It can be hard to lose weight when you’re hungry, have food cravings, or are too busy to keep up with healthy habits. Medicines that help people control their weight may be helpful for some people, along with healthy eating and regular exercise. GLP-1 medicines have grown in popularity as a way to help people who need medical help to lose weight.
But which GLP-1 helps you lose weight the most? The answer depends on your health, your weight loss goals, your medical history, and the treatments you can get. Some people use medicines like semaglutide and liraglutide to help them control their weight. Another choice is tirzepatide, which works on two hormone pathways. You can have a more meaningful talk with a qualified healthcare professional if you know how these treatments work.
What Are GLP-1 Drugs?
This is the name of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps the body control blood sugar and hunger. After you eat, your gut releases it. It sends signs to the body that help it react to food.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs that work like this hormone in the body. They help control blood sugar, control hunger, and slow the movement of food through the stomach. People who do these things may eat less and feel full longer.
Some drugs that use GLP-1 were first made to help people with type 2 diabetes. Some of these medicines are also approved to help people who are eligible control their weight over the long term. For each person, the right medicine, dose, and treatment plan depend on their health needs and how the product is supposed to be used.
Please keep in mind that these medicines should not be used instead of healthy food, regular exercise, and medical care. These are tools that might help some people control their weight.
What kinds of GLP-1 drugs are used to lose weight?
A number of pharmaceutical drugs can help people control their weight. What makes them different are how they work, how often you need to take them, and the results of clinical studies.
Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that comes in different forms for various medical uses. In the US and some other countries, the weekly injectable formula sold as Wegovy is approved for managing weight in people who are qualified. Semaglutide is sold under different brand names for conditions like type 2 diabetes, but the two drugs can’t always be switched out.
Semaglutide can make people feel less hungry and full after eating smaller meals. In a large clinical trial with people who were overweight or obese but did not have diabetes, those who took semaglutide and got help with their lifestyle lost an average of 15% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks. Results can be different for each person, and trial results don’t always show what a person will achieve.
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that can help people who are qualified lose weight. Several countries have accepted the brand Saxenda for this use. Unlike semaglutide injections that are given once a week, liraglutide injections for weight loss are usually given every day.
It works by helping to control your hunger and making you feel full. Some people can benefit from liraglutide, but the average amount of weight lost in clinical trials has been less than with semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a drug that works on GIP and GLP-1 hormone receptors. It’s not just a GLP-1 medicine, but it’s often talked about with GLP-1 medicines because it also helps control blood sugar and hunger.
Adults in the United States who are qualified can use the brand Zepbound to help them control their weight over a long period of time. Most of the time, tirzepatide is injected once a week. In a large study with adults who were overweight or obese and had a related health problem, those who took the highest dose lost an average of 21% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.
This result is from a single clinical study, so it shouldn’t be taken as a given or used to compare all medicines in the same way.
Which GLP-1 helps you lose weight the most?
Tirzepatide and semaglutide are two important options to talk about with a doctor if the main goal is to lose weight. In clinical trials, both medicines were shown to help people lose a lot of weight when they were used with changes to their lifestyle. However, the results are from different studies, so they shouldn’t be used to compare one to the other.
Some people may lose more weight with terzepatide, while semaglutide has also worked well and may be better for people with certain health needs. Liraglutide is still an option, though clinical studies show that it generally leads to less weight loss.
The medicine that has the highest average number is not always the best choice. Before suggesting a good choice, a medical professional will look at your past medical history, current medications, weight-related health problems, treatment preferences, and long-term goals.
What should you think about before picking a GLP-1?
It is helpful to know what you want to achieve and how the medicine fits into your overall health plan before you start on it. The choice can be affected by several things.
What your health needs: Some medicines are specifically good for or can be used to treat diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes. The healthcare worker you see can help you figure out which choice is best for you.
How to take the medicine: Some medicines for weight loss are injected once a week, but liraglutide is usually injected every day. Your treatment plan and personal tastes may help the doctor make the choice.
Cost and availability: Prices, uses that are allowed, and availability vary from country to country. Talk to a licensed chemist or health care provider to find out what goods are legal and available where you live.
Your plans for the future: Keeping your weight in check usually takes ongoing care. Talk about how you will track your progress, how long the treatment might last, and how you plan to keep off the weight over time.
Last Thoughts
Which GLP-1 is the best for losing weight? Based on how much weight people lost on average in clinical studies, tirzepatide and semaglutide are the best choices. Liraglutide may also work for some patients. The best choice for you will depend on your health needs, treatment goals, and a medical evaluation. A qualified health care professional can help you weigh your options and make a plan that will help you keep off the weight.
