GLP-1 receptor agonist
Also called GLP-1 agonist, GLP-1 RA, incretin mimetic
A GLP-1 receptor agonist is a medicine that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone the gut releases after eating. Drugs in this class help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high, hold back glucagon, slow the emptying of the stomach and can reduce appetite. They are also called incretin mimetics.
FDA-approved examples include semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, and as Rybelsus tablets), liraglutide (Victoza), dulaglutide (Trulicity) and exenatide (Byetta). The class was first approved for type 2 diabetes; some members are also approved for chronic weight management. Compounded semaglutide is a different thing: the FDA states that compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are marketed.
Why it matters after 45
Type 2 diabetes becomes more likely with age and with carrying extra weight, so midlife is when many people first hear about this class, either for blood sugar or for weight. It is also when other medicines, such as hormone therapy or thyroid treatment, may already be in the picture, which is why the class is usually discussed alongside a full medication list.
Where it comes up
- Semaglutide injectionthe compounded semaglutide ACT 2 prescribes, and how it is monitored
- Compounded semaglutide vs Wegovyhow a compounded preparation differs from the branded product
- Semaglutide costwhat treatment costs and what is included
- GLP-1 side effectsthe common questions about how the class is tolerated
References
- MedlinePlus. Semaglutide Injection. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a618008.html
- Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 Agonists. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/13901-glp-1-agonists
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA's Concerns with Unapproved GLP-1 Drugs Used for Weight Loss. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/risk-factors-type-2-diabetes
Definitions here are educational and are not medical advice. They explain what a term means; the pages linked above cover what it means for you, and a clinician reviews your own results. Editorial & medical review policy · All glossary terms