GLP-1 medicines and what they are used for

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s or GLP-1RAs) are medicines that help people feel fuller by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating. Some newer medicines, like Mounjaro, also act on a second hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control. You may see them referred to in the media as “weight loss injections” or “skinny jabs” but not all of these medicines are authorised for weight loss.

In the UK, there are several licensed GLP-1 medicines including semaglutide (sold under the brand names Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus) , tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (sold under various brand names) . “Licensed” means they have been assessed carefully by the UK medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) , and approved as safe and effective for certain uses, outlined in the table below.

The MHRA has not assessed the safety and effectiveness of these medicines when used outside of their licensed use, for example when used for weight loss in people who are not obese or overweight.

GLP-1s are medicines licensed to treat specific medical disorders and should only be used if you are overweight or diabetic, and not if you want to lose weight for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes.

^{*Wegovy can also be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) in overweight and obese individuals.}