GLP-1 Medications: A Beginner's Guide to Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
Your complete introduction to the weight loss medications that are changing millions of lives. Everything you need to know before starting treatment.
If you've heard about Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound but aren't sure what they are or how they work, you're in the right place. This comprehensive guide explains everything beginners need to know about GLP-1 medications for weight loss—in plain English.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- • What GLP-1 medications are and how they work
- • The difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide
- • All the brand names explained (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, etc.)
- • Expected weight loss results and timelines
- • Common side effects and how to manage them
- • Costs and insurance coverage options
- • How to know if you're a candidate
- • How to get started with treatment
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally produces in your gut after eating. This hormone does several important things:
- Signals fullness to your brain: Tells you when you've eaten enough
- Slows stomach emptying: Makes you feel satisfied longer
- Regulates blood sugar: Helps your pancreas release insulin appropriately
- Reduces food cravings: Decreases the "food noise" in your head
GLP-1 medications are synthetic versions of this hormone that work much longer and more powerfully than your natural GLP-1. While your body's GLP-1 lasts only minutes, these medications work for days—which is why most are given as once-weekly injections.
The "Food Noise" Effect
Many patients describe GLP-1 medications as "turning off" the constant thoughts about food. Instead of thinking about what to eat next, when to eat, and battling cravings all day, people report feeling neutral about food—able to eat when hungry and stop when satisfied without the mental struggle.
Understanding the Brand Names
The medication landscape can be confusing because the same drugs have different brand names for different uses. Here's your complete guide:
Semaglutide Products
Wegovy
FDA-approved for weight loss. Higher doses (up to 2.4mg). Covered by some insurance for weight management.
Ozempic
FDA-approved for diabetes. Lower doses (up to 2.0mg). Often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Rybelsus
Oral tablet form. FDA-approved for diabetes. Less effective for weight loss than injections.
Tirzepatide Products
Zepbound
FDA-approved for weight loss. Full dose range (2.5-15mg). Newer to market than Mounjaro.
Mounjaro
FDA-approved for diabetes. Same medication, different branding. Often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Semaglutide vs Tirzepatide: Key Differences
The biggest question beginners have is: which medication is better? Here's an honest comparison of tirzepatide vs semaglutide:
| Factor | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | GLP-1 only | GLP-1 + GIP (dual action) |
| Avg Weight Loss | 15-17% | 20-22% |
| Dosing | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Max Dose | 2.4mg | 15mg |
| Time on Market | Longer (since 2021) | Newer (since 2022) |
| GI Side Effects | Common but manageable | Often more intense initially |
| Cost (Brand) | $1,000-1,400/mo | $1,000-1,200/mo |
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose semaglutide if: You want a medication with more long-term safety data, have a sensitive stomach, or your insurance covers Wegovy/Ozempic better
- Choose tirzepatide if: You want maximum weight loss potential, have significant insulin resistance, or your insurance covers Mounjaro/Zepbound better
How GLP-1 Medications Actually Work
Understanding how these medications work helps you use them more effectively:
Brain
Acts on appetite centers in the hypothalamus to reduce hunger signals and food reward pathways. Decreases the constant "food noise."
Stomach
Slows gastric emptying (how fast food leaves your stomach), making you feel full longer after eating smaller portions.
Pancreas
Improves insulin release in response to meals and reduces glucagon, helping regulate blood sugar levels naturally.
What Results Can You Expect?
Setting realistic expectations is crucial for success. Here's what the research shows:
Weight Loss Timeline
Example: For someone starting at 250 lbs, this means losing 37-55 lbs over 12-18 months on semaglutide, or 50-55+ lbs on tirzepatide.
Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Most side effects occur during the dose escalation phase and improve as your body adjusts. Here's what to expect:
Common Side Effects
- Nausea (40-50%): Usually worst weeks 1-4, improves with time
- Constipation (20-25%): Increase fiber and water intake
- Diarrhea (15-20%): Often temporary during dose changes
- Decreased appetite: This is actually the goal!
- Fatigue (10-15%): Ensure adequate protein and calories
Management Tips
- • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- • Avoid fatty, greasy, or spicy foods initially
- • Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
- • Take your time with dose increases
- • Ginger tea or candies help with nausea
- • Don't force yourself to eat if not hungry
For a complete guide, read our article on managing semaglutide side effects or tirzepatide side effects.
Understanding the Costs
Cost is often the biggest barrier to GLP-1 medications. Here's the reality:
Cost Breakdown
Brand Name (Without Insurance)
$1,000-1,400 per month for Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Zepbound
With Insurance Coverage
$0-300 per month with copay cards and insurance (varies widely by plan)
Compounded Versions
$200-500 per month through licensed compounding pharmacies (currently available due to FDA shortage status)
Telehealth Programs
$199-599 per month all-inclusive (medication, visits, support)
Learn more about semaglutide costs and affordable options in our detailed cost guide.
Are You a Candidate?
FDA guidelines for GLP-1 weight loss medications require one of the following:
Eligibility Criteria
- BMI ≥ 30 (obesity) regardless of other conditions
- BMI ≥ 27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition:
- • High blood pressure
- • Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- • High cholesterol
- • Sleep apnea
- • Heart disease
Who Should NOT Take GLP-1 Medications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- History of pancreatitis
- Pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Severe kidney or liver disease (discuss with doctor)
- History of eating disorders (relative contraindication)
How to Get Started
Ready to begin? Here are your options:
Traditional Route
- 1. Schedule appointment with PCP or endocrinologist
- 2. Discuss weight history and treatment options
- 3. Get prescription if eligible
- 4. Work with insurance on coverage
- 5. Fill at pharmacy
Timeline: 2-4 weeks typically
Telehealth Route
- 1. Complete online health questionnaire
- 2. Video consultation with licensed provider
- 3. Receive prescription if eligible
- 4. Medication shipped to your door
- 5. Ongoing virtual support
Timeline: 3-7 days typically
What to Expect Your First Month
Your first month on GLP-1 medication is about building tolerance, not achieving maximum weight loss:
Week 1
First injection (lowest dose). May notice decreased appetite within 24-48 hours. Some people feel mild nausea.
Week 2
Second injection. Body is adjusting. Appetite suppression may be more noticeable. Side effects may increase or decrease.
Week 3
Third injection. Eating patterns are changing. May notice clothes fitting better. Most people lose 3-5 lbs by now.
Week 4
Fourth injection. Preparing for dose increase. Establish baseline weight and measurements to track progress.
Tips for Maximum Success
- Protein first: Eat protein at every meal to preserve muscle mass
- Stay hydrated: Drink 64-80oz of water daily
- Move your body: Add resistance training to maintain muscle
- Be patient: Results compound over months, not days
- Track progress: Measurements matter more than scale weight
- Plan for the long term: This is a marathon, not a sprint
Conclusion
GLP-1 medications represent a significant breakthrough in weight management. They work by addressing the biological drivers of obesity—not through willpower or restriction, but by changing how your brain and body respond to food.
While not a magic solution (lifestyle changes still matter), GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide give many people the metabolic support they need to finally achieve sustainable weight loss after years of struggling.
If you're considering GLP-1 therapy, consult with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual situation and help you choose the best approach for your health goals.
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