What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medicines originally developed for type 2 diabetes that are now widely used for weight management. They mimic a natural gut hormone - glucagon-like peptide-1 - that your body releases after eating.
How they work
GLP-1 medications act on several systems at once:
- They slow stomach emptying, so you feel full for longer.
- They signal the brain to reduce appetite and food cravings.
- They improve insulin response, which helps regulate blood sugar.
The combined effect is that most people eat less without feeling deprived.
Common options in India
The medicines you'll hear about most include semaglutide (sold as Wegovy and Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and liraglutide (Saxenda). They differ in how often you take them, how they're delivered, and their typical results.
Always start under the guidance of a qualified physician. Dosing is gradual, and the right choice depends on your health history.
What to expect
Results build over weeks, not days. Side effects - most commonly nausea - tend to be strongest when increasing the dose and usually ease over time. Pairing the medicine with realistic lifestyle changes gives the best long-term outcome.