GLP-1 Drugs: What They Are, How They Work, and What Alternatives Exist

When you hear GLP-1 drugs, a class of medications that mimic a natural hormone in your gut to help control blood sugar and reduce appetite. Also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, they’re not just for diabetes anymore—they’ve become a go-to for weight management too. These drugs trick your body into thinking it’s just eaten, slowing digestion, lowering blood sugar, and making you feel full longer. That’s why they’re used for type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for people trying to lose weight—especially when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough.

Two of the most common names you’ll hear are semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Also known as Wegovy, it’s one of the most effective weight loss drugs on the market and liraglutide, found in Victoza and Saxenda. Also known as Saxenda, it was one of the first GLP-1 drugs approved for weight loss. But they’re not the only ones. There’s dulaglutide, exenatide, and more—all working the same basic way but with different dosing, side effects, and costs. These drugs don’t just lower blood sugar; they help your pancreas release insulin only when needed, reduce liver sugar production, and calm hunger signals in your brain. That’s a big reason why people see real, lasting results.

But they’re not magic. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are common at first. Some people can’t tolerate them. Others find they work great for weight but not for blood sugar—or vice versa. That’s why people often look at alternatives: other diabetes meds like SGLT2 inhibitors, metformin, or even newer options like tirzepatide, which hits more than one target. And if you’re not diabetic but trying to lose weight, you might wonder if these drugs are worth the cost or if lifestyle changes alone could do the job. The truth? They work well for many, but they’re not for everyone.

The posts below cover real comparisons you can use: how GLP-1 drugs stack up against other treatments, what to expect when you start, how side effects play out in real life, and which alternatives might be cheaper, safer, or more effective for your situation. You’ll find breakdowns of specific drugs, what they do differently, and how they fit into everyday health plans—not just theory, but what people actually experience.