What Are GLP‑1 Medications? A Beginner’s Guide to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro

Key Takeaways

GLP-1 medications lower apetite and help control blood sugar. Some GLP-1 medications are also approved to reduce cardiovascular risk or to treat obstructive sleep apnea.

Brand names matter. Ozempic and Mounjaro are both approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for weight management. Wegovy also reduces cardiovascular risk. Zepbound also treats obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity.

The most common side effects are stomach-related, such as nausea or diarrhea. All drugs carry a boxed warning about thyroid tumors seen in rodents and should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2. These medications should not be taken while pregnant.

What GLP-1 medications do

GLP-1 receptor agonists act like a natural hormone that helps control appetite, slows digestion, and supports insulin release. This leads to reduced hunger and better glucose control. Newer "dual" drugs like tirzepatide also act on GIP receptors, which can enhance weight loss and metabolic benefits when combined with diet and exercise.
 

The brand names and what they're approved for
 

Ozempic (semaglutide): For adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar and lower risk of major heart events. Not approved for weight loss.
 

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg): For chronic weight management in adults and teens 12 and older with obesity, or adults who are overweight with a related condition. Also lowers the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with CVD and obesity or users that are overweight
 

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): For adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar. Not approved for weight loss.
 

Zepbound (tirzepatide): For chronic weight management in adults with obesity or those that are overweight in addition to a related condition. Also approved for moderate to severe sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
 

How well do they work

In adults with obesity but no diabetes, semaglutide 2.4 mg let to about 15% average weight loss after 68 weeks in the STEP-1 trial. With tirzepatide, weight loss reached around 20% at 72 weeks in the SURMOUNT-1 trial. Results vary and depend on consistency with treatment and lifestyle changes.

Safety, side effects, and who should avoid them
 

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially when increasing the dose. Risks include thyroid tumors in rodents, so people with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN2 should avoid these drugs. Other possible risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, dehydration leading to kidney problems, and worsening diabetic eye disease in some patients. These medications should be stopped in pregnancy occurs.
 

Dosing Basics

All are weekly injections with gradual dose increases to reduce side effects. Wegovy typically starts at 0.25 mg and increases up to 2.4 mg. Zepbound starts at 2.5 mg and increases up to 15 mg. Ozempic and Mounjaro have their own dose schedules for diabetes. Always follow the plan set by your prescriber.
 

Cost and access
 

Insurance coverage varies. Some manufacturers offer discount programs or cash-pay options.

Where to go next
 

Compare Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
 

Review costs and coverage options
 

Learn how telehealth and pharmacy safety works
 

Not medical advice. Always discuss risks, benefits and alternatives with a licensed clinician.