Reviewed by a board-certified obesity medicine physician. Last updated March 2026.

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications that mimic a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, these drugs have demonstrated significant weight loss in large clinical trials [1]. As of early 2026, approximately 18% of U.S. adults report having tried a GLP-1 medication for weight loss or diabetes management, according to KFF polling data [2].

The medications work through three primary mechanisms. First, they act on appetite centers in the hypothalamus to reduce hunger and increase satiety. Second, they slow gastric emptying, which means food stays in the stomach longer and you feel full after smaller portions. Third, they improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar regulation, which reduces cravings driven by glucose fluctuations.

FDA-Approved Options for Weight Loss

Two GLP-1 medications currently hold FDA approval specifically for chronic weight management in adults.

Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Wegovy received FDA approval for weight management in June 2021 [3]. It is administered as a weekly subcutaneous injection at doses up to 2.4 mg. In the STEP 1 trial, participants without diabetes lost an average of 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks compared to 2.4% with placebo [1]. An oral tablet formulation of semaglutide for weight loss received FDA approval in December 2025, expanding options for patients who prefer not to inject.

Tirzepatide (Zepbound)

Zepbound earned FDA approval for weight management in November 2023 [4]. Unlike semaglutide, tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it activates two incretin hormone pathways simultaneously. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, the highest dose produced average weight loss of 22.5% over 72 weeks [5]. The SURMOUNT-5 trial, a direct head-to-head comparison, showed tirzepatide produced 20.2% weight loss versus 13.7% for semaglutide at 72 weeks [6].

Other GLP-1 Medications

Liraglutide (Saxenda) was the first GLP-1 approved for weight loss in December 2014, but produces more modest results (5-10% body weight). Ozempic (semaglutide 2.0 mg) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss, though physicians may prescribe them off-label.

Who Qualifies?

FDA labeling specifies GLP-1 weight loss medications for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia. Your provider will also screen for contraindications including personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, and pregnancy.

What Does Treatment Cost?

Cost remains the biggest barrier to GLP-1 access. Approximately 56% of current and former GLP-1 users report affordability challenges [2].

List prices range from $1,000 to $1,650 per month for branded injectable formulations. However, actual out-of-pocket costs vary widely:

  • Wegovy: NovoCare offers a direct cash-pay program at $499/month. The new oral Wegovy tablet is available at $149 to $299/month through select pharmacies.
  • Zepbound: LillyDirect sells single-dose vials at $299 to $449/month, depending on dose, for self-pay patients.
  • With commercial insurance: Copays typically range from $25 to $150/month when using manufacturer savings cards.
  • Medicare: Does not cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss as of 2026. Coverage for diabetes indications (Ozempic, Mounjaro) is available under Part D.
  • Medicaid: Only 13 states currently cover GLP-1 medications for obesity [7].

Finding a Provider

Qualified GLP-1 providers include board-certified obesity medicine specialists (ABOM), endocrinologists, internal medicine physicians, and family medicine physicians with weight management experience. Look for clinics that conduct proper medical evaluations before prescribing, offer ongoing monitoring, and provide transparent pricing.

Browse verified providers in our GLP-1 clinic directory to compare credentials, pricing, and patient reviews in your area.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any medication.

Sources

  1. Wilding JPH, et al. "Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity." New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384:989-1002. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
  2. KFF Health Tracking Poll, May 2024. "Public Opinion on GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss." https://www.kff.org/health-costs/kff-health-tracking-poll-may-2024-the-publics-use-and-views-of-glp-1-drugs/
  3. FDA. Wegovy (semaglutide) Approval Letter. June 4, 2021. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/appletter/2021/215256Orig1s000ltr.pdf
  4. FDA. "FDA Approves New Medication for Chronic Weight Management." November 2023. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-medication-chronic-weight-management
  5. Jastreboff AM, et al. "Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity." New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387:205-216. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
  6. Aronne LJ, et al. "Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Adults with Obesity." SURMOUNT-5 Trial. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05822609. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05822609
  7. KFF. Medicaid Coverage of and Spending on GLP-1s. https://www.kff.org/medicaid/medicaid-coverage-of-and-spending-on-glp-1s/