GLP-1 weight management
Once-weekly medications that reduce appetite and cravings. Learn how they work, how doses step up, and what the trials found.
- Semaglutide
- Tirzepatide
- Retatrutide (investigational)
Clear, evidence-based information about GLP-1 medications and peptides: how they work, what the research shows, and how dosing works, so you can have better conversations with your own provider.
Whether you're curious about weight management, recovery, or healthy aging, these guides help you understand the options before you talk with your provider.
Once-weekly medications that reduce appetite and cravings. Learn how they work, how doses step up, and what the trials found.
Peptides studied for metabolism, recovery, growth hormone support, skin, energy, and hormone health, with typical dosing explained.
The world of GLP-1 medications can feel overwhelming. Here's a plain-language look at each option.
The most widely studied GLP-1 medication. It reduces appetite and cravings with a single injection each week.
Read moreActs on two hormone pathways instead of one. In trials it produced greater average weight loss than GLP-1 alone.
Read moreA next-generation triple-hormone medication. Investigational and not FDA approved, prescribed only under licensed supervision.
Read moreAverage results from the largest clinical trials of each medication, measured over a year or more of treatment.
Adults taking semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly for 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% on placebo.
STEP 1 trial, New England Journal of Medicine, 2021Adults taking tirzepatide 15 mg weekly for 72 weeks, compared with 3.1% on placebo.
SURMOUNT-1 trial, New England Journal of Medicine, 2022Adults taking retatrutide 12 mg weekly for 80 weeks, compared with 2.2% on placebo. Still investigational.
TRIUMPH-1 phase 3 trial, Eli Lilly topline results, 2026Trial participants also received lifestyle counseling. Results in everyday practice are often lower than in tightly controlled trials, and individual results vary.
Results vary from person to person. These are ranges commonly reported with consistent use.
Early loss is driven mostly by lower appetite, smaller portions, and fewer cravings.
As your dose increases, appetite control and healthier eating habits become more consistent.
Reduced appetite and cravings lead to early, noticeable changes.
Continued appetite regulation and steady habits support more significant progress.
Read plain-language guides to GLP-1 medications and peptides, with the research behind them.
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Bring what you've learned to your own licensed provider, who decides what's right for you.
From recovery to energy to healthy aging, learn what each peptide is, what the research shows, and how it's typically dosed.
Explore peptidesPractical, educational help for understanding dosing, injections, and side effects.
GLP-1 is a hormone your gut releases after you eat. GLP-1 medications mimic it. They help your body release insulin when blood sugar rises, slow how quickly your stomach empties, and act on appetite centers in the brain, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer.
Generally, adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
GLP-1 medications aren't right for everyone. People who are pregnant, or who have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, are usually not candidates. Your provider reviews your full history before prescribing.
The most common are nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and feeling full quickly. They're usually mild and ease as your body adjusts, which is why doses start low and increase gradually.
Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away, signs of an allergic reaction, or trouble swallowing need medical attention right away.
Many people notice less appetite within the first few weeks. Weight loss builds over months as your dose increases. The major clinical trials measured results after about 16 to 18 months of treatment.
Often, yes. Semaglutide and tirzepatide were first approved to treat type 2 diabetes. If you take insulin or a sulfonylurea, your provider will adjust your plan, because combining them can raise the risk of low blood sugar.
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