GLP-1 Agonists: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When you hear GLP-1 agonists, a class of injectable medications that mimic a natural hormone to regulate blood sugar and appetite. Also known as incretin mimetics, they’re no longer just for diabetes—they’ve become a go-to for weight loss too. These drugs trick your body into thinking it’s just eaten, slowing digestion, reducing hunger, and helping your pancreas release insulin only when needed. That’s why they’re used for type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for obesity—even in people without diabetes.

Two big names you’ve probably heard are semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Also known as Wegovy, it’s the one that made headlines for helping people lose 15% or more of their body weight. And liraglutide, the original GLP-1 agonist used in Victoza for diabetes and Saxenda for weight loss. Also known as Saxenda, it paved the way for the newer options. These aren’t pills—they’re daily or weekly injections. But they work differently than older diabetes drugs. Instead of forcing your body to make more insulin, they help it respond better to the insulin it already makes, with fewer crashes and less risk of low blood sugar.

They’re not magic. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are common at first, but most people get used to them. And they’re expensive—especially without insurance. But for many, the trade-off is worth it: better blood sugar control, less hunger, and real weight loss. What you won’t find in ads is how these drugs interact with other meds, or why some people don’t respond at all. That’s where real-world experience matters.

The posts below dive into what’s actually happening with these drugs—not just the marketing. You’ll find comparisons between brands, how they stack up against other weight-loss options, and what safety alerts have been issued. There’s also info on how they affect your body long-term, what to do if you miss a dose, and why some people stop taking them. Whether you’re on one, considering one, or just trying to understand why your doctor brought it up, this collection gives you the unfiltered details you won’t get from a pharmaceutical ad.