If it seems like GLP-1 medications are everywhere, you're not imagining it. They're discussed across social media, featured in TV commercials and praised by people who say they've helped them lose weight, manage diabetes or improve their health. Given all the buzz, you may be wondering if a GLP-1 medication could help you meet your health goals.

GLP-1 medications are a group of medicines used to treat conditions such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Today, more than 10 GLP-1 medications are approved for these and other health conditions.

Read on to learn how GLP-1 medications work, the similarities and differences between the available options, and how to get on a GLP-1 medication if it makes sense for you.

What is a GLP-1 medicine? A medicine that activates the GLP-1 receptor.

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar levels and plays an important role in digestion and appetite. After you eat, GLP-1 signals your body to release insulin, slows how quickly food leaves your stomach and helps you feel fuller for longer.

GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the effects of this hormone and can help lower blood sugar levels, reduce appetite and support weight loss. There are medications that also activate the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. GIP is a hormone that plays a role in insulin release, energy balance and fat metabolism.

While these medications work in similar ways, they're not all approved for the same uses and can differ in how they're taken, how often they're used and their effects.

GLP-1 comparison chart: Types of medications and how they’re used

Below is a chart of GLP-1 medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as of October 2026.

You may hear these medications referred to by different names, including GLP-1 receptor agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, incretin mimetics and GLP-1 analogs. These terms generally describe the same types of medications.

Chart of currently available GLP-1 medications

List of GLP-1 agonists for weight loss: Similarities and differences

When GLP-1s are prescribed for weight loss, they're used alongside healthy lifestyle changes, including improvements to diet and physical activity – often as part of a medical weight loss program.

There are currently four GLP-1 medications approved to help support weight loss and weight management in people with a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with a weight-related condition. These medicines are:

• Foundayo (orforglipron) – Foundayo is a once-daily pill that can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. In a clinical study, people who took Foundayo lost up to 11% of their body weight. They also saw changes in cholesterol, blood pressure and waist size.
• Saxenda (liraglutide) – Saxenda is a once-daily injection. In clinical studies, people taking Saxenda lost between 5.8% and 8% of their body weight. Saxenda is approved for both adults and children 12 years old and older. Saxenda will be discontinued in January 2027.
• Wegovy (semaglutide) – Most people taking Wegovy lose between 10% and 15% of their body weight. Wegovy is available as a daily pill or a weekly injection. Wegovy may also help reduce cardiovascular risk and is approved for certain people with MASH-related liver scarring. The Wegovy injection is available for people 12 years old and older. The Wegovy pill is approved for adults only.
• Zepbound (tirzepatide) – Zepbound is a dual GIP and GLP-1 agonist that’s taken through a weekly injection. People taking Zepbound can lose up to 20% of their body weight. The medicine is also approved to help with obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

If you’re wondering which GLP-1 is best for weight loss, there’s no single answer. The right medication depends on factors such as your health history, treatment goals, preferences and how your body responds to the medication. Your doctor can help determine which option may be the best fit for you.

List of GLP-1 agonists for type 2 diabetes: Similarities and differences

GLP-1 medications are commonly prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes, who need additional help managing their blood sugar levels and lowering their A1C (a measure of average blood sugar levels over the previous 2 to 3 months). Depending on the medication, they may also support weight loss and help reduce the risk of heart and kidney conditions. Commonly prescribed GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes include:

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication approved to treat type 2 diabetes in people 10 years old and older. In clinical studies, adults taking Mounjaro achieved A1C reductions of 2.0% to 2.3%. Many people also experience significant weight loss while taking Mounjaro.
• Ozempic (semaglutide) – Ozempic is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes and is available as a weekly injection. Oral semaglutide is also available as a daily pill. In clinical studies, people taking semaglutide experienced A1C reductions of 1.4% to 2.1%, depending on the dose. Additional benefits may include weight loss, reduced cardiovascular risk and a lower risk of worsening kidney disease.
• Trulicity (dulaglutide) – Trulicity is a once-weekly injectable medicine approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years old and older. In clinical studies, people taking Trulicity achieved A1C reductions of 1.5% to 1.8%, depending on the dose. Weight loss may also occur, though it is typically less pronounced than with some newer medications.

