What is GLP-1? A Simple Guide to This Important Hormone and Its Medications

GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. It is a natural hormone your body makes in the gut (intestines) after you eat. Think of it as one of your body's smart messengers that helps control blood sugar and hunger.

What Does GLP-1 Do?

When you eat, GLP-1 is released and does several helpful things:

• Helps release insulin: It tells your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high. Insulin moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy.
• Lowers glucagon: It reduces another hormone (glucagon) that raises blood sugar, so your levels stay more balanced.
• Slows down stomach emptying: Food leaves your stomach more slowly, which helps prevent big spikes in blood sugar and makes you feel full longer.
• Reduces appetite: It sends signals to your brain that you've had enough to eat, helping control how much you want to eat.

These actions make GLP-1 very useful for managing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and supporting weight management.

GLP-1 Medications: Mimicking the Natural Hormone

Scientists created medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists (or GLP-1 agonists for short). These drugs copy (mimic) the natural GLP-1 hormone so it lasts longer in the body and works more strongly. They are usually given as injections (some once a week, some daily) or, in one case, as a daily pill.

Main benefits include:

• Better blood sugar control for type 2 diabetes.
• Significant weight loss by reducing hunger and helping you feel full.
• Heart health benefits, such as lower risk of heart attacks or strokes in some people.
• Other possible perks like improved cholesterol or kidney health.

Different Types of GLP-1 Medications

There are several approved GLP-1 agonists. They generally fall into two structural groups: those based on human GLP-1 and those based on exendin-4 (from lizard venom, interestingly). Here are some common ones:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for weight loss, Rybelsus as a pill) — Very popular and effective for both blood sugar and weight.
• Liraglutide (Victoza for diabetes, Saxenda for weight loss) — Daily injection.
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity) — Once-weekly injection, mainly for diabetes.
• Exenatide (Byetta or Bydureon) — Earlier versions; short- or extended-release.
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight loss) — A dual agonist that works on both GLP-1 and GIP (another gut hormone) receptors for even stronger effects on weight and blood sugar.
• Newer "dual" or "triple" agonists (like tirzepatide or emerging ones such as retatrutide) target multiple receptors for potentially greater results.

Who Uses These Medications?

Doctors mainly prescribe them for adults with type 2 diabetes or for people with obesity (or overweight with related health issues). Some are approved for teens 12 and older in certain cases. They are not insulin and work best alongside healthy eating and exercise.

If you're starting a GLP-1 medication, the most important next step is setting the right calorie and protein numbers so you lose fat — not muscle. Use our free tool to calculate your protein target in under a minute.

Always talk to your doctor before starting or changing any medication, as these drugs can have side effects (like nausea or digestive issues) and may not be right for everyone.