GLP-1 Medications

Evidence-based guides to GLP-1 receptor agonists — the medications reshaping treatment of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. Mechanisms, clinical trial data, dosing, side effects, and real-world costs.

What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?

GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the incretin hormone GLP-1, which is naturally released after eating. They stimulate insulin secretion, suppress glucagon, slow gastric emptying, and reduce appetite through central nervous system pathways. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, these drugs have demonstrated profound effects on weight loss and cardiovascular protection — transforming multiple fields of medicine.

The SELECT trial (2023) established semaglutide as the first anti-obesity drug to demonstrate cardiovascular benefit — a 20% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events. The SURMOUNT program showed tirzepatide producing up to 22.5% weight loss. These results have fundamentally changed how clinicians approach obesity and cardiometabolic disease.

The Medications

Five GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently FDA-approved, each with distinct clinical profiles, dosing schedules, and evidence bases.

Semaglutide

Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus

The most widely prescribed GLP-1 agonist. ~15% weight loss, cardiovascular benefit (SELECT), kidney protection (FLOW). Injectable and oral formulations.

Tirzepatide

Mounjaro · Zepbound

Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist producing the highest weight loss of any approved medication (~20-22%). Superior glycemic control vs. semaglutide in SURPASS trials.

Liraglutide

Victoza · Saxenda

The first GLP-1 agonist approved for weight management. Daily injection. LEADER trial demonstrated cardiovascular benefit in type 2 diabetes.

Dulaglutide

Trulicity

Weekly injection with a convenient auto-injector pen. REWIND trial showed cardiovascular benefit including in patients without established CVD.

Exenatide

Byetta · Bydureon

The first GLP-1 agonist (approved 2005). Available as twice-daily (Byetta) or weekly (Bydureon) injection. Synthetic version of exendin-4 from Gila monster venom.

Retatrutide

Investigational · Phase 3

First-in-class triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist. Up to 28.7% weight loss in Phase 3 trials — the most potent weight-loss agent in clinical development. Made by Eli Lilly.

GLP-2 (Teduglutide)

Gattex

GLP-2 receptor agonist for intestinal rehabilitation. FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome. Promotes intestinal mucosal growth and nutrient absorption.

Comparison & Pipeline

Side-by-side analysis of all five medications and a look at what's coming next.

Complete Comparison

Head-to-head comparison of all GLP-1 medications: efficacy, side effects, dosing, insurance coverage, and pricing.

Pipeline & Future

Next-generation GLP-1 drugs in development: oral semaglutide high-dose, CagriSema, orforglipron, survodutide, and more.

Quick Comparison

Medication	Brand Names	Weight Loss	CV Benefit	Dosing	Cost/Mo
Semaglutide	Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus	~15%	✓ SELECT (20% MACE reduction)	Weekly SC or daily oral	$935–$1,350
Tirzepatide	Mounjaro, Zepbound	~20–22%	CVOT ongoing (SURPASS-CVOT)	Weekly SC	$1,023–$1,060
Liraglutide	Victoza, Saxenda	~5–8%	✓ LEADER (13% MACE reduction)	Daily SC	$900–$1,350
Dulaglutide	Trulicity	~3–5%	✓ REWIND (12% MACE reduction)	Weekly SC	$900–$1,000
Exenatide	Byetta, Bydureon	~2–4%	EXSCEL: neutral	2x daily or weekly SC	$700–$900

Weight loss figures reflect maximum approved dose in non-diabetic populations where available. SC = subcutaneous injection. See full comparison for detailed data.

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