
Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide
While both medication types are GLP-1 receptor agonists, tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) also targets GIP receptors, making it a dual agonist. Clinical trials have shown:
Semaglutide (Wegovy)
STEP trials showed approximately 15% average weight loss over 68 weeks. Works by activating GLP-1 receptors.
Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
SURMOUNT trials showed approximately 20% average weight loss over 72 weeks. Works by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
Individual results vary significantly. These averages are from clinical trials with dietary counseling and lifestyle modifications.
How Medications Are Selected
The choice of GLP-1 medication depends on several factors that your healthcare provider will consider:
- • Primary indication — Whether the goal is diabetes management, weight management, or both
- • Insurance coverage — Different medications have different coverage and cost profiles
- • Medical history — Certain conditions may favor one medication over another
- • Preference — Injection vs. oral (only semaglutide available as oral)
- • Availability — Some medications may have supply constraints
Related Information
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