Best GLP-1 Medications

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Do Weight Loss Medications Work?

Obesity impacts over 40% of adults, and that figure grows even larger when including people who are overweight and have related health conditions. Because of this, it is important to have a comprehensive, collaborative approach involving healthcare providers across multiple specialties.

While many clinicians are knowledgeable about newer weight-loss medications, these treatments aren’t appropriate for everyone, and eligibility varies from person to person.

Ozempic®

Ozempic® is an FDA-approved prescription drug used to manage type 2 diabetes. It contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that mimics a natural hormone released during digestion. This hormone helps regulate appetite by signaling fullness to the brain, slowing stomach emptying, and lowering blood sugar levels.

Ozempic® is administered as a once-weekly injection and is prescribed to improve blood sugar control and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. Because semaglutide has been shown to support weight reduction in individuals with overweight or obesity, Ozempic® may lead to weight loss as a secondary effect. However, Ozempic® is not FDA-approved specifically for weight-loss treatment in people who do not have type 2 diabetes.

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Wegovy®

Wegovy® is an injectable medication that also contains semaglutide, the same active ingredient found in Ozempic®. The FDA has approved it specifically for weight management in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher who have at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, as well as for those with a BMI of 30 or greater.

Similar to Ozempic®, Wegovy® is available by prescription only and is administered once weekly.

Saxenda®

Saxenda® is another GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar to Ozempic® and Wegovy®, but it uses liraglutide rather than semaglutide as its active ingredient. It is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, as well as in adolescents ages 12 and up who weigh more than 132 pounds.

Liraglutide helps reduce appetite and slows stomach emptying, which promotes a feeling of fullness and can result in lower calorie consumption.

Unlike Ozempic® and Wegovy®, which are taken once a week, Saxenda® is administered as a daily injection.

Weight Loss Medications vs. Fat Burning Pills

Weight loss medications are not the same as so-called fat-burning pills. Many fat burners and other “quick-fix” supplements are sold over the counter and aren’t regulated as strictly. In contrast, prescription weight loss medications must be prescribed by a healthcare provider and have undergone extensive research to show they can support weight management when used alongside dietary and lifestyle changes.

Weight loss medications shouldn’t be viewed as a cure-all for losing weight or maintaining it long term. Proper nutrition, regular physical activity, stress management, and quality sleep are all essential parts of an effective weight management strategy, along with influences from a person’s broader environment.

Because weight-related conditions are complex and ongoing, it’s a warning sign if a provider presents these medications as a quick solution or something meant only for short-term use, as that approach overlooks the chronic nature of obesity. In those cases, we recommend seeking care from a different provider.

Some individuals use weight loss medications for a limited time while improving their eating and exercise habits, while others remain on them longer term. No matter the medication approach, healthy nutrition and regular movement are fundamental to overall well-being, and even small lifestyle changes can add up over time.

If you’re considering weight loss medication, thinking about a structured weight loss program, or exploring a combination of both, your best first step is to talk with your doctor. They can walk you through the benefits and risks and help determine the most appropriate weight loss plan for your needs.

How to Choose the Best Weight Loss Medication for You