What is GLP-1 and How Does it Work?

GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone produced in the intestines in response to food. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying. When you eat, GLP-1 sends satiety signals to your brain, helping you feel full faster and longer. These combined actions make it an ideal target for treating conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are synthetic versions of this hormone. They mimic GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar, reduce appetite, and facilitate weight loss. Some newer agents, such as tirzepatide, also act on another hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), which offers even broader metabolic effects.

Initially introduced in 2005 for diabetes treatment, GLP-1 drugs quickly gained traction in weight loss management by 2014. They are currently available as injections (weekly or daily) and, more recently, as oral tablets like Rybelsus.

Current Usage: Where GLP-1 Stands Today

GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Rybelsus are now commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Clinical trials have shown that these medications can lead to weight loss ranging from 10% to 22% of initial body weight when used with dietary changes and exercise.

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are specifically FDA-approved for weight loss. At the same time, others like Ozempic and Mounjaro are prescribed for diabetes but are often used off-label for weight loss. These medications have also shown cardiovascular benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

The Latest Research on GLP-1: What Studies Reveal

The past few years have witnessed a surge in high-quality research into GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Recent studies have significantly expanded our understanding of GLP-1 receptor agonists and their effects beyond weight loss and diabetes control. A groundbreaking atlas published in Nature Medicine studied over 2.4 million individuals and mapped 175 health outcomes associated with GLP-1 RA use.

The findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs may reduce risks associated with a wide array of conditions, ranging from respiratory infections and cardiovascular events to substance use and neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Research also compared GLP-1 medications with other diabetes treatments and found remarkable results:

• Reduced risk of 42 health conditions, including cardiovascular events, liver failure, and substance use disorders.
• Increased risk of only 19 outcomes, primarily related to gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastroparesis.
• Reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia by up to 30%.

Another key study examined GLP-1 medications’ impact on alcohol consumption. Users of semaglutide and tirzepatide reported significantly reduced cravings and alcohol intake. There is now growing interest in exploring GLP-1s as treatments for addiction disorders.

Clinical trials have also revealed GLP-1’s role in cardiovascular protection. A 2023 trial found that Wegovy reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke by 20% in overweight adults with heart disease, even without diabetes.

More from Recent Studies

Additional research shows promising outcomes in mental health and addiction control. A 2023 study revealed that patients on semaglutide or tirzepatide reported reduced cravings for alcohol and fewer binge episodes. Early trials even hint at the drugs’ potential in easing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and target trial emulations show lower risks of psychotic disorders and suicidality.

What the Future Holds: Five Trends Defining GLP-1’s Evolution

1. Expanded Medical Applications

GLP-1 medications are being studied for new indications, including chronic kidney disease, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and liver inflammation due to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Their role in reducing the risks of cardiovascular events and kidney disease could bring widespread clinical application across metabolic disorders.

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Ozempic is under FDA review for use in CKD patients.
• Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF): Both tirzepatide and semaglutide show promise.
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH): Trials have demonstrated reductions in liver inflammation.
• Neurodegenerative Diseases: Early evidence shows protective effects against dementia and Parkinson’s.
• Substance Use Disorders: Ongoing trials are evaluating its efficacy in reducing addiction behaviors.

2. New Injectables and Combination Therapies

Among the most awaited innovations is CagriSema, a combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide (an amylin analog). In early trials, it showed up to 23% weight loss, outperforming even Wegovy.

Other injectables in the pipeline include:

• Retatrutide
• Survodutide
• VK2735

These drugs aim to improve efficacy while minimizing side effects.

3. Oral Options and GLP-1 Drops

Currently, Rybelsus is the only oral GLP-1 option. Higher doses (25mg and 50mg) are being tested and may receive FDA approval in 2025.

Orforglipron, a non-peptide GLP-1 drug, is also being studied. Its chemical composition may reduce manufacturing costs and eliminate the need for refrigeration.

There is also increasing curiosity about GLP-1 drops, though most of these are still in experimental stages.

The Rise of GLP-1 Generics and Insurance Shifts

Generic versions of Victoza and Byetta have been launched. However, due to patent protections, generics for newer drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy are not expected before 2030.

