Are you thinking about starting a GLP-1 medication? About 1 in 8 US adults have used GLP-1s to manage diabetes, treat heart disease, or lose weight.
“At this time, there is no other medication like GLP-1s that consistently produces the degree of sustainable, clinically meaningful weight loss while improving metabolic markers,” says Dr. Asad Niazi, internal medicine physician and medical advisor at Shed.
While there are many types of GLP-1s on the market, Niazi reminds his patients that there is no single best option for everyone. “The best option is the one that’s safe, well tolerated, and effective for the individual,” he says.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 agonists are FDA-approved drugs used to help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. These drugs are also used to help people lose weight.
Most GLP-1s are injectable. They usually come in pen-like syringes with short needles designed to target the subcutaneous region, or the deep fatty layer of your skin, for best absorption. If you don’t like shots, pill forms of certain GLP-1s are available.
See the chart below for the common GLP-1 medications and how you take them:
| Agonist | Common drug name | Form | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus | Injectable or pill | 1/week |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity | Injectable | 1/week |
| Liraglutide | Victoza, Saxenda | Injectable | 1/day |
| Tirzepatide | Zepbound, Mounjaro | Injectable | 1/week |
How do GLP-1 medications work?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. Niazi explains it’s a naturally occurring hormone that regulates metabolism (how the body uses energy). After you eat, GLP-1 increases insulin, stops blood sugar from entering the bloodstream, slows stomach emptying, and makes you feel full. People taking GLP-1s may experience fewer blood sugar spikes, less hunger, and quicker, longer-lasting fullness after meals.
While GLP-1s can be powerful tools, they need to be paired with appropriate lifestyle choices. Niazi says GLP-1 therapy is most effective when people also receive support for nutrition, exercise, and sleep.
Below is a list of four common types of GLP-1 medications, how they work, and what they cost. Prices will vary based on location, available discounts, and insurance provider.
| Agonist | Form | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Injectable | $1,027.51 |
| Wegovy | Pill | $199 |
| Wegovy | Injectable | $349 |
| Rybelsus | Pill | $997.58 |
| Trulicity | Injectable | $1,006.93 |
| Saxenda | Injectable | $1,349.02 |
| Zepbound | Injectable | $1,086.37 |
| Mounjaro | Injectable | $1,112.16 |
Semaglutide: How it works and what it costs
Semaglutides (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) are GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 agonists work by attaching to GLP receptors in the brain to trigger the same effects as natural GLP-1: controlled appetite, blood sugar, and fullness.
Dr. Shannon Chatham, doctor of osteopathic medicine and family medicine physician at Wisp, says Wegovy is one of the most effective and well-studied weight management options out there. She also says semaglutides may be a good option for those with cardiovascular disease, according to research.
These medications are usually taken as weekly injectables, but Rybelsus — and more recently, Wegovy — is available as a once-daily pill.
“The new daily oral Wegovy option is a game changer,” says Chatham.
For many people, a daily pill feels more approachable and accessible than an injection. Semaglutides are the only GLP-1 medications available as pills right now.
Prices range between $199 and $1,027.51 per month. Here’s a cost breakdown comparing specific semaglutides.
- Ozempic: $1,027.51
- Wegovy (injectable): $349
- Wegovy (pill): $199
- Rybelsus: $997.58
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Dulaglutide: How it works and what it costs
Dulaglutide (Trulicity) is also a GLP-1 agonist and works similarly to semaglutide. It’s approved only for treating type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss, according to Drugs.com. However, people might lose weight while taking it.
Dr. Amy Rothberg, clinical professor of internal medicine in the Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes at the University of Michigan, says it also helps improve outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes and cardiorenal (heart and kidney) conditions, similar to semaglutide.
Dulaglutide is only available as Trulicity, a weekly injectable, and costs $1,006.93 per month.
Liraglutide: How it works and what it costs
Liraglutides (Victoza, Saxenda) are GLP-1 agonists with similar effects to semaglutide and dulaglutide. “They were the first in class approved for the management of overweight and obesity,” says Rothberg.
She explains that liraglutide is less potent, on average, for weight loss than semaglutide or tirzepatide. It’s also slightly less potent for A1C reduction (average blood glucose over the past two to three months) in people with type 2 diabetes. This can be OK for some people who may respond well and not need a more potent drug, or those with less body fat to lose.
Liraglutide has advantages, like the ability to adjust the dose using the same pen.
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“It’s not a fixed dose like the others,” says Rothberg. It’s also a daily injectable, unlike other weekly options. “Some may actually find daily injection more acceptable because they are also taking other drugs on a daily basis. Some people forget to take a weekly injection.”
