lifestyle
A Closer Look at Top GLP-1s vs Wegovy for Weight Loss Success
If losing weight has been a persistent challenge, you're not alone. Many individuals find that traditional methods like diet and exercise provide limited results—sometimes even leading to weight gain—before discovering underlying medical conditions are at play. Additionally, Does Semaglutide Cause Constipation?
GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, have emerged as effective options for those whose biology makes weight loss more difficult. To simplify this process, our GLP-1 app helps identify the most suitable medication based on your needs, while also offering guidance on managing side effects and optimizing outcomes.
Table of Contents
What Is GLP-1 and What Does It Do?
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Understanding How They Work
GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that mainly help manage blood sugar (glucose) levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. Some GLP-1 agonists can also help treat obesity. They’re relatively new, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first GLP-1 agonist (exenatide) in 2005. Researchers are still learning about their other potential uses and benefits.
How GLP-1 Agonists Are Administered
GLP-1 agonists are most often injectable medications, meaning a liquid medication is injected using a needle and syringe. The shots are given into the fatty tissue just under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Areas of the body where injections can be administered include the belly, outer thighs, upper buttocks, and the backs of the arms. The following terms are also used to refer to this class of medications:
Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists
GLP-1 receptor agonists
Incretin mimetics
GLP-1 analogs
How Do GLP-1 Agonists Work?
To understand how GLP-1 agonists work, it's helpful to first understand the role of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, produced by the small intestine. The following points summarize the main functions of the GLP-1 hormone:
Triggering insulin release from the pancreas: Insulin is an essential hormone that allows the body to use food for energy. It lowers the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Without enough insulin, blood sugar levels can rise, leading to diabetes.
Blocking glucagon secretion: Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels when needed. By blocking glucagon, GLP-1 helps prevent excess glucose from entering the bloodstream.
Slowing stomach emptying: Slower digestion means the body releases less glucose from food into the bloodstream.
Increasing satiety: GLP-1 affects brain areas related to hunger and fullness, helping people feel full after meals.
How GLP-1 Agonists Mimic Natural Hormones
GLP-1 agonist medications work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. In medical terms, an agonist is a manufactured substance that attaches to a cell receptor and triggers the same response as the natural hormone. These medications bind to GLP-1 receptors to activate the same functions performed by the natural GLP-1 hormone. Getting a GLP‑1 Prescription can initiate this treatment approach.
The higher the dose of the GLP-1 agonist, the more pronounced the effects. For people with Type 2 diabetes, these medications help manage blood sugar levels by prompting the pancreas to release more insulin. Slower digestion also helps reduce blood sugar spikes. Additionally, the satiety effect of GLP-1 agonists decreases food intake, appetite, and hunger. These combined effects frequently lead to weight loss.
When Would I Need to Take a GLP-1 Agonist?
Healthcare providers prescribe GLP-1 agonists for two conditions: Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
GLP-1 Agonists for Type 2 Diabetes
The FDA approves the use of GLP-1 agonists to help manage Type 2 diabetes (T2D) because they help lower blood sugar levels. There are several other types of diabetes medications, including oral medications taken by mouth. One common oral medication, metformin, is the standard treatment for T2D. However, a healthcare provider may recommend a GLP-1 agonist if the following apply:
Metformin isn’t helping manage T2D.
It’s unsafe to take metformin due to a contraindication.
The patient has an A1C that’s higher than the target.
After three months of treatment, the target A1C hasn't been reached and other conditions are present, such as atherosclerosis, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease.
Combined Treatment Approaches
Effective management of T2D involves a combination of therapies. These include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, physical activity, and medication use. Key treatment components include:
Lifestyle and diet modifications.
Exercise.
Medications.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Treatment plans should be personalized based on individual health needs. Healthcare providers often prescribe GLP-1 agonists alongside other medications to optimize blood glucose management.
Can I Take a GLP-1 Agonist If I Have Type 1 Diabetes?
Researchers are currently studying the safety and effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists for people with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). So far, some studies show that these medications can help lower A1C and support weight loss in people with T1D. Although the FDA hasn’t approved GLP-1 agonists for the treatment of T1D, some healthcare providers prescribe them off-label. Those considering this option should consult a medical provider. For more information, review the Types of GLP‑1 Drugs & Brands to better understand available medication options.