Other GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes are available, including Adlyxin (lixisenatide), Byetta (exenatide), Bydureon BCise (exenatide) and Victoza (liragludite). But newer options are often prescribed because of their effectiveness, convenience or additional health benefits.

Off-label use of GLP-1 medications

In some cases, doctors may prescribe GLP-1 medications for conditions that aren't specifically approved by the FDA. This is known as off-label use and may include conditions such metabolic disorders and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

At HealthPartners, our doctors may prescribe GLP-1 medications off-label when there’s enough evidence to support their safety and effectiveness as a treatment for a particular condition.

Tirzepatide vs. semaglutide and other GLP-1 medications

People often ask, "Is Zepbound a GLP-1?" and "Is Mounjaro a GLP-1?" The answers are a little more complicated than yes or no.

Tirzepatide works by activating two hormone receptors. Like traditional GLP-1 medications, it activates the GLP-1 receptor. But tirzepatide also activates the GIP receptor. Because of this, medications containing tirzepatide are known as dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists.

By targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors at the same time, tirzepatide may help some people achieve greater blood sugar improvements and weight loss than medications that activate only the GLP-1 receptor. However, the best medication for you depends on your health history, treatment goals and how your body responds to treatment.

How to get on a GLP-1 medicine and what to consider before you start

If you're interested in a GLP-1 medication, the best place to start is your primary care doctor, endocrinologist (a doctor who treats diabetes) or bariatrician (a doctor who specializes in weight management). They can help you understand your options based on your health history, goals, preferences, safety considerations, insurance coverage and whether long-term treatment is a good fit for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Insurance coverage for GLP-1s can depend on your health factors and insurance plan

Coverage for GLP-1 medications varies by health plan. Coverage often depends on why the medication is being prescribed. Many health plans, including most HealthPartners plans, cover GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes but may have more limited coverage for weight loss treatment and off-label uses. Some plans also require prior authorization, which means your doctor must provide information showing that the medication is medically necessary.

If GLP-1 medications aren’t covered by your insurance plan, the following may help make the costs a bit more manageable:

• GLP-1 weight loss drugs count as eligible expenses under health care accounts like flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs).
• Manufacturers of GLP-1 medications may offer programs that pay a portion of your out-of-pocket costs in certain situations. Your doctor can help you understand your eligibility for reduced rates.
• You may be able to compare prices through different pharmacies, including online pharmacies recognized by the FDA as safe.

GLP-1 medications are often a long-term treatment

GLP-1 medications can be very effective for weight loss and blood sugar management, but they don't permanently change how your body regulates appetite, weight or blood sugar. Research has shown that many people regain weight after stopping a GLP-1 medication, especially if healthy lifestyle habits aren't maintained.

That doesn't mean everyone needs to take a GLP-1 medication forever. Your treatment plan will depend on why you're taking the medication, how well it's working and whether you're experiencing side effects. If you're considering stopping a GLP-1 medication, talk with your doctor first. They can help you decide whether it makes sense and create a plan to minimize changes in your health.

You always need a prescription for GLP-1 medicines approved by the FDA

FDA-approved GLP-1 medications require a prescription from a licensed health care professional. Before these medications are available for use, they’re studied for safety, effectiveness and quality.

You may have seen websites advertising GLP-1 medications without a prescription or medical evaluation. These products may not be FDA-approved, which means there are no guarantees about their safety, effectiveness, quality or ingredients.

Some products sold online contain ingredients that aren't part of any FDA-approved medication. For example, retatrutide and cagrilintide are not approved by the FDA and cannot legally be used in compounded medications under federal law.

The FDA created a guide that explains the dangers of unapproved versions of GLP-1s and how to identify them online.

GLP-1s have side effects

Side effects are common with GLP-1 medications and can include decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. These side effects are often most noticeable when starting treatment or increasing a dose, and may improve over time.

Find out if a GLP-1 is right for you

GLP-1 medications can be an effective treatment option for people who are overweight, obese or have type 2 diabetes. But while they may help with blood sugar management, weight loss and other health goals, they're not the right choice for everyone.

If you’re looking to improve your health and you think a GLP-1 could help, start by talking with your primary care doctor, medical weight loss specialist or endocrinologist. They can help you compare your options and determine if a GLP-1 medication is a good fit based on your health goals, preferences and budget. They can also provide information about other medications, treatments such as bariatric surgery, or services such as nutrition support that can help you take steps toward better health.