Insurance companies are reevaluating coverage:

• Some are expanding coverage for CKD and cardiovascular conditions.
• Others are scaling back coverage solely for weight loss due to high costs.
• Medicare and Medicaid may expand access, pending policy changes.

Adherence and Accessibility

Adherence to GLP-1 medication remains a challenge. Studies show that nearly half of users stop within a year, citing side effects, cost, and insurance limitations. There are concerns about fake medications due to rising demand and drug shortages. Proper medical supervision remains essential.

Rise in Use Among Younger Populations

A 594% increase in the use of GLP-1 drugs among adolescents and young adults (ages 12–25) has raised both hope and concern. While it signals increased accessibility, it also calls for caution in terms of long-term safety, hormonal development, and mental health impact.

Ongoing Research on Side Effects and Personalized Outcomes

New findings continue to explore rare but serious side effects such as gastroparesis, pancreatitis, and mood disturbances. Studies are also investigating genetic factors that affect individual responses to GLP-1 drugs, aiming to make future treatment more personalized and safe.

What is the Best GLP-1 on the Market

There is no single best GLP-1 drug, but clinical trial data give us some clues:

• Tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) consistently shows the most significant weight loss.
• Semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) has been studied more for cardiovascular health.
• Liraglutide (Saxenda) remains a reliable option, especially for daily users.

What works best may depend on personal health conditions, genetics, cost, and whether a user prefers weekly injections or daily tablets. To determine the most effective combination, more head-to-head comparisons, like CagriSema vs. tripeptide, are underway.

Can GLP-1 Alone Deliver Long-Term Weight Loss

GLP-1 receptor agonists are undeniably effective for weight reduction, but emerging research and real-world experience indicate that they are not a standalone solution. Discontinuation often leads to weight regain, as observed in trials like SURMOUNT-4, where participants regained much of their lost weight within a year of stopping tirzepatide. This pattern highlights the physiological complexity of obesity and the body’s tendency to revert to a higher weight set point.

Long-term use of GLP-1 drugs may be required for sustained benefits, but that raises concerns about affordability, side effects, and adherence. More importantly, weight loss achieved through medication alone lacks the behavioral changes that reinforce healthier habits. For comprehensive results, GLP-1 therapy should be coupled with structured lifestyle interventions like dietary coaching, physical activity, and mental wellness support. This integrated approach supports sustainable weight management and also enhances overall metabolic health.

HWP Note

As a HWP coach, I often see the excitement and curiosity surrounding GLP-1 medications. And rightly so; these drugs are rewriting the rules of weight loss. But in the quest for transformation, it is easy to forget that health is not a number on a scale or a dose in a pen. GLP-1 drugs can guide the journey, but only mindful eating, regular activity, and a deep understanding of one’s own body can create lasting change.

That is where the GLP-1 + Healthify Coach program steps in. We offer not just prescription support but continuous education, emotional accountability, side effect management and nutritional and fitness insights tailored to your body. True health is not built on shortcuts; it is built on sustained effort and smart support. Our mission is to help you own your story, your weight, and your wellness. And we do it together.

The Final Word

The latest research on GLP-1 is a window into the future of personalized medicine. From managing chronic diseases to unlocking new frontiers in neurology and addiction, GLP-1 drugs are changing the way we think about long-term care. But this power comes with responsibility. Proper usage under medical guidance is non-negotiable.

This growing interest in GLP-1s is more than a trend; it is a shift in medical thinking. The rise of oral options, combination drugs, and tailored therapies show that this field is just getting started. As we learn more, we can expect safer, smarter, and more targeted solutions.

HWP believes in combining the strength of science with the power of coaching. Our GLP-1 + Healthify Coach program is built on this vision. It is not just about medication. It is about education, awareness, and real-life personalised support. When GLP-1s meet the right strategy, transformation is inevitable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Research Sources

1. The Emerging Role of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

2. Efficacy and safety of once-daily oral semaglutide 25 mg and 50 mg compared with 14 mg in adults with type 2 diabetes (PIONEER PLUS): a multicentre, randomised, phase 3b trial