GLP-1 Agonist List: An Overview of Common Brands & Uses

What are GLP-1 Agonists prescribed for?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, also known as incretin mimetics, are a class of prescription medications that have been proven to be effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and in support of weight loss.

To understand GLP-1 receptor agonists, first, we need to explain ‘natural’ GLP-1: The human body produces its own GLP-1, a powerful hormone made by your gut that sends signals to your brain to regulate your metabolic function, help you feel full, and decrease your appetite. Research suggests that people who hold onto more weight experience reductions in GLP-1 signaling.

GLP-1 agonists are drugs that mimic the effects of natural GLP-1, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and support weight loss in a variety of ways—one of the most significant being that they increase the feeling of fullness (or satiety) after meals.

GLP-1s were initially approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2005 as a type 2 diabetes treatment. But experts soon learned that in addition to improving glucose levels, GLP-1s also resulted in weight loss and other metabolic health benefits. In 2014, liraglutide (Saxenda) became the first GLP-1 agonist to be FDA-approved for weight management in obese patients without diabetes.

GLP-1 medications are safe, effective, and have relatively few side effects. Any common side effects that patients may experience while taking GLP-1s, such as nausea, are generally quite manageable.

As with all prescription medications, there are warnings and contraindications to keep in mind prior to starting treatment with GLP-1 medication, whether it’s part of your diabetes care plan or part of a medical weight loss program. Your Calibrate doctor will discuss these with you and can answer any specific questions you might have about the risks of your specific GLP-1 as it pertains to your own health and medical history.

Keep in mind that insulin and metformin are not GLP-1 medications; however, they may be prescribed alongside GLP-1s.

How do GLP-1 agonists work?

GLP-1 agonists mimic incretin hormones (‘natural’ GLP-1) in the body. These hormones signal the brain, endocrine, and gastrointestinal system that food has been consumed. This results in a complex cascade of hormones and neurotransmitters which effectively communicate feelings of satiety (feeling full).

These hormones also play a key role in the management of blood sugar levels and can improve blood sugar levels in people living with impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes.

Here’s a closer look at the many ways in which GLP-1 interacts with your other organ systems:

In the brain, GLP-1 receptors in the hypothalamus—the part of the brain responsible for appetite and thirst—tell you to stop eating and makes food less appealing
In the muscles, GLP-1 increases fatty acid and glucose uptake so it can then be broken down (via beta oxidation or glycolysis) as a fuel source
In the stomach, GLP-1 slows down the rate at which food is digested and is cleared from the stomach; this helps to prolong the sensation of fullness after a meal and creates fullness even with smaller portions
In the liver, GLP-1 suppresses hepatic glucose output (gluconeogenesis), which helps to lower blood sugars in people with impaired blood sugar metabolism
In the pancreas, GLP-1 both triggers the production of insulin and suppresses the secretion of glucagon resulting in improved blood sugar control and utilization of sugar for energy and storage in the body; this is particularly important in people who have impaired glucose tolerance, pre-diabetes, or diabetes

Image source: https://www.joincalibrate.com/resources/medication-in-the-calibrate-program-introducing-wegovy

GLP-1 Agonists prescribed by Calibrate

Calibrate prescribes a select number of GLP-1 agonists that are either indicated specifically for weight loss or indicated for off-label use for weight loss. These medications include:

Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®)
Liraglutide (Saxenda®)
Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)

Complete GLP-1 Agonist list, sorted alphabetically by brand name

Note: Calibrate does not prescribe all of the medications listed below. Please see above for medications prescribed by Calibrate doctors.