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GLP-1 weight loss
In a clinical trial review, more than half of the people taking a GLP-1 medication for weight loss shed at least 5% of their starting body weight. If you weigh 250 pounds, that’s a loss of at least 12.5 pounds, potentially more!
Interested in GLP-1 weight loss? Find a weight loss specialist on Klarity Health and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours. * And if GLP-1 medication is right for you, get a prescription.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sheelu Bhatnagar
What are GLP-1 drugs for weight loss?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are a class of medication that includes popular brand-name drugs.
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are GLP-1 drugs U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for chronic weight management in people with obesity or overweight.
Ozempic (semaglutide), Rybelsus (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and may also help people lose weight.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists. Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight. Mounjaro is FDA-approved for people with type 2 diabetes and may help with weight loss. Both work similarly to GLP-1 drugs, but the added effect on GIP receptors leads to greater weight loss according to clinical trial data.
All GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP agonists should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
Learn more about GLP-1 agonist medications and dual agonists.
How GLP-1s work for weight loss?
GLP-1 medications mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone released by your intestines after you eat. It stimulates your pancreas to release insulin while reducing glucagon secretion, lowering your blood sugar. GLP-1 works for weight loss by delaying food from leaving your stomach. That makes you feel full for longer.
Put simply, when you use a GLP-1 medication, eat a low-calorie diet, and exercise more, you get improved blood sugar control and reduced appetite, so you eat less and lose weight.
In clinical trials for the GLP-1 weight loss drug Wegovy, people lost up to 14.9% of their body weight in 68 weeks. Participants in a similar trial for Saxenda lost up to 10% of their body weight in 56 weeks.
Learn more about how GLP-1 works for weight loss.
Who can take GLP-1 medications?
You can take a GLP-1 medication if you meet the FDA-approved criteria for its use. Some GLP-1 drugs are approved for weight loss or weight management. Others are approved to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes.
Brand-names drugs Wegovy and Saxenda are FDA-approved for weight loss if you:
— Have obesity, meaning a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
— Are overweight with a BMI of 27 or more and at least 1 weight-related health problem, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.
— Are a child aged 12 or older with obesity based on weight and BMI.
If you take a GLP-1 medication, you should also eat a reduced-calorie diet and be more active.
How to get a GLP-1 weight loss prescription online
To get a GLP-1 weight loss medication, you need a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Prescribing providers include physicians (MDs), physician assistants/associates (PAs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).
You can find a board-certified, licensed provider to discuss a medical weight loss program that may include drugs, like GLP-1 medications, on Klarity and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*
If your provider decides a GLP-1 drug is medically necessary to help you lose weight, they can send your prescription to your pharmacy of choice, including online pharmacies that ship directly to your door.
Note that there have been supply shortages for GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, and Victoza. Before you start a GLP-1 drug, talk to your provider and check the FDA drug shortages database for current status (Tip: search for the medication’s active ingredient).
Learn more about how to qualify for Ozempic or get prior authorization for Wegovy.
How to use GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and their dosages
Most GLP-1 medications are injectables that come in prefilled single-use pens. The exception is Rybelsus for type 2 diabetes treatment that comes in a pill.
Injectable GLP-1 drugs are taken daily (Saxenda) or once a week (Wegovy). You use the pen to inject yourself under the skin, usually in your belly, upper thigh, or in the back of your arm.
These medications come in multiple doses, so different pens are available with various dosages. For example, Wegovy comes in .25-, .50-, 1.0-, 1.7-, and 2.4-milligram doses, each in a different pen.
When starting an injectable GLP-1 medication, you take the lowest dose available. This helps reduce side effects and gives your body time to adjust to the medication. After 1 or 4 weeks, your provider will prescribe the next higher dose. You continue increasing every 1 or 4 weeks until you reach your maintenance dose or the maximum dose available.
Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound are dosed similarly.
Clinical studies show that people tend to lose more weight on higher doses of GLP-1 drugs. But, if you struggle to tolerate these dosages, your healthcare provider may have you use a smaller maintenance dose.
Learn more about Saxenda and Wegovy doses.
GLP-1 weight loss medication side effects and warnings
The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and stomach pain. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to go away within a few weeks of starting the medication or increasing your dose.
Dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, like Mounjaro and Zepbound, have similar side effects.
All GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications can also have serious side effects, interact with other medications, and should’nt be used by some people.
Talk to your provider or pharmacists before starting a medication and read the medication guide, so you understand what to expect. And so your healthcare provider can help you navigate the side effects of your medication.
Learn more about Wegovy side effects and the side effects of Ozempic for weight loss.
What do GLP-1 weight loss medications cost?
Injectable GLP-1 weight loss medications are expensive. The average retail price, which is the price the pharmacy charges you without insurance, is more than $1,000 for a 1-month supply of any dose. The only exception is Victoza, which retails for $582 for a 1-month supply, according to drugs.com and with its discount card.
Dual receptor agonists Mounjaro and Zepbound also retail for around, or more than, $1,000 for a 1-month supply.
If you have insurance that covers your medication, you could get a 1-month supply for free or at a discount with savings cards from the manufacturer, such as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy Savings Card. You can also save on GLP-1 medications with coupons from prescription discount sites like GoodRx, drugs.com, SingleCareRx, Optum Perks, and others.
Learn how to get Wegovy for less or get Zepbound for $25.
How do GLP-1 medications compare to other weight loss medications?
You can lose more weight on GLP-1 medications than many other weight loss drugs. And some GLP-1 medications result in more weight loss than others.
Clinical trials found that people lose more weight on GLP-1 med Wegovy, than Saxenda and other weight loss drugs, like Qsymia (phentermine-topiramate), Contrave (bupropion-naltrexone), Adipex-P (phentermine), and Xenical (Orlistat). In trials, people lost even more on dual GLP-1/GIP agonists, like Zepbound, than Wegovy.
Talk to your healthcare provider to find out which medication, if any, is right for your health and weight loss needs. You can find a provider on Klarity today and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*
Contrave, Qsymia, Adipex-P, and Xenical, are all FDA-approved for weight loss or weight management in people with obesity and overweight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. All have side effects that may include, but aren’t limited to, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, and headaches. Phentermine is a controlled substance and can increase heart rate or blood pressure and cause dependency and misuse.
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On Klarity Health, you’re in good company
Testimonials from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity Health.
How it works
Choose the right provider for you
Providers on Klarity Health are licensed, board-certified, and offer a personalized approach to your unique weight-loss needs. See detailed profiles for each provider and find an approach that’s best for you. (Costs for treatment options may vary.)
Have your initial patient visit
Your journey to losing weight starts with an initial consultation Your provider will go over your goals and medical history to recommend a program that’s right for you and may or may not include prescription medication.
Work with your provider on your progress
Your initial consultation is just the beginning. You and your provider will follow up to make sure you’re doing okay and that you’re reaching your goals. You stay on track with easy medication refills and ongoing support from your provider.
Access 24×7 support
If you have questions or need assistance, the Klarity Health Patient Support team is here to help. Along with your provider, they’re committed to making sure you have the best care and support throughout your weight loss journey.
Why choose a provider on Klarity Health?
Choose from a growing list of licensed, board-certified providers.
Have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.*
No insurance needed — get reimbursed from insurance or use your FSA or HSA.
Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
FAQs about GLP-1 agonists
Learn more about GLP-1 and weight loss medication
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Controlled substances like phentermine may not be appropriate for all patients and any mention of these medications is for educational purposes only, not for marketing or encouraging self-diagnosis. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide any medical services.
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All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide any medical services.
If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988. Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741-741
Phone:
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: Call 988. Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741-741
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