GLP-1 Agonists for Obesity
The FDA currently approves the use of semaglutide and high-dose liraglutide to help treat obesity. This is because these GLP-1 agonists have weight loss effects. Obesity is a chronic condition in which an individual has a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Healthcare providers may also prescribe semaglutide or high-dose liraglutide for people who are overweight along with other health conditions if losing weight can help manage those coexisting conditions. Overweight is defined as having a BMI between 25 and 29.9. Obesity is a complex condition. Effective management often requires several therapies. Key approaches include:
Dietary changes.
Exercise.
Medications.
Behavior modification programs.
Consulting a Healthcare Provider
Individuals with obesity or who are overweight should consult a healthcare provider to determine if a GLP-1 agonist is an appropriate treatment option.
Dietary changes.
Exercise.
Medications.
Behavior modification programs.
Bariatric (weight loss) surgery. Learn about Maximising GLP‑1 Results to improve your weight loss outcomes.
If you are obese or overweight, talk to your healthcare provider to see if a GLP-1 agonist is right for you.
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What Is Wegovy And What Is It Approved For?
Wegovy is a brand-name GLP-1 medication (semaglutide) specifically approved for weight management. In June 2021, Wegovy was approved by the FDA for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight individuals who have at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.
How Wegovy Works to Help You Lose Weight
Wegovy, like Ozempic, is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It helps regulate blood sugar and keeps the body feeling fuller for longer between meals, which can contribute to weight loss. The drug also suppresses the liver from producing excess sugar. “[These drugs] regulate how quickly or how slowly food goes through the digestive tract—they actually slow things down,” Kraftson said. “Food sits in the stomach longer, and so you feel fuller because it’s sitting there.”
How to Take Wegovy
Like Ozempic, Wegovy is taken by injection. But instead of an insulin-type device, Wegovy is injected via something that looks more like an epipen, Kraftson says. It should be injected under the skin once a week in the upper arms, abdomen, or upper legs. The drugmaker says patients typically start a dose of 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks before increasing the dose in intervals, reaching 2.4 mg.
We’ve been using these types of medications since 2005 to treat diabetes, and there’s been a progression, Kraftson said. It used to be that people would have to inject twice a day, and then there became a once-daily product. Now, we’re in the status of mostly using the once weekly self-injections.
Wegovy Effectiveness Just How Well Does It Work?
When Wegovy is combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise, a 68-week study has shown that:
Weight loss outcomes from the Wegovy study
The following points summarize the main ideas:
Around 85% of people lost more than 5% of their body weight
66% of people lost more than 10% of their body weight
48% of people lost more than 15% of their body weight
30% of people lost more than 20% of their body weight
Comparison to Saxenda
This compares to just 63.5% of people losing 5% of their weight when taking Saxenda along with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity counseling.
Who Can Use Wegovy?
Wegovy can be used by adults ages 18–75 who meet specific medical criteria. Eligibility typically includes the following conditions:
Eligibility Criteria
A BMI of 30 or above
A BMI of 27 or above and a weight-related health condition such as:
Diabetes (As this is an online service, Wegovy cannot be prescribed to diabetics for patient safety reasons)
High blood pressure
PCOS
Sleep apnea
Who Should Not Use Wegovy
Certain individuals should avoid taking Wegovy to prevent health risks. These include those who:
Are over 75
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have liver, kidney or heart failure, an eating disorder, or pancreatitis
Are taking insulin, sulfonylureas, or other weight loss drugs that act similarly to Wegovy (e.g., Victoza)
Wegovy Side Effects
Patients on Wegovy might experience common GI side effects, including feeling nauseous because food contents are sitting in the stomach a little bit longer. That will subside in some patients, but may not subside in all patients, Alan said. Patients may also encounter the same side effect risks associated with Ozempic. These include constipation, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Consulting your healthcare provider is essential to determine if the medication is appropriate.
Risks Without Supervision
Taking these medications without being medically supervised can result in a lot of those side effects, Shah said. In addition, these meds have not been studied in pregnancy and can be a potential risk to a growing baby if someone gets pregnant while on these medications.
