If you’ve struggled to lose weight and your body mass index (BMI) falls in the overweight range or higher, GLP-1 treatments are being hailed as some of the most effective yet, with clinical results that rival bariatric surgery. “This new class of medications is more powerful than anything we’ve seen in the past,” says New York endocrinologist Judith Korner, MD. First developed for diabetes management, GLP-1 drugs mimic a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, leading to reduced hunger and slower digestion. They’ve since become one of the most talked-about innovations in modern medicine for the way they’re transforming outcomes for people who’ve long struggled with obesity.
Despite these breakthroughs, access remains limited. Although one-third of adults in the United States are considered obese, only about 2 percent receive treatment. “There’s a huge stigma associated with weight loss and weight loss associated medications, even on the medical side. A lot of practitioners look at it as a lifestyle condition and not a medical condition,” explains Chicago, IL bariatric and lifestyle specialist Neha Shah, MD. “Weight management was only added as a medical coding and diagnosis around 2003, so we’re very behind the times and obesity is really a lifelong concern.”
According to Dr. Shah, the arrival of GLP-1 medications marks a turning point in obesity medicine. After decades of limited, short-term, and often risky pharmaceutical options, these treatments are the first to deliver consistent, sustainable results—reshaping how both patients and physicians approach weight management. Ahead, we break down the different GLP-1 medications available today and how they work.
Ozempic / Wegovy (Semaglutide)
What It Is: Both Ozempic and Wegovy are made by the same manufacturer (Novo Nordisk), and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but are approved for different uses: Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes, and Wegovy for chronic weight management in adults with a higher BMI.
How It Works: “Semaglutide mimics a hormone that our body makes when it senses there is food in the intestine, helping the pancreas make insulin when glucose levels are high,” explains Dr. Korner. “Initially, it was developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It was later found that the hormone also slows down gastrointestinal motility, which helps us feel full, and acts on appetite centers in the brain to decrease hunger.”
Qualifying BMI: 30 or higher; or adults with a BMI over 27 and at least one weight related health condition
How to Take It: Both medications are administered as once-weekly injections in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Expected Results: “In a trial, 50 percent of people treated with semaglutide lost at least 15 percent of their body weight,” says Dr. Korner.
Mounjaro / Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
What It Is: Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in both Mounjaro and Zepbound, is made by Eli Lilly. Mounjaro was first FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound received FDA approval in late 2023 for chronic weight management.
How It Works: Tirzepatide works similarly to semaglutide, but it targets two hormone receptors—GLP-1 and GIP—to help regulate blood sugar, slow digestion, and signal fullness to the brain.
Qualifying BMI: Typically recommended for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 and above with at least one weight-related health condition.
How to Take It: Administered as a once-weekly injection in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Expected Results: According to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, participants lost an average of 52 pounds per person. “The weight loss that was achieved in the clinical studies was on average more than 20 percent of total body weight, which is sometimes comparable to what we’ll see in bariatric surgeries,” says Dr. Shah.
Side Effects, Risks, and Costs of GLP-1 Medications
The main drawbacks of GLP-1 medications come down to side effects and cost. These drugs aren’t without risks; some studies have linked them to thyroid tumors and pancreatitis, so they may not be right for everyone. It’s best to work with a trustworthy provider who can run a full metabolic workup and help determine whether you’re a good GLP-1 weight loss candidate before starting treatment.
When it comes to cost, GLP-1 medications can be expensive if not covered by insurance—often upwards of $1,000 per month for Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro. Many insurers have yet to fully recognize or include weight loss diagnoses, management, and treatment in their coverage.
For now, manufacturers are offering savings programs for patients with commercial insurance, bringing the price down to around $25 per month temporarily, regardless of coverage status. “We don’t know what’s going to happen next year when these cards expire,” notes Dr. Shah. Still, for patients who’ve spent years struggling with their weight, these short-term cost breaks can make care more accessible—at least for now.
