List of GLP-1 Medications: Every Approved and Emerging Option in 2026

List of GLP-1 Medications: Every Approved and Emerging Option in 2026

By Dr. Onikepe Adegbola, MD PhD

When patients ask me for a list of GLP-1 medications, what they usually want to know is: which ones are available right now, how are they different, and which one might be right for me?

The GLP-1 class has expanded rapidly. What started with exenatide in 2005 has grown into a family of medications that now includes daily and weekly injectables, oral formulations, and dual-receptor agonists. The pipeline has even more on the way.

Here's the full list of GLP-1 receptor agonists — approved and emerging — with what you should know about each one.

FDA-Approved GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

Semaglutide is the most widely prescribed GLP-1 medication and the one most people associate with the class. It's available in three formulations:

• Ozempic — Injectable, weekly. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg.
• Wegovy — Injectable, weekly. FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Doses: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, 2.4 mg.
• Rybelsus — Oral tablet, daily. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Doses: 3 mg, 7 mg, 14 mg.

Semaglutide has the most clinical data behind it. The STEP trials demonstrated approximately 15% body weight loss with Wegovy 2.4 mg over 68 weeks. The SELECT trial showed cardiovascular benefit independent of diabetes status. It's the current standard against which newer agents are measured.

Side effects are predominantly gastrointestinal — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation — and are most pronounced during dose escalation.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Tirzepatide is technically a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it activates both the GLP-1 receptor and the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor. This dual mechanism appears to produce greater weight loss than GLP-1-only medications.

• Mounjaro — Injectable, weekly. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg.
• Zepbound — Injectable, weekly. FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg.

The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed average weight loss of approximately 22.5% at the highest dose over 72 weeks — the largest weight reduction seen in any medication trial to that point. In my practice, tirzepatide tends to be slightly better tolerated than semaglutide for GI side effects, though individual responses vary considerably.

Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)

Liraglutide was the first GLP-1 agonist approved for weight management. It requires daily injections, which is a notable disadvantage compared to weekly options.

• Victoza — Injectable, daily. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Doses: 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg.
• Saxenda — Injectable, daily. FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Dose: up to 3.0 mg daily.

Average weight loss with Saxenda is approximately 5–8% of body weight — less than semaglutide or tirzepatide. Still, it remains an option for patients who don't tolerate or can't access newer medications. It also has pediatric approval for adolescents aged 12 and older.

Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)

Exenatide holds historical significance as the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA (2005). It's available in two formulations:

• Byetta — Injectable, twice daily. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.
• Bydureon BCise — Injectable, weekly (extended-release). FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes.

Exenatide is less potent than semaglutide and tirzepatide for both glucose control and weight loss. It's rarely a first-choice medication now but remains available and may be covered by insurance plans that restrict newer options.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

Dulaglutide is a weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist approved for type 2 diabetes. It also has proven cardiovascular benefit (REWIND trial).

• Trulicity — Injectable, weekly. Doses: 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.5 mg.

Weight loss is moderate — approximately 3–5 kg on average in clinical trials. The auto-injector pen is well-designed and patients find it straightforward to use. Trulicity was one of the most prescribed GLP-1 medications before the semaglutide and tirzepatide surge.

Lixisenatide (Adlyxin)

A daily injectable GLP-1 agonist with more modest effects on weight and glucose. It's primarily used in combination with basal insulin (available as Soliqua, a fixed-ratio combination with insulin glargine). Limited standalone use in current practice.

Albiglutide (Tanzeum) — Discontinued

Albiglutide was a weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist that was withdrawn from the market in 2018 due to commercial reasons, not safety concerns. Included here for completeness since it appears on some older lists of GLP-1 medications.

Emerging GLP-1 and Multi-Agonist Medications

The pipeline is where things get especially interesting. Several next-generation compounds target multiple receptors simultaneously.