Serious Side Effects
The drugmaker says Wegovy may cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney problems. It also warns of possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Source: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or
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Comparing Top GLP-1s vs Wegovy
Ozempic The Weight Loss Sidekick
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It comes in a multi-dose pre-filled pen. You can inject Ozempic at any time of day, with or without food. However, it should be injected on the same day each week. If you have Type 2 diabetes, your prescriber may recommend Ozempic based on your treatment goals, risk factors, and health history.
When Ozempic May Be Recommended
The following points summarize common indicators for prescribing Ozempic:
Heart disease: If you also have heart disease, Ozempic can help lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death), or MACE.
Chronic kidney disease: If you also have chronic kidney disease (CKD), Ozempic can help lower the risk of kidney disease worsening, kidney failure, and cardiovascular death.
Weight loss: Ozempic isn’t approved for weight loss, but weight loss may occur as a side effect. This can support treatment goals. On average, those taking it lost 8 lbs to 10 lbs at 30 weeks during initial clinical trials. Wegovy, a higher-dose product, is approved specifically for weight loss.
Semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, is being studied for a variety of other health conditions. Additional uses may be approved over the coming years.
Rybelsus The Oral Alternative
Prefer to avoid injections? Rybelsus is an oral version of semaglutide used to manage Type 2 diabetes. It's currently the only medication in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class that isn’t administered via injection.
Rybelsus is taken by mouth once daily. For optimal results, it should be taken first thing in the morning with no more than 4 ounces of water. Wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications to ensure full absorption. It is possible to switch from Ozempic to Rybelsus (and vice versa). However, if the Ozempic dose is 1 mg or greater, switching may not be suitable. Rybelsus is not yet approved for the same cardiovascular benefits associated with Ozempic. Rybelsus is not approved for weight loss. However, higher doses of oral semaglutide may receive approval for weight loss in the near future.
Wegovy Taking Weight Off
Wegovy is another once-weekly semaglutide injection. It is approved for weight loss in certain adults and adolescents age 12 and older. It is not used to treat diabetes, and a diabetes diagnosis is not required to use it. Like Ozempic, Wegovy can be injected at any time of day. Wegovy is approved for adults and adolescents who are considered to be obese. It is also approved for adults considered overweight who have one or more weight-related health conditions (such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes).
Effectiveness and Results
In clinical trials, adults receiving Wegovy saw an average weight loss of nearly 15% of their initial body weight. Adolescents also experienced an average weight loss of almost 15% of their initial body weight. For optimal outcomes, Wegovy should be paired with a nutritious diet and consistent physical activity. Wegovy is also approved to reduce the risk of MACE (major adverse cardiovascular events) in adults who have both heart disease and a larger body size. During a recent clinical trial, Wegovy lowered the risk of MACE by 20% compared to placebo), which refers to an injection that contains no medication.
Trulicity Another Weekly Option
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injection for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children age 10 and older. It comes as a single-use pre-filled pen. Trulicity can be injected on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food. Like Ozempic, Trulicity can lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with heart disease. It may also offer this benefit to individuals who have risk factors for heart disease. In addition, Trulicity may provide some kidney-related benefits.
Trulicity is not approved for weight loss. However, some people taking it may lose weight as a side effect. One study found that adults using the highest dose (4.5 mg) lost up to 10 lbs over 9 months.
Victoza A Daily Option
Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injection for Type 2 diabetes in adults and children age 10 and older. You can inject your dose at any time of day, without regard to food. Victoza can lower the risk of MACE if you also have heart disease.
Kidney Health Benefits
There’s also evidence that it may help prevent kidney problems from getting worse. Victoza isn’t approved for weight loss, but some people taking it lose weight. During clinical trials, this was around 5 lbs on average.
Weight Loss Considerations
A higher-dose version called Saxenda is available for weight loss. One difference between Victoza and most other GLP-1 drugs is that it’s also available as a lower-cost generic. If cost is a barrier to accessing treatment, generic Victoza may be an option to consider.
Tools for Treatment Tracking
Our GLP-1 app can also help you stay on track with your treatment by logging doses, setting reminders, and monitoring your progress.
