GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It’s a natural hormone your body produces in the gut after you eat. Its main job is to help control blood sugar, reduce appetite, and slow down digestion.
Because of these effects, GLP-1 plays a big role in helping you feel full and satisfied after meals.
Why Is GLP-1 Important?
GLP-1 helps regulate:
- Blood sugar levels
- How much insulin your body releases
- How full or hungry you feel
- How quickly food moves through your stomach
People with type 2 diabetes or obesity often have lower GLP-1 activity. That’s where GLP-1 medications come in.
What Are GLP-1 Medications?
GLP-1 medications are drugs that copy the effects of your body’s natural GLP-1 hormone. They are called GLP-1 receptor agonists. Popular examples include:
- Ozempic
- Wegovy
- Mounjaro (a dual-action version that also targets another hormone)
These medications help lower blood sugar, reduce appetite, and support weight loss.
Is GLP-1 the Same as Semaglutide?
No, but they are closely related. Semaglutide is a man-made version of GLP-1. It is the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy.
Bottom Line
GLP-1 is a powerful gut hormone that helps control hunger and blood sugar. New medications based on this hormone are changing the way we approach weight loss, diabetes, and metabolic health.
Understanding how GLP-1 works is the first step in making informed health choices.
Ava Sinclair
Ava Sinclairis a wellness expert and writer with a passion for integrative health, sustainable living, and everyday rituals that support long-term well-being. She brings a thoughtful, science-informed perspective to topics that connect body, mind, and lifestyle.