Survodutide

A dual GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist in Phase 3 trials. Early data suggests significant weight loss (up to 19% in Phase 2) plus potential liver fat reduction, making it particularly relevant for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly NAFLD).

Retatrutide

A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors simultaneously. Phase 2 data showed up to 24% body weight loss at 48 weeks — among the highest figures reported for any anti-obesity medication. Phase 3 trials are ongoing.

Orforglipron

A non-peptide oral GLP-1 agonist. Unlike Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), which requires fasting and careful administration timing, orforglipron may be taken without food restrictions. Phase 3 data is anticipated, and if approved, it would represent a significant convenience improvement for patients who prefer pills over injections.

CagriSema

A fixed-dose combination of semaglutide and cagrilintide (an amylin analog). Phase 3 REDEFINE trials showed approximately 22–25% body weight loss. This targets both GLP-1 and amylin pathways, providing complementary mechanisms of appetite suppression.

Managing GLP-1 Side Effects Across the Class

Regardless of which GLP-1 medication you're taking, the side effect profile is broadly similar: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, decreased appetite, and occasionally more serious concerns like pancreatitis (rare) or gallbladder disease.

The GI effects are a class-wide phenomenon. Slower gastric emptying is part of the therapeutic mechanism, but it also means your digestive system is adjusting to a fundamentally different pace. Supporting this transition matters.

In my practice, I recommend patients on any GLP-1 medication focus on three things:

1. Protein adequacy — Eating less overall means you need to be intentional about getting enough protein to preserve muscle mass.
2. Digestive support — Enzyme supplementation helps your gut process food that's sitting in your stomach longer than usual.
3. Micronutrient coverage — Reduced food intake means reduced vitamin and mineral intake. Fill the gaps proactively.

The Casa de Sante GLP-1 supplements were formulated specifically for this population — low-FODMAP, gut-gentle, and designed to address the nutritional and digestive challenges common to all GLP-1 receptor agonists.

How to Choose the Right GLP-1 Medication

This isn't a decision to make from a list on the internet. The right GLP-1 medication depends on:

• Your primary indication (type 2 diabetes, weight management, or both)
• Cardiovascular risk factors
• Insurance coverage and out-of-pocket cost
• Your tolerance for injections vs. preference for oral medication
• Prior GLP-1 experience and tolerability
• Other medications you're taking

In general, semaglutide and tirzepatide are the most effective options currently available for both weight loss and glucose control. But "most effective on average" doesn't mean "best for you specifically." Work with your prescriber to match the medication to your clinical profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which GLP-1 medication causes the most weight loss?

Based on available clinical trial data, tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) at maximum dose produces the most weight loss among currently approved medications, averaging approximately 22.5% body weight reduction. Semaglutide (Wegovy) at 2.4 mg averages approximately 15%. Pipeline medications like retatrutide and CagriSema may exceed these numbers when Phase 3 results are finalized.

Is there a GLP-1 pill instead of an injection?

Yes. Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) is currently the only FDA-approved oral GLP-1 medication. It must be taken on an empty stomach with a small sip of water, with no food or other medications for at least 30 minutes afterward. Orforglipron, a next-generation oral GLP-1 agonist without these restrictions, is in late-stage clinical trials.

Are all GLP-1 medications the same?

No. While they share the same receptor target (GLP-1 receptor), they differ in molecular structure, half-life, dosing frequency, potency, and whether they activate additional receptors (like GIP or glucagon). Tirzepatide, for example, is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist and produces different metabolic effects than a GLP-1-only medication. These differences translate to meaningful variations in efficacy, side effects, and clinical outcomes.

Can I switch between GLP-1 medications?

Yes, switching is common and often clinically appropriate. Reasons include insurance changes, side effect intolerance, inadequate response, or wanting to try a more effective option. Your prescriber will determine the appropriate conversion and whether a dose-escalation restart is needed. Don't switch on your own — dose equivalencies between GLP-1 medications are not straightforward.