GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have quickly revolutionized the medical perspective on managing one’s weight. As their use becomes more widespread, so too does the amount of data (sometimes inaccurate) about them.
This guide provides a clear, balanced overview of how GLP-1 and GLP-2 work, what current medications are available, what results are realistic, and how to determine whether this approach may be appropriate for your health goals.
What Are GLP-1 and GLP-2?
GLP-1 and GLP-2 are peptides – hormones produced by the body naturally, primarily by cells called L-cells, located within the intestinal epithelium. They are activated by food consumption and perform specific actions on digestion, metabolism, and gastrointestinal functioning.GLP means glucagon-like peptide. The number 1 and 2 indicate two distinct peptides that differ in their physiological effects but share similar chemical compositions.
GLP-1: The Hormone Behind Today’s Weight Loss Medications
GLP-1 is the primary hormone targeted by current weight loss drugs. Appetite suppression, improved digestive functioning, and glucose control are the reasons why GLP-1 is an important focus in treating obesity. Here is what GLP-1 does in the body:
Reduces appetite signals in the brain. GLP-1 acts on the hypothalamus, the region of the brain responsible for hunger regulation, helping to reduce food cravings and lower overall caloric intake.
Slows gastric emptying. This means that people feel full for longer time periods after consuming meals, thus allowing them to eat less easily.
Helps regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 triggers insulin production in response to increased blood glucose while preventing glucagon from being secreted; hence, it is especially useful for people with or predisposed to type 2 diabetes.
May support cardiovascular health. Emerging research indicates that GLP-1 receptor activation may offer cardiovascular benefits beyond weight reduction alone.
Physiologically active GLP-1 is broken down within minutes. However, drugs that are developed specifically to treat obesity are designed to be resistant to quick breakdown and work either for several hours, for several days, or even a week.
GLP-2: The Gut Repair Hormone
GLP-2 serves a fundamentally different purpose from GLP-1. Rather than influencing appetite or blood sugar, its primary role is the maintenance and repair of the intestinal lining.
Key functions of GLP-2 include:
- Supporting the growth of intestinal villi, the microscopic projections that maximize the surface area available for nutrient absorption
- Reducing gut inflammation and reinforcing the intestinal barrier
- Enhancing overall nutrient absorption efficiency
Teduglutide is one of the drugs that has been approved for medical use in diseases such as short bowel syndrome. GLP-2 has not yet been used primarily as a weight loss drug, but studies are ongoing to determine whether GLP-1 and GLP-2 have a synergistic effect when used together.
FDA-Approved GLP-1 Medications: An Overview
Several GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently FDA-approved for weight management. The following are the most widely prescribed:
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy) Ozempic was originally approved for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is the higher-dose version approved specifically for weight management. Both are weekly injections. In January 2025, an oral pill version of Wegovy was also FDA-approved, offering an option for those who prefer not to inject.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) A daily injection used for weight management in adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) A dual-action medication that targets both GLP-1 and GIP (Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide) receptors. Clinical trials have positioned it among the most effective options currently available, with some participants achieving weight reductions of 20% or more.
Orforglipron (Foundayo), newly approved in 2025 A daily pill that doesn’t require injections and can be taken with or without food, making it one of the more flexible options for people managing busy schedules.
Expected Weight Loss Outcomes
Individual results vary based on the specific medication, dosage, adherence, and lifestyle factors. Clinical trial data provides the following benchmarks:
- Injectable Wegovy (semaglutide): average weight loss of approximately 15% of body weight over 68 weeks
- Oral Wegovy (25 mg): average weight loss of approximately 13.6% of body weight over 71 weeks
- Tirzepatide: weight reductions of 20% or more reported among some trial participants
These outcomes develop gradually over months of consistent use and are best sustained when accompanied by appropriate dietary and lifestyle modifications. It is also important to note that weight regain is common following discontinuation of GLP-1 medications if long-term behavioral changes have not been established.
Who Are These Medications For?
GLP-1 medications are generally considered for adults who:
- Have a BMI of 30 or higher (clinically classified as obesity)
- Have a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition (such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol)
- Have not had sustained success with diet and exercise alone
They are not appropriate for everyone. People with certain thyroid conditions, pancreatitis history, or who are pregnant are typically not candidates. A qualified healthcare provider will review your full health picture before recommending any GLP-1 medication.
Common Side Effects
The common adverse effects that have been observed include the digestive tract symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. Such symptoms are mainly due to delayed gastric emptying, which acts as the basis of the weight loss effect of the drug, and they will decrease over time. There is always a process of dose escalation referred to as titration of dosage, which ensures that most people can take the drug easily.
GLP-1 Medications and Body Contouring: A Complementary Approach
In some cases, where there is considerable weight loss from GLP-1 therapy, patients might be left with hanging skin folds or fatty tissues that are less sensitive to general weight loss. In such situations, body contouring procedures may prove very useful.
At Prestigious Body Contouring, non-surgical treatments such as ultrasonic cavitation, radiofrequency skin tightening, laser liposuction, and lymphatic drainage are available to complement medically supervised weight loss. These procedures are designed to address the aesthetic concerns that can follow significant weight reduction, helping patients achieve more comprehensive outcomes.
It is important to note that weight loss therapy and body contouring procedures are not mutually exclusive; on the contrary, they can be successfully combined for better overall results.
Is a GLP-1 Program Right for You?
A complete assessment to determine if a GLP-1 drug is suitable for you needs to be carried out by a competent medical practitioner who will review your background, present condition, and future aspirations.
The Weight Loss Clinic at Prestigious Body Contouring offers consultations where patients can find the best way forward for medically supervised weight loss. To schedule a consultation, contact our team here. A tailored, evidence-informed approach to weight loss starts with the right conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is GLP-1, and how does it contribute to weight loss?
GLP-1 is a natural hormone found in the gut that helps the brain recognize satiety, delays stomach emptying, and maintains healthy blood glucose levels. GLP-1 mimetic drugs help patients decrease appetite and lose substantial weight.
Q: Are GLP-1 drugs equal to Ozempic?
The answer is negative since Ozempic consists of semaglutide, one variety of GLP-1 drug. Another drug, similar to Ozempic but with a distinct dosage, delivery system, and use approval, includes Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro.
Q: Is there a pill form of GLP-1 drugs available now?
Yes, according to the FDA approval as of 2025, both oral Wegovy and Foundayo (orforglipron) pills have been developed.
Q: What is GLP-2, and do you use it for weight loss?
GLP-2 is a hormone made in the digestive system that helps repair the lining of the intestines. Currently, GLP-2 is not a first-line therapy for weight loss, although studies are being conducted into its use alongside GLP-1.
Q: Can I use GLP-1 injections along with body contouring?
Yes, there are numerous individuals who enjoy using body contouring procedures such as skin tightening and ultrasound cavitation in conjunction with their GLP-1 injections for weight loss. Our team at Prestigious Body Contouring can help you plan a holistic approach.
Q: Where can I get a GLP-1 weight loss consultation in the San Fernando Valley?
Prestigious Body Contouring offers medically guided weight loss consultations at our San Fernando Valley clinic.Contact us here to get started.
