You have probably heard of it: GLP-1 medication. In recent years, it has become a much-discussed topic, both in medical circles and in the media. Names like Ozempic and Wegovy are popping up increasingly often, but what exactly are these drugs? And why do doctors prescribe them?
As a pharmacist, I receive these questions regularly. In this article, I will take you step-by-step through the basics: what is the hormone GLP-1, how has a diabetes medication evolved into a treatment for excess weight, and why is this not a miracle cure but a serious, scientifically substantiated medicine?
⚠️ Medical disclaimer: This article is intended solely for general information and education. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The use of medicines should always be under the supervision of a doctor or pharmacist.
What is GLP-1? The hormone you already have
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. This sounds complicated, but it is simply a hormone that your body produces itself, particularly in the small intestine. It is secreted as soon as you eat.
GLP-1 fulfills three essential roles in the body:
- It stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin when blood sugar rises.
- It inhibits the release of glucagon, a hormone that actually increases blood sugar.
- It sends a satiety signal via the brain: “I have eaten enough.”
The problem? This hormone has a short lifespan of just a few minutes. GLP-1 medication mimics its action, but is chemically modified to remain active in the body for much longer.
From diabetes medication to weight-loss medication: the history
The development of GLP-1 medication began in the 1980s. Scientists discovered the GLP-1 hormone and soon understood its potential application in type 2 diabetes.
The first GLP-1 medicines (2005-2010)
The first GLP-1 agonist was approved in the US in 2005 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The primary goal was to keep blood sugar under control. However, researchers soon noticed that patients also lost significant weight with it.
This was not a side effect; it was a signal. It was proof that the brain and metabolism are crucial in the treatment of obesity.
The breakthrough: semaglutide (2021-present)
The real turning point came with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for obesity). Clinical studies showed that patients lost an average of 15 to 17 percent of their body weight—results that had previously only been seen in bariatric surgery.
The European Commission approved Wegovy in 2023 for the treatment of obesity in Europe. This marked a milestone: for the first time, obesity was treated as a medical condition with a serious pharmacological agent.
How does GLP-1 medication work in practice?
GLP-1 agonists, as we call the class of drugs that mimic GLP-1, work on multiple fronts simultaneously. This makes them fundamentally different from classic diet pills or stimulants.
- Gastric emptying slows down: food remains in the stomach longer, making you feel full for longer after a meal.
- Insulin release regulated: the medication stimulates insulin production only when blood sugar is high. This reduces the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Brain action: the feeling of hunger is significantly reduced via receptors in the reward center and hunger hormone region of the brain.
This last point deserves special attention. Many people who use GLP-1 medication describe that the constant “food noise” (the continuous thoughts about food, the urge for snacks) is greatly reduced or even disappears. This is not willpower. It is pharmacology.
Not a miracle cure, but a medicine
This is perhaps the most important point of this article. GLP-1 medication is not a quick fix. It is a medicine that:
- is available only by prescription,
- requires medical supervision,
- may have side effects,
- and works best in combination with lifestyle adjustments.
Overweight and obesity are complex conditions with genetic, hormonal, and behavioral components. GLP-1 medication can be a powerful tool in a broader treatment strategy, but it does not replace a healthy diet, sufficient exercise, or medical supervision.
As a pharmacist, I always emphasize: the use of any medicine begins with a proper medical intake and an honest conversation about your personal situation, goals, and expectations.
Who is GLP-1 medication intended for?
The European guidelines generally use the following criteria as a starting point for a conversation with your doctor:
- A BMI of 30 or higher (obesity), or a BMI of 27 or higher and a weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea.
- Previous attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise have proven insufficient.
- There are no contraindications present (such as a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis).
Important nuance: only a doctor can determine whether GLP-1 medication is suitable and safe for you. The criteria above are guidelines, not guarantees. A full medical consultation always remains the first step.
What makes GLP-1 medication different from previous weight loss drugs?
The pharmaceutical industry has a long and not always glorious history of products that promised to bring about weight loss. Many of these were later withdrawn from the market due to serious side effects. That makes skepticism understandable.
GLP-1 agonists distinguish themselves for several reasons:
- They have been extensively studied: multiple large clinical trials with thousands of participants over several years.
- They act on the hormonal system, not via stimulants or metabolic suppression.
- They have been approved by both the FDA (US) and the EMA (Europe) following thorough safety evaluation.
This does not alter the fact that there are side effects, that the drug is not suitable for everyone, and that long-term data spanning decades is still limited. Honesty about this is the basis of sound pharmaceutical advice.
What will you learn in the following blogs?
In this blog series, we take you step by step through everything you should know about GLP-1 medication:
- Blog 2: The biology of satiety: how exactly it works in your brain and stomach.
- Blog 3: The difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda explained.
- Blog 4: Is GLP-1 right for me? The criteria for use, up to and including a practical guide on what a supervised pathway looks like.
Would you like to know if GLP-1 medication might be right for you?
At Easly, you can request a medical intake during which a doctor carefully assesses your situation. We only provide guidance if it is responsible and appropriate for you.
→ More information or request an intake? View the options at easly.nl.
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