Understanding Weight Loss Medications

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone released from cells in the small intestine after eating. This hormone:

• Lowers blood glucose by triggering insulin release;
• Slows stomach emptying;
• Increases feelings of fullness (satiety).

• GLP-1 receptor agonist medications activate receptors for GLP-1, reducing appetite and food intake, which may result in significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
• Dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medications activate receptors for both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). GIP is also a natural hormone secreted by cells in the small intestine that helps stimulate insulin release and plays a role in regulating fat storage. These medications activate two pathways to reduce appetite and food intake and may result in significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes.
  

GLP-1 Medications Used for Weight Loss

Bold entries indicate FDA-approved specifically for weight loss in adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or overweight (BMI ≥ 27) with at least one weight-related medical condition (and some children with obesity, depending on the brand). All others are commonly prescribed off-label for weight management.

Regulatory Changes: FDA has restricted less expensive compounded versions, keeping patient safety at the forefront and directing prescribers and patients to FDA-approved brand medications. The FDA issued a “green list” import alert to help block potentially unsafe GLP-1 ingredients from unverified foreign sources from entering the U.S. market.

Public Recognition: Media and consumers primarily know these as “Ozempic,” “Wegovy,” “weight loss shots,” or “GLP-1 pills,” with growing awareness of oral options.

Next-Generation Pipeline: Emerging weight loss medications, listed below, are being developed to target multiple hormone pathways, including GLP-1, GIP, glucagon and amylin.

• Glucagon is released by the pancreas and helps regulate blood glucose levels, energy expenditure and fat metabolism.
• Amylin is released with insulin by the pancreas and helps regulate blood glucose, appetite and feelings of fullness.

New oral formulations and longer-acting injectable options are also advancing through the pipeline, offering potentially more convenient options.

• Eli Lilly’s once-weekly injectable, Retatrutide, is a triple agonist and the first of its kind, activating the body’s receptors for GLP-1, GIP and glucagon; it is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials.
• Novo Nordisk filed for FDA approval of CagriSema, a once-weekly injectable that combines a long-acting amylin analog with a GLP-1 receptor agonist; FDA is expected to review the application in 2026.
• Novo Nordisk’s Amycretin, a unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, in both injectable and oral pill formats, is in Phase 3 trials.
• Amgen’s monthly injectable, MariTide, is in Phase 3 clinical trials with results expected in 2027.
• Boehringer Ingelheim and Zealand Pharma’s Survodutide, a glucagon/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist for once-weekly injection, is in Phase 3 trials.

Consumer Behavior Changes:

• Reduced appetite and smaller portion consumption.
• Increased focus on hydration and nutrient-dense foods, especially foods with protein and fiber.
• Need for individualized dietary guidance from registered dietitians and other healthcare providers, including support for adequate intake, side-effect management (e.g., nausea, vomiting, constipation, hair loss, nutrient gaps) and long-term lifestyle behaviors.
• Increased focus on personal care/overall wellness (e.g., skin, hair, oral health, beauty).

Retailer Opportunities:

• Partner with registered dietitians for weight loss education and to promote programs and initiatives that highlight nutrient-dense options (e.g., grocery store tours, product sampling and wellness events).
• Work with pharmacy services and registered dietitians to develop specialized product sections for weight management and to support potential side effects.
• Create meal and snack solutions for smaller appetites and increased nutritional needs.

Product Supplier Opportunities:

• Focus on nutrient-dense foods, beverages and products that support consumers’ diverse needs at each stage of the weight loss journey.
• Develop portion-controlled, nutrient-dense convenience foods.
• Address potential nutrient gaps, hydration and digestive health with functional foods and beverages.

The food industry has an opportunity to support consumers with evidence-based dietary recommendations, respecting the patient-prescriber relationship while positioning the grocery store as a destination for health and well-being support.

The pipeline of next-generation GLP-1 medication options, including oral formulations, dual and triple agonists, and extended-dosing regimens, suggests this market disruption is accelerating, not plateauing. Success requires collaboration between healthcare providers, pharmacists, nutrition professionals, and the food industry to support consumers throughout evolving treatment journeys.

The weight loss medication market is moving faster than traditional research cycles. While this summary draws from available sources, the most actionable consumer behavior insights are in proprietary research reports.

This fact sheet is intended for general education and industry awareness. Medication decisions should be made by licensed healthcare professionals working closely with their patients, based on individual health needs, approved indications, risks, benefits, access and ongoing monitoring.