What is the Difference in GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications have become a game-changer in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion in the body. As agonists, GLP-1 medications work to mimic the actions of this naturally occurring hormone. Think of it as your body’s own personal assistant for keeping things in balance.
Here at HLTHYher, we work with women to help them see the biggest benefit from taking these medications by helping them develop and maintain healthy habits that curb side effects and promote greater effectiveness. There are several different GLP-1 medications that are similar in how they work but have some differences as well.
How do GLP-1 Medications Work?
Before diving into the differences, it's helpful to understand what GLP-1 does in the body. It helps to regulate blood sugar by increasing insulin production when blood sugar levels are elevated and reducing glucagon, which prevents the liver from releasing too much glucose. GLP-1 also slows down the emptying of the stomach, helping to promote satiety and reduce appetite.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are designed to enhance the effects of the naturally produced GLP-1 hormone, helping to lower blood sugar and reduce appetite. It even interacts with the brain to reduce cravings and ‘food noise.’ As a result, these medications have shown promise not only in managing diabetes but also in promoting weight loss. They’ve also had some surprising benefits for heart health, PCOS, and more!
Common GLP-1 Medications
Several GLP-1 receptor agonists are currently approved for use, and each has its own characteristics. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options:
1. Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
Semaglutide is one of the most well-known GLP-1 medications, available under different brand names depending on its intended use. As Ozempic, it is primarily prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is prescribed for weight loss. Both medications are injectable and are administered once a week.
Mechanism of action: Semaglutide works by increasing insulin secretion in response to meals, suppressing glucagon, and slowing gastric emptying.
Benefits: Semaglutide is highly effective in lowering A1C levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control) and can also help with significant weight loss. Wegovy, in particular, has shown to help people lose 15-20% of their body weight.
Side effects: Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are often temporary but can be uncomfortable.
2. Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)
Liraglutide is another well-known GLP-1 medication, with two main brand names: Victoza for diabetes management and Saxenda for weight loss.
Mechanism of action: Like semaglutide, liraglutide works by enhancing insulin secretion, inhibiting glucagon, and slowing down the emptying of the stomach. However, it requires daily injections.
Benefits: Liraglutide is effective in reducing A1C and can also help with weight loss. Saxenda, in particular, has been shown to help patients lose around 5-10% of their body weight. It is often prescribed to reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in people with diabetes or heart disease.
Side effects: The side effects of liraglutide are similar to those of semaglutide, including gastrointestinal discomfort. These side effects tend to improve with continued use.
3. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
Tirzepatide is a newer medication that combines two hormones, GLP-1 and GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide). Approved under the brand name Mounjaro for managing type 2 diabetes and as Zepbound, which has also shown impressive weight loss benefits.
Mechanism of action: Tirzepatide works by stimulating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which enhances insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. This dual-hormone approach appears to be more potent than single-hormone therapies like GLP-1 alone.
Benefits: Tirzepatide has demonstrated strong results in reducing A1C levels and promoting weight loss. In clinical trials, it has helped patients lose 15-26% of their body weight, making it one of the most effective medications for weight loss among diabetes treatments.
Side effects: Similar to other GLP-1 medications, tirzepatide can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. But once again, these side effects generally improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
4. Compounded GLP-1 Medication
Compounded GLP-1s are made by pharmacies that are not connected to the manufacturers of the brand-name products. These medications are designed to mimic the original products using FDA-approved ingredients, but they are not FDA-approved generic medication mixtures.
Compounding medications is actually illegal if they are under a patent (which is the case for semaglutide and tirzepatide right now), but due to an FDA-declared shortage, it is currently permissible to compound these medications. Compounded GLP-1 medications are generally cheaper and more readily available, however, there are concerns about their safety due to not being FDA-regulated. It is crucial to work with your doctor to determine if these medications are safe for you.
Differences Between GLP-1 Medications
While all GLP-1 medications share a similar mechanism of action, there are a few differences that can influence which medication is best for a given individual:
Frequency of Dosing: Some GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), only require a weekly injection. Others, like liraglutide (Victoza/Saxenda), require daily injections. For many patients, less frequent dosing is a major benefit.
Effectiveness in Weight Loss: While all GLP-1 medications can aid in weight loss, some, like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy), have been shown to produce more significant weight loss results compared to others. For example, Mounjaro has demonstrated weight loss of up to 26%, among the highest for GLP-1 medications.
Side Effects: The side effects of GLP-1 medications can be similar, particularly gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these side effects can vary in intensity depending on the individual and the medication and generally improve upon continued use. Experimentation might be necessary to see how side effects affect each individual.
Additional Benefits and Limitations: A study of semaglutides showed improved cognition and a reduction in addictive behaviors such as smoking or even shopping, when taking the medication. However, in a 2022 study of liraglutide showed that it was not as effective in those with higher emotional eating scores.
Cost and Availability: GLP-1 medications costs can vary, and insurance coverage may differ depending on the brand and location. Some medications, such as liraglutide, may be more affordable or covered by insurance, while others like semaglutide and tirzepatide can be more expensive. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are also generally less expensive and more available.
GLP-1 medications have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management, offering patients significant benefits in blood sugar control and weight loss. While these medications work similarly, the differences in dosing frequency, effectiveness, side effects, and cost are important considerations when choosing the right medication. It’s essential for patients to work closely with their healthcare provider to determine which GLP-1 medication best fits their needs. Regardless of which medication, combining GLP-1 medication with healthy lifestyle changes is essential to see maximum and lasting benefits. That’s why at HLTHYher we pair each of our members with a Health Coach who is there as a guide to making lasting behavior changes. As GLP-1 medications continue to evolve, we are excited to be a part of the process of helping to improve overall health and quality of life.
