Which GLP-1 is best for weight loss?

Key takeaways

• The best GLP-1 for you will depend on several individual factors, including your diet and exercise and how your body responds to the medication.
• GLP-1s affect your appetite by affecting your body and your stomach to promote feelings of fullness. Some may lead to more weight loss than others.
• You may have a preference for a certain GLP-1 based on insurance coverage or method of delivery. You can speak with a doctor about any concerns, and they can help guide you.

Overview

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, better known as GLP-1s, are a group of medications that mimic the action of the natural GLP-1 hormone in the body. The medications are well-known for their uses in managing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and they’re also very effective for weight management.

There are several different GLP-1 medications available on the market, each with its own benefits and risks. The one that’s most effective for you may depend on your individual circumstances.

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How do GLP-1s work for weight loss?

GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the action of the GLP-1 hormone that your body naturally produces. This hormone is released when your body ingests nutrients. It can help to regulate your blood sugar, which is why GLP-1 medications are commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes. But the medications can also aid with weight loss.

Alongside affecting your blood sugar, GLP-1s work in specific ways to affect your appetite:

• Delaying gastric emptying: GLP-1s slow down the rate at which your stomach empties, promoting a long-lasting feeling of fullness.
• Reducing hunger: GLP-1s also act on special receptors in your brain to decrease hunger signals and increase feelings of fullness.

These factors can lead to reduced caloric intake, contributing to weight loss. However, it’s important to note that GLP-1s are generally prescribed alongside recommendations for eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly to aid the success of the medication.

According to some 2025 research, people taking GLP-1s can lose up to 25% of their body weight in one year of treatment.

Which GLP-1 is most effective?

There are many different GLP-1s on the market. The majority of these are brand-name medications, with the exception of liraglutide, which is the only GLP-1 available as a generic. The branded GLP-1s and their active ingredients include:

• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Wegovy (semaglutide)
• Rybelsus (semaglutide)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
• Zepbound (tirzepatide)
• Saxenda (liraglutide)
• Victoza (liraglutide)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide)

Each person responds slightly differently to every medication, so the best GLP-1 may depend on several individual factors. However, there has been some research into which medications can lead to the most weight loss.

For example, a study on liraglutide (Saxenda) noted an average weight loss of around 6 kilograms (kg) or 13 pounds (lbs). Research on semaglutide injections found a weight loss of 15.3 kg (34 lbs), and research on tirzapetide (Zepbound) suggests that participants lost up to 23.6 kg (52 lbs) with the highest dose of the medication.

Note that tirzapetide is actually a dual GLP-1 and another medication called a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, but many people refer to it alongside GLP-1s as it works similarly.

However, as noted, GLP-1s are prescribed alongside diet and exercise to help manage weight. Therefore, the effectiveness of your medication may depend on the lifestyle strategies you implement alongside it. You can speak with a healthcare professional for more advice.

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How to choose a GLP-1 that’s right for you

When a doctor is prescribing GLP-1s, they may ask several questions about your medical history, your goals for treatment, and whether you’ve tried other weight management medications before. They will likely guide you and prescribe the GLP-1 that’s best for you.

However, there are some factors you can consider to help choose the right GLP-1 for you. These include:

• Method of administration: Most GLP-1s are medications that you inject yourself. However, two brands of semaglutide — Rybelsus and Wegovy — are available as oral tablets that you swallow. This may be a good option for people who don’t want to use needles.
• Dosing schedule: Some GLP-1 injections need to be given every day, such as Victoza, Saxenda, and generic liraglutide, and the oral GLP-1s are also taken daily. Other options, like Ozempic and injectable Wegovy, are only given once weekly, which may be more convenient for your lifestyle.
• Insurance coverage: You can look up a list of medications covered by your insurance, known as your formulary. If any specific GLP-1 is covered, you can ask your doctor to prescribe that one if they think it’s right for you.
• Approved medications: Not all GLP-1s are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight management. For example, Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes, and prescribing it for weight loss is considered an off-label use. Wegovy, Saxenda, Zepbound, and generic liraglutide are all approved for weight loss.
• Side effects: GLP-1s, like all medications, may cause some side effects. The most common include gastrointestinal side effects like nausea. These are usually mild and go away with time, but if you’d prefer to switch to another medication, consider speaking with a doctor.

Summary

The best GLP-1 for weight loss will depend on individual factors and your specific treatment goals. There are several GLP-1 drugs available on the market with different active ingredients.

Some GLP-1s are associated with more weight loss than others. Some GLP-1s are also specifically approved for weight loss, while others are prescribed off-label.

If you have any concerns or preferences related to GLP-1s, you can speak with the prescribing doctor for more guidance.

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Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.