A Quick Guide to GLP-1 Medications: Cost, Effectiveness, and More
- jacobketeyian
- Apr 21
- 7 min read
Updated: May 7
GLP-1 medications can help manage blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and support weight loss. However, they aren’t appropriate for everyone, and insurance coverage isn’t guaranteed.
Medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1) agonists continue to rise in popularity thanks to their ability to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce hunger and food intake, thus potentially supporting weight loss.
However, these medications, including Ozempic and Zepbound, aren’t for everyone and can be pretty expensive, especially if you have to pay for them out of pocket.
This article serves as your starting point for learning more about GLP-1 medications.
Quick list of GLP-1 drugs
As with other medications, there are generic and brand names for GLP-1 medications. The table below lists the GLP-1 medications currently available in the United States, along with their approved use, list price, and dose frequency.
Brand name (generic name) | List price* | Dose frequency | Approved use |
once weekly | • weight loss • heart attack and stroke risk | ||
once weekly | type 2 diabetes | ||
once daily (orally) | type 2 diabetes | ||
once weekly | type 2 diabetes | ||
once weekly | weight loss | ||
once daily | weight loss | ||
once daily | type 2 diabetes | ||
once weekly | type 2 diabetes | ||
twice daily | type 2 diabetes | ||
once weekly | type 2 diabetes |
How do GLP-1 drugs work?
Originally, GLP-1 agonists were used to treat type 2 diabetes. Over time, researchers noticed that GLP-1 agonists seemed to decrease appetite and promote weight loss. Thus, they began studying the use of GLP-1 agonists as weight loss medications.
Certain medications, like Wegovy, were specifically made and approved as weight loss drugs. Meanwhile, other GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, are actually meant for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Doctors commonly prescribe these medications alongside other interventions, such as a low calorie diet and an exercise regimen, to promote weight management and reduce blood sugar levels.
GLP-1 medications are effective (until you stop taking them)
Key takeaways
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications have been shown to be effective for managing blood sugar levels and reducing body weight when paired with other lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) may be more effective than injectable semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy). However, more research is needed.
Weight regain is common after discontinuing GLP-1 medications.
Due to promising research, Wegovy was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people with a higher risk of these events.
ResearchTrusted Source has found all GLP-1 medications to be effective for improving blood sugar management and reducing HbA1c levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
For instance, a 2022 studyTrusted Source in 259 people with obesity and type 2 diabetes found that taking tirzepatide for 26 weeks was effective at reducing body weight, improving blood sugar management, and altering levels of certain substances associated with type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions.
What’s more, one 2017 reviewTrusted Source found the addition of GLP-1 medications to be slightly more effective than insulin for lowering HbA1c levels in people treated with oral medications for diabetes.
While more research is needed, some GLP-1 medications may be more effective than others when it comes to blood sugar and weight management in people with type 2 diabetes.
For example, a study from 2018Trusted Source and another from 2019Trusted Source found that Ozempic was more effective than Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) at improving blood sugar management and reducing body weight.
However, keep in mind that many of these studies received funding from pharmaceutical companies, including the manufacturers of various GLP-1 drugs.
Research on GLP-1 medications for weight loss
While more long-term studies are needed, the research on the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications for weight loss is promising.
Semaglutide, tirzepatideTrusted Source, and SaxendaTrusted Source have all been shown to significantly reduce body weight in people with obesity and overweight, with some individuals losing as much as 16%Trusted Source body weight over the course of 68 weeks.
However, whether or not one medication is more effective for weight loss is still up for debate.
One studyTrusted Source found that after 68 weeks, those taking semaglutide lost 15.8% of their body weight compared to those taking liraglutide, who only lost 6.4% of their body weight.
More recently, a 2023 studyTrusted Source in adults with type 2 diabetes found that those taking tirzepatide lost an average of 17.8% body weight compared to 12.4% body weight loss in those taking semaglutide over the course of 78 weeks.
Because tirzepatide is both a GLP-1 and GIP agonist medicationTrusted Source, it’s thought that the combined effects may make it more effective than GLP-1 agonist medications.
Still, it’s important to keep in mind that there are limitations to these studies, and more long-term research is needed before determining that one medication is more effective than another.
A note on GLP-1 agonists for weight loss
Though GLP-1 agonists can be beneficial for weight loss, it’s important to keep in mind that there is limited research on the long-term effects of these medications.
