Table of Contents
- Overview
- Comparison Table
- Efficacy: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
- Tolerability and Side Effects
- Dosing and Delivery Options
- How to Choose a GLP-1 Medication
- Scientific References
Overview
Several GLP-1 receptor agonists are available, each with unique properties. While they all stimulate the GLP-1 receptor to promote satiety, lower blood sugar, and delay gastric emptying, some work more effectively for specific goals or patient needs.
Comparison Table
| Medication | Brand(s) | Dosing | Indications | Weight Loss Potential | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exenatide | Byetta®, Bydureon® | Twice daily or weekly | Type 2 Diabetes | Low–Moderate | Injection |
| Liraglutide | Victoza®, Saxenda® | Daily | Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity | Moderate | Injection |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity® | Weekly | Type 2 Diabetes | Moderate | Injection (auto-injector) |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus® | Weekly or daily oral | Diabetes, Obesity | High | Injection or tablet |
| Lixisenatide | Adlyxin® | Daily | Type 2 Diabetes | Low | Injection |
| Tirzepatide* | Mounjaro® | Weekly | Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity (pending in some areas) | Very High | Injection |
*Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist and not a pure GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Efficacy: Blood Sugar and Weight Loss
Among currently available options, semaglutide (Wegovy®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) show the greatest efficacy for weight loss in clinical trials. All GLP-1s improve glycemic control, but newer agents generally outperform older ones in terms of both A1C reduction and body weight effects.
Tolerability and Side Effects
- Nausea: Common to all GLP-1s, especially at the start of treatment
- Diarrhea or constipation: May vary slightly between medications
- Ease of titration: Semaglutide and liraglutide have slower dose escalation to improve tolerability
Dosing and Delivery Options
Options include:
- Daily injections: Liraglutide, Lixisenatide
- Weekly injections: Semaglutide, Dulaglutide, Tirzepatide, Exenatide (Bydureon)
- Oral tablet: Semaglutide (Rybelsus®)
How to Choose a GLP-1 Medication
Consider the following:
- Medical indication (diabetes, weight loss, cardiovascular risk)
- Patient preference for frequency and delivery (daily vs. weekly, oral vs. injectable)
- Cost and insurance coverage
- Tolerability and history of side effects
- Need for rapid or greater weight loss (e.g., Wegovy®, Mounjaro®)
Scientific References
- American Diabetes Association. “Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2024.” Diabetes Care. 2024;47(Suppl 1).
- Wilding JPH et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” NEJM. 2021;384:989–1002.
- Jastreboff AM et al. “Tirzepatide for Obesity Treatment.” NEJM. 2022;387:205–216.
- Drucker DJ. “GLP-1 and Dual Agonist Therapies: Efficacy and Innovation.” Cell Metab. 2023;35(1):1–15.
This comparison is provided by the American Center for GLP-1 Nutritional Guidance (ACGNG) for educational use and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for individual treatment decisions.