The Aesthetics Advisor

Semaglutide, known by the brand names Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus and others, is one of the latest weight-loss craze to hit Hollywood and beyond. The prescription drug, which is administered via a weekly injection, is intended to treat Type 2 diabetes, but it’s widely used off-label for weight loss. They all belong to the same medication class — glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists ( GLP-1 receptor agonists ).  GLP-1 agonists work by triggering insulin release, blocking sugar production in your liver, and making you feel full. But with all of these brands out there, how do you decide which is right for you? Let’s get to know some of the differences between these major GLP-1 agonist drugs. For those who want to dive deeper into the science, the AMA video by Peter Attia does a nice job of providing the background of this very popular drug.      A 2021 study funded by Novo Nordisk, the drug’s maker, found using semaglutide once a week led to a 14.9% reduction in b...

The landscape of obesity treatment has evolved dramatically with the introduction of advanced medical therapeutics like retatrutide (RETA, LY3437943), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), and semaglutide (Ozempic). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and co-agonists, originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, have shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss, making them game-changers for obesity management. However, each drug has unique mechanisms, benefits, and potential applications, including emerging roles in cancer prevention. This article compares their mechanisms, clinical efficacy, broader health benefits, safety profiles, regulatory status, and practical considerations to help patients, clinicians, and informed readers understand how they stack up in 2026. Update: Are GLP-1s the first longevity drugs ? (Nature 2025) Credit: GoodRx Health Mechanism of Action Semaglutide : Semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). It mimics ...