What Are GLP-1 Medications?

If it feels like everyone is suddenly talking about GLP-1 medications, there’s a good reason. From celebrities to social media, these medications have taken center stage for their effectiveness for people looking for real, sustainable weight loss solutions. 

Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications are now reshaping how we think about weight loss, appetite control, and metabolic health. But what exactly are these medications, how do they work, and why are many considering them a game-changer for men’s health?

In this guide, we’ll examine the different types of GLP-1 medications, how they work in your body, and how to determine if they’re the right choice for you.

 

What Are GLP-1 Medications?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a naturally occurring hormone your body produces in the small intestine released after eating. This hormone plays a key role in controlling blood sugar, slowing digestion, and helping you feel full after eating.

GLP-1 medications are synthetic versions (analogs) of this hormone. When injected into the body, they mimic and enhance the hormone’s natural functions. This has a profound effect on both blood sugar control and appetite regulation, which often results in weight loss. (1)

Originally approved to treat type 2 diabetes, researchers began creating more targeted versions of GLP-1 medications after it was found that diabetes patients taking the medication often lost weight, sometimes without even intentionally trying. (2) In fact, studies have shown that these medications can often have a staggering impact, with large-scale studies showing that patients using semaglutide lost nearly 15 percent of body weight over 68 weeks, compared to just under a 3 percent loss for those using a placebo. (3) In the SURMOUNT-4 trial, patients with obesity receiving tirzepatide had a mean 25.3% body weight loss over 88 weeks. More than half of the participants receiving tirzepatide lost 25% or more of their body weight during the trial period. (4)

Popular GLP-1 medications include:

• Semaglutide (sold as Ozempic® for diabetes and Wegovy® for weight loss)
• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro® for diabetes and Zepbound™ for weight loss). Tirzepatide is technically a dual agonist GLP-1/GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide)
• Liraglutide (Saxenda® and Victoza®)

Each of these works in a similar way,  but differs in terms of how long they stay active in the body and how they interact with different receptors. 

 

How Do GLP-1s Work in the Body?

GLP-1 medications work on multiple systems in the body, which is why they produce such wide-ranging effects. These medications don’t simply work as appetite suppressants. Instead, they can help rebalance core hormonal pathways involved in metabolism and energy regulation if used properly with proper clinical oversight. 

GLP-1 medications work by:

• Stimulating insulin secretion in response to food, helping move sugar from your blood into your cells more efficiently.
• Suppresses glucagon production, which lowers blood sugar levels between meals.
• Delaying gastric emptying, meaning food stays in your stomach longer—often leading to increased fullness and reduced hunger.
• Acting on GLP-1 receptors in the brain, directly influencing appetite centers and potentially reducing cravings.
• Supporting metabolic balance, making it easier to burn fat and prevent new fat accumulation. (1)

This multi-layered mechanism helps explain why GLP-1s are being used beyond people with diabetes. They can also have powerful effects on controlling hunger, shaping body composition, and stabilizing weight management.

 

GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss & Metabolic Health

The FDA has now approved specific GLP-1 formulations such as Wegovy and Zepbound explicitly for weight loss in individuals without diabetes. (5)  For men who may not meet the threshold for diabetes but still struggle with obesity or metabolic syndrome, these drugs can now be utilized to help you revitalize your health. 

Excess weight—particularly visceral fat around the abdomen—is strongly linked to numerous health risks. Research has shown that GLP-1 medications may help address elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar and insulin resistance, and even sleep apnea (6). Additionally, recent studies have shown that GLP-1 medications can also be effective for obese or diabetic men dealing with low testosterone. (7)

While GLP-1 for weight loss isn’t a magic bullet, when paired with nutrition improvements, increased activity, and proper clinical care, the results can be dramatic.

It’s also worth noting that these medications operate very differently than traditional weight loss pills, which often rely on stimulants or blunt appetite suppression. GLP-1s help restore proper signaling in the brain and gut, which creates a more natural, controlled approach to eating and weight regulation.

 

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use GLP-1s?

