What Are GLP-1s?
Sajeel Abrar GPHC-2066354 Independent Prescribing Pharmacist · 12/09/2025 · 1 min read
GLP-1s aren't magic but they are changing the game. Here's how they work.
What are GLP-1s?
GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1) is a hormone released in the gut after you eat. It helps lower blood sugar, makes you feel full, and signals the brain to reduce appetite. Medicines like semaglutide (Wegovy) mimic this hormone, creating a powerful weight-regulating effect in people with obesity or insulin resistance.
What is GIP and why it matters
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) is a dual-agonist: it mimics both GLP-1 and GIP (Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide). GIP boosts insulin sensitivity, complements GLP-1 in appetite suppression, and may improve fat metabolism in the liver. Together, they deliver superior results to GLP-1 alone.
Is this safe?
GLP-1s are licensed in the UK. Wegovy is approved for weight loss, while Mounjaro is used in eligible patients under professional supervision. Ozempic is not sold for weight loss by Saha because it's licensed for diabetes, not obesity.
How do they feel?
Most people feel fuller faster, think about food less, and find it easier to stick to smaller portions. Some feel slight nausea at first, but this usually improves. It's not a stimulant—it's a hormone helper.
The metabolic bonus
GLP-1s don't just shrink appetite—they improve markers of insulin resistance, inflammation, and even cardiovascular risk. If you've struggled with stubborn weight gain around the middle, sugar crashes, or yo-yo dieting—this could change the game.
The takeaway
GLP-1s work because they mimic your body's natural hormones—restoring control over hunger, sugar, and fat storage. They're not magic, but they are powerful tools when used safely, and with support.
"GLP-1s help shift biology, not just behaviour."
Written by Sajeel Abrar, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist • GPhC: 2066354
Last updated: 18 April 2026