Because of this, both drugs are expected to work in the same way for weight loss
1c and Extended Data Fig
And, again, even when theyre absorbed through digestion, they dont have meaningful benefits for weight loss
Below is a tiny sample of Reddit and Facebook threads that capture common themes from patients and clinicians navigating long term GLP-1 use: Closing Thoughts Long term use and discontinuing GLP-1s is unlikely to follow a single, uniform pathway
GLP-1 Medications: Work with natural hunger hormones Multiple complementary mechanisms Target biological causes of overeating Produce 10-22% average weight loss Much more effective than traditional options Medical Uses: FDA-Approved Indications: For Type 2 Diabetes: All GLP-1 medications originally approved for diabetes Improve blood sugar control Reduce A1C by 1-2 percentage points Lower risk of cardiovascular events For Chronic Weight Management: Semaglutide (Wegovy): Approved 2021 Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Approved 2023 Liraglutide (Saxenda): Approved 2014 Requirements for weight loss approval: BMI 30, or BMI 27 with weight-related condition (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, etc.) Off-Label Use: Many doctors prescribe diabetes versions (Ozempic, Mounjaro) off-label for weight loss because: Identical medication to weight loss versions Sometimes better insurance coverage Same effectiveness regardless of indication on label This is legal and common medical practice
Tirzepatide is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation, and women of reproductive potential should discontinue treatment if pregnancy is recognized
