Type 2 diabetes and obesity often go hand in hand – and in the future can also be treated together. The group of drugs known as GLP-1 analogues was initially developed to help diabetics control their blood sugar. The active ingredients mimic the hormone GLP-1, which is naturally released in the body after eating. In this way, they also reduce the feeling of appetite and can facilitate weight loss if medically necessary. On this page you will find all the information about the various GLP-1 receptor agonists, how they work and their side effects.
Table of Contents
What are GLP-1 analogues?
GLP-1 analogues are a group of drugs that are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. These include Wegovy® and Saxenda® . Depending on the preparation, they are injected daily or weekly by the user under the skin and work according to the same principle: the active ingredients are structured similarly to the body’s own intestinal hormone GLP-1 and can mimic its effect in the body. Since the active ingredients act on the same receptor as GLP-1, they are also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
GLP-1 analogues were approved in Europe for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in 2006. Since then, pharmacologists have been developing newer and more effective versions. Now the diabetes injections are attracting new attention: some active ingredients are now considered effective drugs for losing weight in patients who are severely overweight (obese).
How do GLP-1 analogues work?
GLP-1 analogues mimic the structure of a specific hormone that our body can also produce itself: Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, or GLP-1 for short . This hormone is produced in the intestines and is naturally released shortly after eating. By resembling its structure, GLP-1 analogues can produce the same effects as the hormone . These include:
- an increased release of insulin
- an improved response of the body’s cells to insulin
- a reduced feeling of hunger
- stronger and longer lasting satiety
The effects are caused by the direct action of GLP-1 and its analogues on the pancreas, brain, stomach and other areas of the body . Overall, they lead to diabetics being able to lower their blood sugar levels and those being treated having less appetite.
Important: GLP-1 analogues are not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. They are only used in combination with an exercise and nutrition program if obesity or severe overweight with a weight-related side effect is present.
How can GLP-1 analogues help with weight loss?
Drugs from the group of GLP-1 analogues have a strong influence on the feeling of hunger and satiety . This works by influencing areas of the brain that are directly involved in the development of these feelings. In addition, they ensure that food stays in the stomach longer and therefore keeps you full for longer. As a result, many patients eat less food and lose weight.
Our doctors at ZAVA can prescribe weight loss medication for you – we will ask you to complete a short medical questionnaire about you and your symptoms. Our doctors will then use this information to decide whether the medication you want is suitable and safe for you.
Which active ingredients and medications are GLP-1 analogues?
There are now many different GLP-1 receptor agonists on the market. Not every active ingredient is approved for the treatment of obesity : the drug must first be intensively tested. Different dosages are also usually used for losing weight, so there are usually two drugs with the same active ingredient and different trade names for different purposes.
The following table provides an overview of various GLP-1 analogues and their trade names:
| Trade name for type 2 diabetes | Trade name for obesity | |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Ozempic® | Wegovy® |
| Liraglutide | Victoza® | Saxenda® |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity® | – |
Other GLP-1 drugs are lixisenatide, exenatide or albiglutide. The different active ingredients vary slightly in their structure, resulting in minor differences in effectiveness and duration of action. Tirzepatide is an exception: the active ingredient not only mimics GLP-1, but also GIP, another intestinal hormone with a similar effect.
What are the side effects of GLP-1 analogues?
The most common side effects of GLP-1 analogues are those affecting the digestive system: these include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation . Patients also frequently report side effects such as headaches, nervousness and dizziness. In rare cases, life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas occurs.
To ensure that the side effects are not too severe, the dosage is gradually increased . Certain eating habits can also help to keep digestive problems under control: for example, eating small portions and stopping eating as soon as you are full. If you still suffer from severe side effects, it is better to switch to a lower dose or a different active ingredient. You can get free advice from our doctors at any time via your patient account .
frequently asked Questions
What GLP-1 analogues are there?
GLP-1 analogues include, for example, tirzepatide (in Zepbound® ), semaglutide (in Wegovy® and Ozempic®), liraglutide (in Saxenda® and Victoza® ) or dulaglutide (in Trulicity® ). Other active ingredients are albiglutide, exenatide and lixisenatide.
How much do GLP-1 analogues cost?
The prices for GLP-1 analogues vary from drug to drug. The active ingredient semaglutide in Wegovy® costs around $235-435 per month. For tirzepatide (in Zepbound® ) the prices start at just under $260. The prices for Saxenda® are between $235 and $870 per month, depending on the dosage.
What is a GLP-1 drug?
GLP-1 analogues are a specific group of drugs that mimic the intestinal hormone GLP-1. They therefore influence blood sugar and the feeling of satiety, which is why they are used in type 2 diabetes and in obesity or severe overweight with a weight-related side effect.
Is GLP-1 insulin?
No – GLP-1 is not insulin. However, it causes the pancreas to secrete more insulin and the body’s cells to react more sensitively to it. Similar to insulin, GLP-1 analogues are used in type 2 diabetes and are injected under the skin by the users themselves.
When is GLP-1 released?
The hormone GLP-1 is released in the intestine after eating. It causes the body to release more insulin and increases the feeling of satiety.
What do doctors prescribe for obesity?
If you are overweight, doctors can prescribe various medications to help you lose weight : Appetite suppressants such as Wegovy® or Saxenda® help you lose weight by reducing the feeling of hunger. The fat binder Orlistat , on the other hand, inhibits the absorption of calories by blocking the digestion of fat. However, these medications are only used when medically necessary.
Medically reviewed by:
Natalia Olaizola-Horst Medical Author
After studying pharmacy at the Free University of Berlin, Natalia Olaizola-Horst received her license as a pharmacist in 1997. She worked in both hospital pharmacies and public pharmacies and completed further training in the areas of nutritional counseling and palliative medicine. Natalia Olaizola-Horst supports Prime Weight Loss Clinic in medical text creation and review.
