What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone released after eating. They work by stimulating insulin release, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite signals in the brain. Over 42.4% of U.S. adults live with obesity (CDC), making these medications a critical tool.
Semaglutide: Wegovy & Ozempic
Wegovy (2.4mg/week injectable) is FDA-approved for chronic weight management. The STEP trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed 15-17% body weight reduction in a 68-week trial with 1,961 participants.
Ozempic (0.5-2mg/week) is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but widely used off-label for weight loss. Rybelsus is the daily oral pill form.
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Tirzepatide: Zepbound & Mounjaro
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — targeting two pathways instead of one. Zepbound was FDA-approved for weight loss in December 2023. The SURMOUNT trials showed up to 22.5% body weight reduction in a 72-week trial with 2,539 participants (NEJM).
Mounjaro is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes with doses from 2.5mg to 15mg/week.
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Liraglutide: Saxenda & Victoza
Liraglutide was one of the first GLP-1 medications. Saxenda (3mg/day injection) is FDA-approved for weight loss with SCALE trial results showing ~8% average weight loss. Victoza is used for type 2 diabetes. Being a daily injection, it is being superseded by weekly options like semaglutide and tirzepatide.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Semaglutide (Wegovy) | Tirzepatide (Zepbound) | Liraglutide (Saxenda) | |---|---|---|---| | Mechanism | GLP-1 agonist | Dual GIP/GLP-1 | GLP-1 agonist | | FDA Weight Loss | Yes (2021) | Yes (Dec 2023) | Yes (2014) | | Avg Weight Loss | 15-17% | Up to 22.5% | ~8% | | Dosing | Weekly injection | Weekly injection | Daily injection | | Route | Injectable + oral | Injectable only | Injectable only | | Youth & Soul Price | From $125/mo | From $135/mo | N/A |
Side Effects Overview
Common: Nausea (20-44%), vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain. Serious: Pancreatitis risk, thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning), gallbladder issues. Full side effects comparison →
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia). A licensed physician evaluates eligibility. Check your eligibility →
How Youth & Soul Makes It Easy
Get doctor-prescribed GLP-1 medications from $125/mo — includes medication, physician consultations, shipping, and all supplies. Start Your Weight Loss Journey → | View All Programs →
Sources: FDA, NEJM, Endocrine Society, CDC, NIH/PubMed