GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have changed how obesity is treated. They deserve neither hype nor fear: they deserve a calm explanation.
What they do
They act on hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar. People taking them tend to feel full sooner and think about food less. In large clinical trials, adults with obesity lost substantially more weight on them than on placebo, alongside lifestyle changes.
Who they're for
They're prescription medications approved for specific groups, such as adults with obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition. Whether they're right for you is a decision for you and a licensed clinician.
The side effects
Nausea, constipation, diarrhea and vomiting are common, especially when doses go up. There are rarer, serious risks too, which is why medical supervision matters.
The muscle question
Some of the weight lost can be muscle. Strength training and enough protein are the best-supported ways to protect it.
When you stop
Many people regain weight after stopping. Plan for the long term with your clinician.
Compounded versions
The FDA has warned about unapproved and compounded GLP-1 products. We prefer FDA-approved medications from licensed providers, and we never sell or prescribe them ourselves.
