[4 MIN READ]
In this article:
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GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that your gut makes to help your body respond to eating.
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GLP-1 medications are getting a lot of attention because they’re also effective for treating Type 2 diabetes and helping people manage weight loss.
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GLP-1 medications begin working immediately with most patients seeing steady weight loss over time.
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There’s ongoing research around their benefit for a host of other conditions including dementia drug and alcohol addiction.
Get answers to the biggest questions about GLP-1 medications
You may feel like you’ve been hearing a lot lately about medications called GLP-1s, which are sold under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. The medical term for these treatments is GLP-1 agonists, and they are changing how providers treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The buzz around these medicines has a lot of patients asking for more information about GLP-1s. We spoke with Delilah Strother, M.D., a bariatric specialist at Swedish Weight Loss Services, to learn more about how they work and who can use them.
What are GLP-1s?
“GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1,” says Dr. Strother. “GLP-1 is a natural hormone made in your gut that helps your body respond to eating and GLP-1 agonists are medications that mimic this natural hormone.”
GLP-1 medications help manage blood sugar for people with Type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss by controlling hunger and helping people feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food.
Some of the most prescribed GLP-1 medications are:
- Ozempic and Mounjaro, weekly injections used for Type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy and Zepbound, weekly injections used for weight loss.
There are also some older GLP-1 medications, but they are less effective than the newer options.
GLP-1 medications help your body act like it’s supposed to after you eat. They trigger the natural responses that help regulate blood sugar and appetite.
“When you eat a meal, GLP-1 medications tell your body to make more insulin and slow down digestion, which makes you feel full longer and signals to your brain that you’re full,” says Dr. Strother.
By boosting these normal reactions, GLP-1 medications help people manage their diabetes better and lose weight more effectively.
Why are we hearing so much about GLP-1s lately?
Dr. Strother says GLP-1 medications are getting a lot of attention for two reasons.
First, when it comes to Type 2 diabetes, these medications are incredibly effective.
“Most GLP-1 medications are once-weekly shots, which makes them relatively easy to use,” says Dr. Strother. “But unlike insulin, they don’t cause weight gain or carry a significant risk of dangerously low blood sugar.”
Second, GLP-1 medications are showing excellent results for weight management.
“GLP-1 medications are the first medications that directly affect the hormones responsible for hunger,” she says. “People using these medications often say they feel free from constant cravings and find it much easier to stick to healthier eating habits.”
GLP-1 medications have other health benefits, too. They can reduce the risk of second heart attacks and strokes, and some studies show they help with conditions like sleep apnea.
How quickly do GLP-1s work?
The effects of GLP-1 medications start immediately after you begin taking them. The results depend on the dose. Higher doses have a more substantial impact.
Dr. Strother says that when it comes to weight loss, most patients see steady progress over time and typically reach a plateau around 72 weeks (a little over a year).
Are GLP-1s safe for everyone?
GLP-1 medications are not safe for everyone. Before starting one, doctors carefully screen patients. Your doctor will review your medical history to make sure it’s safe for you.
You should not take a GLP-1 medication if you have:
- A history of pancreatitis
- A type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid cancer
- A condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia
- Severe diabetic eye disease (diabetic retinopathy)
You also should not take GLP-1 medications if you are pregnant.
Most of the time, GLP-1 medications are safe to use alongside other medications, especially for people with diabetes and heart disease. However, GLP-1 medications can slow digestion, affecting how other medications are absorbed. Your doctor can adjust your medication timing to help avoid any problems.
What GLP-1 side effects should you expect?
Like any medication, GLP-1 medications can have side effects. The most common are nausea, heartburn and constipation.
Dr. Strother says that these side effects often get better over time.
“To help manage GLP-1 medication side effects, doctors usually start with a low dose and slowly increase the dose month-by-month,” she says.
What happens if you stop taking GLP-1s?
If you stop taking your GLP-1 medication, Dr. Strother says you’ll likely feel hungrier again within about a week. There is also a risk of regaining lost weight.
Dr. Strother adds that if you stop taking your GLP-1 medication for longer than two weeks, your doctor may recommend restarting at a lower dose to help prevent nausea, then gradually increasing it again.
Does insurance cover GLP-1 medications?
Insurance coverage for GLP-1 medications depends on your plan. If weight loss management is not covered, you usually need a medical diagnosis to get insurance approval.
The most common diagnoses that help qualify for coverage are:
- Type 2 diabetes
- History of heart attack or stroke
- Moderate or severe sleep apnea
But remember, it’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
What are GLP-2s? Are they like GLP-1s?
GLP-2 medications are a different type of medication. While GLP-1 medications focus on blood sugar and appetite, GLP-2 medications help the intestines. They boost blood flow and help the gut absorb nutrients, mainly for people with short bowel syndrome.
“GLP-2 medications are not used for weight loss or diabetes treatment,” says Dr. Strothers. “When you hear medications like Ozempic or Wegovy mentioned, you’re definitely hearing about GLP-1 medications.”
Learn more and find a provider
GLP-1 medications are revolutionizing the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. While they aren’t right for everyone, and side effects are possible, many people find they are life-changing tools for better health.
If you would like to find out if GLP-1 medications could help you, contact Swedish Weight Loss Services. You can also connect virtually with your physician to review your options, provide instruction and follow up as needed. And with Swedish ExpressCare Virtual you can receive treatment in minutes for common conditions such as colds, flu, urinary tract infections, and more. You can use our provider directory to find a specialist or primary care physician near you.
Information for patients and visitors
Related resources
Swedish’s medical weight loss program offers more options for a healthier future
The connection between food and diabetes
Ultraprocessed foods and your health
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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