Medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD
GLP-1 medications are a class of prescription drugs used for chronic weight management. Here is a plain-language overview for Michigan adults considering treatment.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medications that mimic a gut hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar. Some are FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults, and many Michigan patients now access them through telehealth.
How GLP-1 medications work
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone released after eating. Medications that act on this pathway may slow stomach emptying and act on appetite centers in the brain, which can help people feel full sooner and eat less. Tirzepatide also acts on a second hormone pathway (GIP).
FDA-approved options for weight management
- Wegovy (semaglutide), a once-weekly injection. See the FDA label.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide), a once-weekly injection. See the FDA label.
- Saxenda (liraglutide), a once-daily injection.
Our program also includes other prescription options when medically appropriate. Compounded drugs are not part of our program. Learn more on our weight-loss medications page.
What trials have shown
In STEP 1, adults taking semaglutide 2.4 mg plus lifestyle changes lost more weight on average than placebo over 68 weeks (NEJM 2021). In SURMOUNT-1, adults taking tirzepatide also lost more weight on average than placebo over 72 weeks (NEJM 2022). Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Common side effects and safety
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort are common, particularly early on.
- Serious risks in the labeling include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and, for some products, a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors.
- These medications are not appropriate for everyone, so a full medical review comes first.
Getting care from Detroit and across Michigan
At TeleSlimClinicDetroit.com, visits are held by secure video, so you can meet with a board-certified obesity medicine physician team from home. Your provider reviews your history, discusses whether a medication is medically appropriate, and builds a plan alongside nutrition and activity guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to live in Detroit to be a patient?
Care is provided by video to patients located in Michigan at the time of the visit.
Do these medications work right away?
Doses are usually increased gradually, so the full effect may take time.
Is my provider licensed in Michigan?
Check the Michigan LARA license verification page.
How much does a visit cost?
Our visit fee is cash-pay. Medication costs depend on your plan and pharmacy.
Sources
- Wegovy prescribing information, Drugs@FDA
- Zepbound prescribing information, Drugs@FDA
- STEP 1, N Engl J Med 2021
- SURMOUNT-1, N Engl J Med 2022
Book your free consultation to see whether treatment is a fit.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. It was medically reviewed by Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine. Talk with a licensed provider about whether any weight-loss medication is right for you.
