GLP-1 drugs (e.g. Wegovy)
1 receptor pathway
Reduces appetite via brain receptors
Dual agonist (tirzepatide)
2 receptor pathways
Additional appetite reduction via brain GIP receptors
How GLP-1 receptor agonists workGLP-1 drugs act in the brain to reduce appetite and in the gut to slow digestion. Plain English explanation of both pathways.FoundationSemaglutideLiraglutideHow dual agonists work (GIP + GLP-1)Tirzepatide activates two appetite signals instead of one. Why the combination produces greater weight loss.Dual actionTirzepatideHow triple agonists work (GLP-1 + GIP + Glucagon)Adding a glucagon signal increases energy expenditure — attacking obesity from a third angle.Next generationRetatrutide (pipeline)How the amylin pathway worksAmylin is a separate fullness signal from the pancreas. Why combining it with GLP-1 produces additive weight loss.CombinationCagriSemaAmycretin (pipeline)Oral vs injectable — how delivery worksWhy GLP-1 drugs are hard to take orally, how SNAC technology solves this, and why small-molecule oral GLP-1s are different.DeliveryOral semaglutideFoundayo (orforglipron)
Start with GLP-1s if you are new to this — they are the foundation of the current generation of weight loss drugs. Every other drug class in this section either builds on the GLP-1 mechanism or complements it.
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Medical disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment. Prices shown are United States self-pay or list prices and vary by insurance and country.