Liraglutides currently cost more than $1,000 per month, depending on the medication. Here’s a monthly cost breakdown.
- Victoza: $1,175.56
- Saxenda: $1,349.02
Tirzepatide: How it works and what it costs
Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) is a dual-agonist GLP-1 medication. It works like a GLP-1 agonist, but also targets a hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) to “help break down sugar and fat,” according to Chatham.
A GLP-1 agonist (like semaglutide) turns down hunger signals, but GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists improve how the body handles glucose and insulin at the same time, says Niazi.
“This dual action likely explains why tirzepatide often produces greater average weight loss in clinical studies,” he says. Chatham adds that tirzepatide (specifically Zepbound) has FDA approval to help treat obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity.
Tirzepatides are weekly injectable medications. An upcoming once-daily pill form of tirzepatide, called orforglipron, has shown promising results during clinical trials and is awaiting FDA approval. Below are the monthly prices for each drug.
- Zepbound: $1,08.37
- Mounjaro: $1,112.16
- Orfoglipron (not yet available): $149 to $399, depending on the dose
What are the side effects of GLP-1 medications?
According to Niazi, GLP-1 medications are generally safe and well-tolerated. But like all medications, side effects are possible when taking GLP-1s.
Knowing about side effects up front is one of the best ways to manage them well, says Chatham. For example, because GLP-1s slow digestion, the body often needs some time to adjust, especially in the early weeks after a dose increase. She also emphasizes proper hydration and nutrition guidance, along with doctor follow-ups to monitor or help prevent side effects.
Niazi and Chatham list several common symptoms that occur when starting GLP-1s or with dose adjustments:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Heartburn or bloating
- Fatigue
- Dehydration
- Muscle loss
Some patients may also experience hair thinning with higher doses for prolonged periods, especially when paired with low-calorie intake.
More uncommon but serious side effects, like acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gallbladder issues, need immediate medical attention.
While weight regain isn’t a side effect, it is a possible issue when stopping GLP-1 medication abruptly once they’ve reached their goals.
“Tapering is critical,” says Niazi. “When patients taper appropriately and have established sustainable habits, many are able to maintain their results successfully.”
How to start GLP-1 medication
Ask your doctor if GLP-1 medications are right for you. They can help determine if the medication is appropriate and which prescription option is best given your health status. No over-the-counter GLP-1s are available at this time.
You may also need to check your insurance. Insurance covers GLP-1 medications, but coverage extent varies by your provider, location, and health circumstances.
If prices feel too high, you can find discounts by checking the manufacturer’s website for coupons or using discount sites like GoodRx. You can also explore weight-loss platforms like Hers and Ro, which offer their own discounts.
Frequently asked questions
Is GLP-1 the same as Ozempic?
No, GLP-1 is not Ozempic. Ozempic mimics the GLP-1 hormone to support weight loss and management.
What are the top 3 GLP-1 drugs?
Semaglutides, tirzepatides and liraglutides are among the top GLP-1 medications for weight management.
What GLP-1 is best for weight loss?
The best GLP-1 for weight loss depends on your body and how you react to certain drugs. Doctors may start you on a semaglutide like Ozempic, but you may try other types, like a tirzepatide (Mounjaro), if you don't see results.
How long does it take to lose 20 pounds on GLP-1?
Weight-loss results vary based on the person, medication, and other health and lifestyle factors. “Usually, the greater the starting body weight and the greater the calorie deficit, the greater the weight loss — at least initially,” says Rothberg. “Range of weight loss over 12 weeks can be 3% to 15%.” In her experience, 15% often corresponds to about 33 pounds (15 kilograms).
How much does Ozempic cost?
Ozempic costs about $1,027.51. The exact price will vary based on your location, insurance coverage, and any discounts or coupons.
How fast do GLP-1s work?
GLP-1 medication may work faster or slower for each person, depending on their health and lifestyle, especially with weight loss. In Niazi’s experience, many people reach their primary weight goals in about six months.
What does the FDA say about GLP-1s?
The FDA is responsible for approving drugs for public use and has approved many GLP-1s for market use. FDA statements raise concerns about the use of compounded GLP-1s and plan to enforce marketing restrictions. For example, companies that sell a compounded GLP-1 won’t be able to claim that the product is the same as an FDA-approved drug.
Each of these GLP-1 medications provides important safety information on its website, including possible side effects from taking the drug. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider concerning questions you have before starting, stopping or modifying any treatment or medication.
Our team of savvy editors independently handpicks all recommendations. If you purchase through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
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