GLP-1 medications are a class of prescription drugs that work by mimicking a hormone the body naturally produces after eating. They are used to support weight management and treat type 2 diabetes, and are only available through a licensed healthcare provider. Compounded versions may be considered when a licensed prescriber determines they are medically appropriate for an individual patient.

GLP-1 medications have become an increasingly discussed topic in conversations about metabolic health and medically supervised weight care.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications are prescription drugs that work by interacting with receptors in the brain, gut, and pancreas to regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion.

They were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but are now also used in the context of medically supervised weight management.

Discover what GLP-1 medications are, how they work in the body, what the prescription process involves, and what to consider before exploring GLP-1 care with a licensed provider.

What is a GLP-1?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that your body naturally produces in the gut after eating. When food enters the digestive system, GLP-1 is released and triggers a series of responses: it signals the pancreas to release insulin, slows how quickly food leaves the stomach, and sends fullness signals to the brain.¹

In people with type 2 diabetes or certain metabolic conditions, this natural GLP-1 response may be blunted or insufficient. GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that mimic this hormone — they bind to the same receptors and produce similar effects, but at higher levels and for longer durations than the body’s natural release.¹

How do GLP-1 medications work?

GLP-1 medications interact with receptors throughout the body. Here are the primary mechanisms researchers have studied.

1. Appetite regulation

GLP-1 receptors are found in areas of the brain involved in appetite and satiety. These receptors are part of the body’s natural signaling pathways for hunger and fullness, and GLP-1 medications interact with them as part of their broader metabolic effects.¹

2. Slowing gastric emptying

GLP-1 medications interact with receptors involved in how quickly food moves from the stomach into the small intestine — a process called gastric emptying. This is part of the normal role GLP-1 plays in the body’s digestive signaling after a meal.¹

3. Blood sugar regulation

GLP-1 medications stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in response to elevated blood glucose and reduce the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. These effects work in a glucose-dependent manner, meaning they are strongest when blood sugar is elevated.¹

4. GIP receptor activity in some medications

Some GLP-1 medications — specifically tirzepatide — also activate a second receptor called the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. This dual mechanism has been studied in clinical trials and is one reason tirzepatide is sometimes referred to as a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist rather than a GLP-1-only medication.²

What are GLP-1 medications used for?

GLP-1 medications have FDA-approved uses across several conditions. The specific indications vary by drug, dose, and formulation.
The following reflects FDA-approved indications for brand-name GLP-1 medications. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated for these or any indications.

Common uses include:

• Type 2 diabetes management — improving blood sugar control as part of a comprehensive treatment plan
• Weight management — in adults with obesity, or with overweight and a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular risk reduction — certain GLP-1 medications have approved uses related to reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease

A licensed provider will determine whether a GLP-1 medication is appropriate based on an individual’s health history, current medications, and treatment goals.

What is a compounded GLP-1 medication?

Compounded medications are preparations made by a licensed compounding pharmacy, typically when a prescribing provider determines that a compounded version produces a significant difference for a specific patient compared to a commercially available FDA-approved drug.

Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. They are not the same as brand-name GLP-1 drugs, nor are they generics. A licensed provider determines whether a compounded GLP-1 medication is medically appropriate on an individual basis.

What does the GLP-1 prescription process involve?

Obtaining a GLP-1 prescription — whether for an FDA-approved drug or a compounded medication — follows a similar process regardless of whether it happens in person or through a telehealth provider.

Here is a general overview of what the process typically involves:

1. Provider evaluation

A licensed healthcare provider reviews the patient’s health history, current medications, weight history, relevant lab work, and treatment goals. This evaluation helps the provider determine whether a GLP-1 medication may be medically appropriate and, if so, which formulation and dose to consider.

2. Prescription and titration

GLP-1 medications are typically started at a low dose and increased gradually over time. This process — called titration — allows the body to adjust and gives the provider an opportunity to monitor for side effects and assess how the patient is responding to treatment.

3. Ongoing provider oversight

GLP-1 therapy requires ongoing check-ins with a licensed provider. Providers may adjust dosing, monitor for side effects, and reassess whether the treatment remains appropriate over time.

Who may be considered for GLP-1 care?

Eligibility for GLP-1 medications depends on a clinical evaluation by a licensed provider. General criteria that providers may consider include:

• Body mass index (BMI) and the presence of weight-related health conditions
• History of type 2 diabetes or blood sugar concerns
• Previous weight management efforts
• Current medications and any potential interactions
• Personal and family medical history, including thyroid conditions

Not everyone is a candidate for GLP-1 therapy. A licensed provider is the appropriate person to assess whether this type of care may be suitable for an individual patient.

How LumiMeds Can Help

LumiMeds connects patients with licensed providers who can review their health history and treatment goals to determine whether prescription GLP-1 care may be medically appropriate. If prescribed, compounded medication may be fulfilled through state-licensed compounding pharmacies and shipped directly to you.

Key Takeaways

• GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone the body naturally produces after eating that regulates appetite, digestion, and blood sugar.
• GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs that mimic this hormone and are used for type 2 diabetes management and medically supervised weight care.
• Some GLP-1 medications also activate the GIP receptor, which may produce additional metabolic effects.
• Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and require a prescription based on a licensed provider’s individual clinical evaluation.
• A licensed provider determines whether GLP-1 therapy is appropriate based on a review of health history, current medications, and treatment goals.

FAQs

What does GLP-1 stand for?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It is a hormone naturally produced in the gut after eating that plays a role in regulating appetite, insulin release, and the rate of digestion. GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic the effects of this hormone.

Are GLP-1 medications the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?

Ozempic® and Wegovy® are brand-name medications that contain semaglutide, which is one type of GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 medications is a broader term that includes multiple drugs across this class, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, available under various brand names. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not the same as these brand-name drugs. Ozempic® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk. LumiMeds is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk.

Do GLP-1 medications require a prescription?

Yes. GLP-1 medications — including both FDA-approved brand-name drugs and compounded versions — are prescription medications. They require evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider who will determine whether a prescription is medically appropriate.

Can you get GLP-1 medications online?

Yes. Through telehealth platforms, patients can complete a health assessment and be evaluated by a licensed provider online. If the provider determines that a GLP-1 prescription is medically appropriate, the medication can in some cases be fulfilled through a licensed pharmacy and shipped directly to the patient.

How long does it take for GLP-1 medications to work?

GLP-1 medications are typically started at a low dose and titrated upward over several weeks or months. The timeline for any individual’s response varies. A licensed provider can discuss what to expect based on the specific medication and the patient’s health profile.

What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that activates the GLP-1 receptor. Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist, meaning it activates two hormone receptors rather than one. Both are used in the context of type 2 diabetes and weight management, and a licensed provider can help determine which may be appropriate for an individual patient.

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness by the FDA. Compounded medications are not brand-name drugs nor are they considered “generics.” Compounded medications are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies or federally registered outsourcing facilities.

Payment does not guarantee the writing or dispensing of a prescription. A licensed provider will determine whether treatment is medically appropriate based on individual health history and needs.

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Sources

1. Müller, T. D., et al. “Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).” Molecular Metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6169012/
2. Frias, J. P., et al. “Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.” New England Journal of Medicine. https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2107519