A new era of weight loss pharmaceuticals called incretin mimetics could drastically change the trajectory of obesity across the world. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists or GLP-1 analogues mimic incretin hormones that the body naturally produces to stimulate the release of insulin and lower blood sugar levels. According to the National Institute of Health, 1 in 3 adults (30.7%) are overweight, and more than 2 in 5 adults (42.4%) have obesity, with severe obesity doubling in the last decade, affecting nearly 10% of the US population. Obesity has skyrocketed and this new age of biopharma, could help solve the problem.
Diabetes drugs, like dulaglutide (Trulicity), liraglutide (Victoza), and semaglutide (Ozempic), have gained increasing popularity showing remarkable results not just in the treatment of Diabetes, but also in the treatment of obesity. We're going to talk more about GLP-1 for weight loss, the benefits, and how it works.
What Is Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1)?
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring incretin hormone that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, and appetite.
The concept of incretins in diabetes treatment dates back over a century. In 1902, scientists Bayliss and Starling hypothesized that gut extracts contain a hormone that influences the pancreas, reducing urinary glucose in diabetic patients (Drucker, 2006). These glucose-lowering compounds were eventually named incretins in 1929.
Two primary incretins have been identified:
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GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1)
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GIP (Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide)
GLP-1 is a 31-amino acid peptide derived from proglucagon and secreted by L cells in the lower intestine and colon. It binds to specific receptors on pancreatic beta cells, stimulating insulin secretion and helping to regulate blood glucose levels.
How Does GLP-1 Work?
GLP-1 is secreted in response to nutrient ingestion (especially glucose) and exerts effects across multiple systems:
GLP-1 Functions:
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Stimulates insulin secretion from the pancreas
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Suppresses glucagon release, preventing additional glucose production
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Delays gastric emptying, reducing post-meal blood sugar spikes
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Enhances satiety, reducing appetite and calorie intake
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Modulates hunger hormones, including leptin and ghrelin
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Improves insulin sensitivity in tissues (Baggio & Drucker, 2007)
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs)
Drugs that mimic GLP-1, called GLP-1 receptor agonists, bind to the same receptors and produce more sustained effects than natural GLP-1, which is quickly broken down in the body.
GLP-1 for Weight Loss
Why GLP-1 Helps You Lose Weight
Patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity often have impaired GLP-1 activity. GLP-1 receptor agonists can:
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Lower blood glucose levels
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Suppress appetite
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Promote significant weight loss
GLP-1 signals the pancreas to release insulin, allowing glucose uptake into tissues for energy, while also slowing gastric emptying, helping patients feel full for longer.
FDA-Approved GLP-1 Drugs
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Semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®)
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Liraglutide (Victoza®, Saxenda®)
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Dulaglutide (Trulicity®)
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Exenatide (Byetta®, Bydureon®)
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Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) – Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist
Semaglutide (Wegovy) is approved specifically for weight loss in obese patients, while Ozempic is prescribed for type 2 diabetes.
In a randomized, double-blind trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine, 1,961 non-diabetic obese adults received 2.4 mg semaglutide weekly plus lifestyle intervention. After 68 weeks, patients lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight (~30 lbs) versus just 2.4% in the placebo group (Wilding et al., 2021).
Emerging GLP-1 Therapies & Innovations
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist shown to outperform semaglutide in both glucose control and weight loss. It enhances insulin secretion through two incretin pathways (Jastreboff et al., 2022).
VK2735 (in clinical trials)
VK2735, an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist in Phase 2 trials, demonstrated weight loss of up to 18 lbs in just 28 days, sparking industry interest in next-gen GLP-1-based therapies (Viking Therapeutics, 2024).
GLP-1 vs GIP vs Dual Agonists
| Hormone | Primary Effect | Drug Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 | Stimulates insulin, reduces appetite, delays gastric emptying | Ozempic, Wegovy | Most established |
| GIP | Enhances insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism | In development | Works synergistically with GLP-1 |
| Dual Agonist (GLP-1 + GIP) | Enhanced appetite suppression and metabolic benefits | Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Leading edge of obesity treatments |
Final Thoughts: Should You Consider GLP-1?
GLP-1 and its pharmaceutical analogs are revolutionizing the treatment of diabetes and obesity. They are:
✅ Highly effective for weight loss
✅ FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and obesity
✅ Shown to improve cardiometabolic health
Whether prescribed for diabetes or weight management, GLP-1 receptor agonists offer a scientifically backed, clinically tested, and increasingly popular option for long-term metabolic support.
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GLP-1 For Weight Loss: Takeaway
Although GLP-1 receptor agonists, are indicated to treat diabetes, new indications for these drugs, such as Wegovy have recently been approved for obesity and weight loss. The current issue, is that they are very expensive. None the less, incretin mimetics will lead the new era of biopharmaceutical drugs, for weight loss. Evidence shows, that GLP-1 and incretin mimetics, can produce significant positive effect on blood sugar, appetite, and gastric emptying. These benefits combined, can help other chronic disease or metabolic disease states, such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.
Of course, diet and exercise, is also vastly important for sustained weight loss and and overall health and well-being. Weight loss to a achieve manageable weight is just part of the journey.
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