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Everything you might want to know before — or after — you start.
GLP-1 basics
What the research says
This section is educational only and is not medical advice — talk to a qualified clinician about your own care.
What is a GLP-1?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone the gut releases after eating. It helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar rises, slows the rate at which the stomach empties, and signals satiety to the brain. GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications designed to mimic that hormone for longer than the body's own GLP-1, which is broken down within minutes.
Medications in this class
Several GLP-1 and dual-agonist medications are approved by regulators such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA). Commonly discussed molecules include semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), which acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Approved indications, dosing, and labelling vary by country and by product — always check the prescribing information for the exact product you are using.
What clinical trials have measured
Large randomized trials such as STEP (semaglutide) and SURMOUNT (tirzepatide) have studied these medicines in adults with obesity or type 2 diabetes. Published results report average changes in body weight and HbA1c versus placebo over roughly 40 to 72 weeks of treatment, alongside lifestyle support. Individual responses vary widely, and trial averages are not a prediction for any specific person.
Commonly reported side effects
According to product labelling, the most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. They tend to be most noticeable during dose escalation and often ease with time. Labels also list less common but more serious risks — including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and warnings related to medullary thyroid tumors in animal studies — that should be discussed with a prescribing clinician before and during treatment.
Why consistent tracking matters
These medications work over weeks and months, not hours. Keeping a steady record of injection dates and doses, body weight, food intake, and any symptoms gives both you and your clinician a clearer picture than memory alone. Consistent notes make it easier to spot patterns, separate side effects from unrelated events, and have more productive conversations at follow-up visits.
EXEO is built to make that kind of tracking simple. It is a logging and visualization tool — it does not diagnose, treat, or recommend a dose.
Further reading
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — drug labels and safety communications (accessdata.fda.gov).
- European Medicines Agency — public assessment reports (ema.europa.eu).
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) — patient information on type 2 diabetes and obesity (niddk.nih.gov).
This article is for general information only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and it is not a substitute for guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here.