Saxenda The Weight Loss Twin of Victoza
Saxenda is the version of liraglutide approved for weight loss. Like Wegovy, it’s approved for use in adults and adolescents age 12 and older who are considered obese. Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related health condition can also qualify. In a large clinical trial, adults using Saxenda lost an average of 8% of their starting body weight. In a separate trial, adolescents lost a little over 2.5% of their starting body weight on average. Saxenda also works best when combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
One head-to-head study showed significantly more weight loss in adults with Wegovy (16%) than Saxenda (6%). Saxenda also requires more frequent injections. A healthcare provider can help determine which medication may be the better option based on individual needs.
Byetta The Oldest GLP-1
Byetta (exenatide) was the first FDA-approved GLP-1 drug. It is used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It must be injected more frequently than other options—specifically, twice daily within an hour before morning and evening meals. A healthcare provider may recommend Byetta for individuals experiencing blood glucose spikes after meals. It may also lead to weight loss as a side effect. However, Byetta lacks the proven cardiovascular benefits associated with some other GLP-1 drugs.
Similar to Victoza, Byetta is available as a lower-cost generic. However, it may be less convenient than other GLP-1 options because it requires twice-daily injections around mealtimes. For those seeking a more convenient alternative, Bydureon BCise may be worth considering.
Bydureon BCise The Weekly Option for Byetta
Bydureon BCise (exenatide) is a longer-acting version of Byetta, injected once weekly. It’s approved to lower blood glucose levels in individuals aged 10 and older with Type 2 diabetes. Like Byetta, Bydureon BCise doesn’t offer the same proven cardiovascular benefits seen with other GLP-1 drugs. It may also result in less weight loss. Still, a prescriber may determine that Bydureon BCise is the most suitable option in specific cases.
Mounjaro A New Weight Loss Option
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly injection that’s closely related to GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs. It’s part of a new class called GLP-1/GIP agonists. It works by mimicking two gut hormones, GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Mounjaro is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It has been studied head-to-head against Ozempic. After 40 weeks, people receiving Mounjaro saw a better reduction in hemoglobin A1C levels (average blood glucose over 3 months) compared to Ozempic. They also experienced greater weight loss.
Mounjaro is currently being studied for its potential to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with diabetes and heart disease. However, it is not yet approved for this use. Like semaglutide, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) is being studied for additional applications.
Zepbound The New Weight Loss Option For Tirzepatide
Zepbound is the FDA-approved version of tirzepatide for weight loss. It is also approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in individuals with a larger body size. Like Wegovy and Saxenda, Zepbound is approved for adults classified as obese, or overweight with one or more weight-related health conditions. However, Zepbound has not yet been approved for adolescents.
In clinical trials, people receiving Zepbound lost up to nearly 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks (about 16.5 months). This was compared to 3% weight loss in individuals who received a placebo. Compared to Wegovy, a recent head-to-head study showed greater weight loss in those receiving Zepbound.
Finding the Right GLP-1 for You
The right GLP-1 drug will likely depend on several key factors, including age, treatment goals, underlying conditions, personal preferences, and insurance coverage. Key considerations include:
Age
All GLP-1 drugs are approved for use in adults, but some are also approved for children as young as 10 years old.
Treatment Goals
Each GLP-1 drug has specific approved uses and potential benefits that may better align with individual treatment goals.
Underlying Conditions
For individuals with existing heart disease or cardiovascular risk factors, a GLP-1 drug with proven cardiovascular benefits may be preferred. Certain GLP-1 medications also show benefits for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Preferences
Those who dislike injections may prefer an oral pill option. For concerns about dosage frequency, some GLP-1 drugs are available in once-weekly formulations.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance plans may only cover specific GLP-1 drugs, and coverage can depend on the reason for use. It's important to check with the specific plan provider regarding available coverage.
Support from Your Prescriber
Healthcare providers can help navigate the available options and answer specific questions. If one GLP-1 drug is not well tolerated, prescribers may recommend trying a different one.
Download our GLP-1 app to Turn Your Weight Loss Journey into Your Favorite Game
Starting Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro? These medications support weight loss, but avoiding side effects like muscle loss and severe constipation requires effort. MeAgain transforms that effort into an engaging experience by incorporating an adorable capybara that motivates users to reach their protein, fiber, water, and exercise goals. Track your progress with the Journey Card—an easy way to document your transformation. When change happens quickly, every milestone matters. Our all-in-one GLP-1 app makes staying healthy feel as rewarding as the results. Download MeAgain and turn your health journey into a game worth playing.
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