While GLP-1 medications can offer significant results for many men, they’re not the best fit for everyone. Like all prescription treatments, they must be used under medical supervision, and you should speak with a trusted clinician, such as those at your local Gameday Men’s Health, to determine if these medications are the right fit for your health goals. 

Ideal candidates for GLP-1 therapy include:

• Men with a BMI of 30 or higher, regardless of other health conditions
• Men with a BMI of 27+ who also have at least one weight-related condition such as hypertension, hypertension, dyslipidemia,  insulin resistance, or sleep apnea (8)
• Men who’ve had difficulty maintaining long-term weight loss despite reasonable diet and exercise efforts

GLP-1s may not be appropriate for men who:

• Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (9)
• Have a history of pancreatitis or certain gallbladder issues
• Are currently dealing with severe gastrointestinal conditions
• Are allergic to any component of the medication

Before beginning any GLP-1 program, it’s important to undergo bloodwork and a comprehensive health assessment to ensure you’re a good candidate.

 

Side Effects and Safety of GLP-1 Therapy

While most men tolerate GLP-1 medications well, especially when the dose is increased gradually, it’s important to note that all patients will react differently to new medication. A slow ramp-up of GLP-1 therapy allows the body to adjust and reduces the likelihood of side effects.

The most common GLP-1 side effects include mild to moderate nausea, diarrhea, occasional vomiting or upset stomach, constipation, stomach pain, temporary fatigue, increased heart rate, and headaches. (10)

 

In most cases, these symptoms improve after the first few weeks of treatment. Eating smaller meals and avoiding high-fat foods during the adjustment period can also help.

Serious side effects are rare, but may include gallbladder inflammation or gallstones, pancreatitis, or kidney function issues. Regular check-ins with your provider, routine lab work, and close monitoring are crucial to ensuring any side effects are being diagnosed and treated efficiently.

 

What GLP-1 Services Look Like at Gameday Men’s Health

At Gameday Men’s Health, we’ve designed a GLP-1 treatment program specifically for men that goes far beyond just handing out a prescription. We take the time to understand your goals, challenges, and overall health profile before creating a plan. 

Our approach to effective GLP-1 therapy includes meeting with a licensed provider to create an actionable gameplan that suits your needs.  If it’s determined you are a strong candidate for GLP-1 medication, our clinician will work with you to determine if Semaglutide or Tirzepatide works best, and establish a baseline dosage plan. They’ll then continue with regular follow-ups and make any adjustments along the way that are needed. 

GLP-1s are most effective when part of a bigger picture—what we call a metabolic reset. That may include other services offered at Gameday Men’s Health such as testosterone optimization, vitamin injections, or peptide therapy.

 

Why GLP-1 Therapy Could Be the Game Changer You Need

GLP-1 medications represent one of the most exciting recent advances in men’s metabolic health. By mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that regulates hunger, insulin, and fat storage, these treatments can help men not only lose weight but take control of their overall health.

The potential benefits of these medications go beyond the scale. For many men, GLP-1 therapy may also lead to better sleep, improved confidence, reduced inflammation, and renewed energy when part of a medically supervised program.

If you’re ready to take a serious, science-backed approach to weight loss, schedule a free consultation at your local Gameday Men’s Health clinic to see if GLP-1 medications are right for you.

 

References

1. GLP-1 Agonists
2. Tufts Experts Weigh in on New Generation of Weight Loss Medications
3. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity
4. Continued Treatment With Tirzepatide for Maintenance of Weight Reduction in Adults With Obesity
5. Zepbound vs. Wegovy for Weight Loss: 6 Differences to Consider
6. FDA Approves First Medication for Obstructive Sleep Apnea
7. GLP-1 Drugs May Boost Testosterone Levels In Men With Obesity, Diabetes
8. Qualifying for GLP-1 Weight Loss: Who’s a Good Candidate?
9. Who Should Take Weight Loss Injections, and Who Shouldn’t?
10. GLP-1 Side Effects: What to Expect with Ozempic, Zepbound, and More