GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss: What to Know

GLP-1 medications are a class of prescription drugs that help with weight loss by reducing appetite, slowing how quickly the stomach empties, and improving blood sugar regulation. Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound) are the two most widely used options, and for many people they produce results that diet and exercise alone could not.

How they work

These medications mimic hormones your body naturally releases after eating. By acting on appetite signals in the brain and gut, they help you feel full sooner and stay full longer. Tirzepatide acts on two hormone pathways (GLP-1 and GIP), while semaglutide acts on one. Both are given as a weekly injection, started at a low dose and increased gradually.

Who is a candidate

Medical weight loss with a GLP-1 medication is generally appropriate for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. A provider reviews your full medical history to confirm the medication is safe and appropriate for you. Not everyone is a candidate, and a good program will tell you so honestly.

What results to expect

In clinical trials, semaglutide produced average weight loss of roughly 15 percent of body weight and tirzepatide roughly 20 percent over about 68 to 72 weeks, when combined with lifestyle changes. Results vary from person to person, and your own results may differ. These medications work best alongside nutrition guidance and regular activity rather than on their own.

Side effects and safety

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, reduced appetite, and occasional constipation or diarrhea, which often ease as the body adjusts. Starting at a low dose and increasing slowly helps limit them. Because these medications affect blood sugar and other systems, physician supervision matters. Your provider reviews your history before prescribing, monitors your labs during treatment, and adjusts your dose based on how you respond.

Why supervision makes a difference

A safe, effective program is more than a prescription. At Avita MD, medical weight loss begins with metabolic testing and body composition analysis, includes hormone and nutritional screening when relevant, and is led by a physician board-certified in Obesity Medicine. Your plan is built around your biology and adjusted as your body changes.

If you have struggled to lose weight and want to know whether a GLP-1 medication is right for you, a consultation is the place to start. Same-day and next-day appointments are available at all three Avita MD locations.