GLP-1 Agonists: The Diabetes Drugs Transforming Weight Loss and Modern Medicine
- MedReport Foundation
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
What Are GLP-1 Agonists?
You must have heard of Ozempic with regard to diabetes and weight loss online,
from friends, or from a healthcare professional. The hype has been around for a
while, and for the right reasons.
The GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide) is an incretin hormone (gut peptide) produced
naturally by the small intestine in response to high blood sugar. Nature has provided
us with a built-in blood sugar regulator. It acts on the glp 1 receptors, which are
found in the stomach, pancreas, liver, and the brain (1,2).
They have a short half-life, limiting their effect. To counter this problem, GLP-1
agonists (like semaglutide) were introduced. The GLP-1 agonists are a class of
medications that imitate the effects of the incretin hormone. This class of medicines
goes by other names, like GLP-1 receptor agonists, Incretin mimetics.GLP-1
analogs. They’re effective in improving glycemic control, lowering blood pressure,
and enhancing weight loss (2).
When Are They Recommended?
The GLP-2 receptor agonist medications are recommended for the treatment of Type
2 diabetes(T2D) and weight loss (1).
For type 2 diabetes patients, it is recommended when:
Metformin (First line of treatment of T2D) is no longer effective.
Metformin is not suitable for a particular patient.
The patient has a higher A1C (a test that measures the average amount of
glucose (sugar) in your blood over the past three months) than the target.
The patient hasn't reached the target A1C within three months of treatment,
and has additional conditions, like atherosclerosis, heart failure, or chronic
kidney disease (2).
For weight loss, it is recommended for patients suffering from obesity (marked by a
BMI equal to 30 or higher).
How Do They Work?
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic natural incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that are
normally reduced in type 2 diabetes, helping restore the body’s ability to control
blood sugar. They increase insulin release only when glucose levels are high, while
suppressing glucagon, which prevents excess glucose production. These drugs also
slow gastric emptying and act on the brain to increase satiety, leading to reduced
food intake and weight loss. In addition, they improve glucose uptake in muscles,
decrease glucose production in the liver, and support pancreatic β-cell survival and
growth. Beyond glucose control, they provide cardiovascular benefits such as
lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving heart function, and reducing the
risk of major cardiovascular events, making them a comprehensive therapy for
managing type 2 diabetes (2).
WHAT GLP - 1 Agonist Medications Are Currently Available
GLP-1 agonist medications currently available on the U.S. market include:
Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
Exenatide (Byetta)
Exenatide extended-release (Bydureon)
Liraglutide (Victoza)
Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)
Semaglutide injection (Ozempic) for type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide injection (Wegovy) for weight loss.
Semaglutide tablets (Rybelsus) for type 2 diabetes.
There’s also a similar class of medications called dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.
There’s currently one of these medications on the market. It’s called
tirzepatide(Mounjaro). GLP-1 medications have received FDA approval for the
treatment of type 2 diabetes or for weight management. Certain GLP-1 agonists
share the same generic name but are sold under different brand names and are
authorized for distinct purposes based on the dosage and administration method
(3,4).
SIDE EFFECTS
There are gastrointestinal side effects caused by the use of glp 1 agonists. These
side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Another commonly
known side effect is what is called the "Ozempic face", a misleading term since it
applies to any GLP-1 drug or rapid weight loss, which refers to facial changes like
hollowed cheeks, sunken eyes, wrinkles, altered lip and chin size, and sagging jowls
caused by rapid fat loss (4).
More broadly, GLP-1 agonists most commonly cause loss of appetite, nausea,
vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly when starting the medication or increasing the
dose. Other effects can include dizziness, mild increased heart rate, infections,
headaches, indigestion, and temporary skin irritation at the injection site. While rare,
severe side effects are also possible, including pancreatitis, medullary thyroid
cancer, acute kidney injury, and worsening of diabetes-related retinopathy (1,4)
What comes next?
The future of GLP-1 agonist medications is promising as they provide an effective
and safe treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially
developed for type 2 diabetes, have become a transformative class of drugs that go
beyond glucose control by targeting the underlying metabolic drivers of chronic
disease. By reducing excess weight and improving overall metabolic function, they
provide benefits in conditions like cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and
potentially even substance use disorders. These drugs have shown reduced risks of
major cardiovascular events and are generally more effective and better tolerated
than older therapies, reshaping treatment approaches across specialties. Although
challenges like cost, limited approvals, and lack of long-term data remain, ongoing
research continues to expand its role in managing complex chronic conditions.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 agonists: what they are, how they work & side effects
[Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; [cited 2026 Apr 8]. Available
2. Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists. [Updated
2024 Feb 29]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls
Publishing; 2026 Jan-. Available from:
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA’s concerns with unapproved GLP-1
drugs used for weight loss [Internet]. Silver Spring (MD): FDA; [cited 2026 Apr
8]. Available from:
oviders/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss
4. Catanese L. GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects: “Ozempic
face” and more [Internet]. Boston (MA): Harvard Health Publishing; 2024 Feb
5 [cited 2026 Apr 8]. Available from:
d-weight-loss-drug-side-effects-ozempic-face-and-more
5. Sweet J. What’s next for GLP-1s? Harvard Gazette. 2026 Feb 18. Available
