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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Approximately 15.5 million Americans have been or currently are on injectable diabetes or weight loss medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, including the popular name brands Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound. As obesity rates rise, eligibility expands and curiosity grows, more people are exploring their potential benefits. Andrew Tenpas, PharmD, RPh, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, explains the medications, their benefits and a few drawbacks.
“I have some veterans who have lost 70 to 100 pounds, and it’s completely changed their entire quality of life,” said Tenpas, who sees patients at a VA clinic in South Texas. “You can imagine when you lose 70 pounds, not only does it help with blood sugar control but also blood pressure, cholesterol and mobility—it can completely change people’s lives around.”
Originally developed and approved to treat type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications gained traction when patients reported significant weight loss. Semaglutide, also known by the brand name Ozempic, skyrocketed in popularity about three years ago with the help of social media platforms. Tirzepatide, also known by the brand name Mounjaro, is a newer, even more potent cousin. The makers of Ozempic later created the brand name GLP-1, Wegovy, also using the active ingredient semaglutide, for weight loss. Similarly, Zepbound is Mounjaro’s weight-loss counterpart, containing the ingredient tirzepatide.
Mimicking a naturally occurring hormone, older GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulate the body to release insulin after eating, Tenpas explained. They also decrease glucagon release and slow stomach emptying, leaving the body feeling satiated longer, acting as an appetite suppressant, and influencing the pancreas to release more insulin, further lowering blood sugar. Newer, more potent GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide combine GLP-1 with another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Research suggests this combination reduces side effects and further improves outcomes.
Tenpas said GLP-1 medications should accompany sustainable lifestyle changes. “These medications are tools, not magic solutions. They’re meant to help reshape your relationship with food and portion sizes and give you a leg up with weight loss, so that maybe you can start exercising more.”
Once a patient has achieved their health goals and made lifestyle shifts for long-term health maintenance, their medical provider may gradually taper off medications. However, Tenpas said, when used responsibly and at recommended doses, GLP-1 medications are relatively safe to take, long term.
Individuals considering GLP-1 medications for weight loss should consult their medical provider about options approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure quality and potency, Tenpas said. GLP-1 drugs may cause short-term side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, which tend to be dose-related or triggered by certain foods and are more likely to arise among individuals with a history of conditions including gastrointestinal issues or significant kidney disease. GLP-1 medications are not currently approved for women who are pregnant and may interact with some medications.
As modern medicine continues to evolve, Tenpas anticipates even more options on the horizon. At least 27 new GLP-1 drugs currently are undergoing trials at various stages, and early trial data published in the New England Journal of Medicine in June 2023 suggests this next generation of medications may offer even greater weight loss benefits than either semaglutide or tirzepatide alone.