Medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD
A GLP-1 is a natural gut hormone that helps regulate appetite and blood sugar, and GLP-1 medications are lab-made versions designed to work longer in the body. Here is a plain-language explanation of how they work, what they are approved for, and what Pittsburgh-area patients should know before starting.
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, and it is one of several hormones your gut releases after you eat to tell your body that food has arrived. If you live in Pittsburgh, Oakland, Squirrel Hill, Shadyside, Cranberry Township, Monroeville, or Bethel Park and keep hearing about GLP-1 drugs, this guide covers the basics without the jargon.
Key Takeaways
GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone that slows stomach emptying, supports insulin release when blood sugar is high, and acts on appetite centers in the brain.
Different GLP-1 products are approved for different purposes, such as type 2 diabetes or chronic weight management, so the specific medication matters.
Tirzepatide acts on GLP-1 and a second hormone called GIP, which is why it is often described as a dual agonist.
These medications carry real risks, including a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors, so a physician should screen your history first.
How a GLP-1 Medication Works
Your body's own GLP-1 is broken down within minutes. GLP-1 medications are engineered to last much longer, which allows once-daily or once-weekly dosing. They help you feel full sooner, slow the movement of food from the stomach, and help the pancreas release insulin in response to high blood sugar. For many people, this makes it easier to eat less without constant hunger, though effects vary. A large trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adults taking semaglutide 2.4 mg lost an average of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks, compared with 2.4% on placebo, alongside lifestyle intervention.
Which Medications Are GLP-1s?
Semaglutide (Wegovy for weight management, Ozempic for type 2 diabetes) and liraglutide (Saxenda for weight management, Victoza for type 2 diabetes) are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Tirzepatide (Zepbound for weight management, Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes) is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Oral options have also been approved. Pills are now an option too; read our guide to oral Wegovy in Pittsburgh. You can review approved labeling for Wegovy on the FDA's Drugs@FDA database.
Who May Be a Candidate
For weight management, FDA labeling generally supports use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition, alongside diet and physical activity. Your physician also considers your history, current medications, and pregnancy plans. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee a prescription.
Risks and Side Effects
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. More serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and dehydration that can affect the kidneys. Semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors and should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. GLP-1 medications are also not used during pregnancy. Never adjust your dose without your prescriber.
GLP-1s Are Not the Only Option
TeleSlim Clinic Pittsburgh also offers phentermine, phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), orlistat, and metformin, along with setmelanotide for rare genetic causes of obesity after genetic confirmation. Compare choices on the weight loss medications page. TeleSlim Clinic does not prescribe compounded medications, which are not FDA-approved.
Getting Started From Pittsburgh
TeleSlim Clinic Pittsburgh offers secure video visits for adults located in Pennsylvania, with prescriptions, when medically appropriate, sent to your preferred pharmacy. You can check a prescriber's license through the Pennsylvania Department of State's license verification system. Book a free consult, read the FAQ page, or learn how care works on the treatment page and personalized weight loss planning page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a GLP-1 the same as Ozempic?
Ozempic is one brand of GLP-1 medication (semaglutide) approved for type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 is the broader drug class, which also includes Wegovy, Saxenda, and others.
Do GLP-1 medications work for everyone?
No. Responses vary, and some people lose more weight than others or cannot tolerate side effects. Your physician can adjust the plan or discuss alternatives.
Do I have to stay on a GLP-1 forever?
Obesity is a chronic condition, and weight regain is common after stopping. Talk with your physician about the long-term plan before making changes.
Are GLP-1 drugs the same as weight loss surgery?
No. They are medications, while surgery is a procedure. The right approach depends on your health, BMI, and goals, and your physician can discuss when each may be appropriate.
Will insurance cover a GLP-1 medication?
Coverage varies by plan and diagnosis, and prior authorization is common. The TeleSlim Clinic visit fee is cash-pay, and you can ask your insurer about medication coverage before filling a prescription.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It was medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Talk with a licensed provider about whether any weight-loss medication is right for you.