Additionally, research from 2022Trusted Source suggests that weight regain is likely once you stop taking GLP-1 agonists.
Therefore, it’s best to pair GLP-1 agonists with modifications to your diet and lifestyle. A healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, can also provide ongoing guidance and support to promote long-term weight loss.
GLP-1 drugs for heart health
Trulicity (dulaglutide) was approved in 2020 for individuals with type 2 diabetes, with or without a history of heart disease, to help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, like heart attacks.
More recently, in March 2024, Wegovy was approved by the FDATrusted Source for use in the prevention of heart attack and stoke in people with a higher risk, with or without type 2 diabetes.
This approval followed promising results from novo Nordisk’s SELECT trial, which followed 17,604 adults with obesity or overweight and cardiovascular disease but no history of diabetes.
The trial found that after 5 years, Wegovy significantly reduced the risk of death from heart disease by 15% and reduced the risk of cardiovascular events — including nonfatal heart attacks and strokes — by 20%, compared to an inactive placebo.
Who may benefit from GLP-1 drugs? And who is eligible?
GLP-1 agonists are currently approved for three conditions: type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.
Keep in mind that these medications should be used alongside other lifestyle modifications, including changes to your diet and regular physical activity.
A doctor or other trusted healthcare professional can help determine whether a GLP-1 agonist may be beneficial for you, depending on your health concerns and goals.
Type 2 diabetes
Metformin — another antidiabetes medication — is considered the first line of treatment for diabetes. However, healthcare professionals may prescribeTrusted Source GLP-1 agonists for people who are intolerant to or unable to take metformin.
A GLP-1 agonist might also be recommended for people who are unable to meet their blood sugar goals using other medications or those with a HbA1c level at least 1.5% above their target.
Obesity
For weight loss, healthcare professionals may prescribe GLP-1 agonists for people with an initial BMI of 30 or higher or people who have a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition, such as:
type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
heart disease
obstructive sleep apnea
polycystic ovary syndrome
Typically, healthcare professionals only prescribe these medications after someone has tried other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without success.
Heart disease
In 2020Trusted Source, the FDA also approved Trulicity and Ozempic to reduce cardiovascular events. However, these medications are only available to people with type 2 diabetes.
In March 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease, regardless of whether an individual has type 2 diabetes or not.
In order to qualify, adults must have heart disease and either overweight or obesity. As with GLP-1 medications for weight loss, Wegovy for heart disease should be paired with a balanced reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Who shouldn’t take GLP-1 agonists?
Those who shouldn’t take GLP-1 agonists include people who:
are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant
have a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis
are allergic or sensitive to any of the GLP-1 medications
have multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome type 2
Weight loss medications are not recommended for people with past or active eating disorders.
Furthermore, it’s not recommended to take multiple GLP-1 agonists without consulting a healthcare professional, as it’s unclear how they may interact. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any other medications you may be taking with the prescribing healthcare professional.
An expert’s take on what to know before being prescribed a GLP-1
According to Janelle Duah, MD, assistant professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine, there are a few factors to be aware of before starting a GLP-1 medication.
According to Duah, “Patients should be aware of side effects, how to manage the side effects, [and] when to consider stopping the medication if they have side effects. They should also make sure that there is good follow up and accountability with the provider with whom they are working and that there isn’t just a plan for weight loss but also for maintenance.”
Potential side effects of GLP-1 agonists
Though GLP-1 agonists may support weight loss and help manage blood sugar levels, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects:
Less common but more severe side effects include:
allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
acute pancreatitis
acute cholelithiasis (gallstones)
acute kidney injury
diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes
changes in heart rate
risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
Because of the risk of side effects, it’s important to check in regularly with a healthcare professional. Additionally, it’s important to discuss any concerns you have about potential side effects with your doctor or other healthcare professional to make sure the medication is right for you.
How to get a prescription for GLP-1 agonists
After a medical exam, a healthcare professional — such as a primary care doctor or bariatric physician — may provide a prescription for a GLP-1 agonist, depending on whether or not you meet the required criteria.
A doctor may consider the following factors:
your medical history
your health concerns
what other medications you’re taking
They can also provide more information about insurance coverage and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for your prescription.
If you’re interested in GLP-1 medications for weight loss, some telehealth services also offer prescriptions for GLP-1 agonists after a virtual consultation.
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