A closer look at the rapidly evolving world of GLP-1 medications; from who may benefit from them to understanding the research, side effects, misconceptions, and why thoughtful medical guidance matters more than ever.

Keeping Up With the GLP-1s:

Company: NOVO NORDISK

Drug: Semaglutide

• Weight Loss Brand Name: Wegovy (injection & oral)
• DM2 Brand Names: Ozempic (injection) & Rybelsus (oral)

Company: ELI LILLY

Drug: Tirzepatide

• Weight Loss Brand Name: Zepbound (injection)
• DM2 Brand Name: Mounjaro (injection)

Drug: Orforglipron

• Weight Loss Brand Name: Foundayo (oral)

Drug: Retatrutide – In development

• Weight loss & DM2 expected indications

* Just a heads-up: I recorded the indications section before the official PCOS to PMOS name change on 5/12/2026, so you’ll still hear me use the term “PCOS” throughout this episode.

For wonderings, musings, or just a quick hello, feel free to reach out: ⁠drhart@hartfamilymedicine.com⁠

Straight Facts:

• Kushner RF, Jastreboff AM, Ryan DH. Current and Future Medications for Obesity Treatment. The Journal of the American Medical Association. 2025.
• Gonzalez-Rellan MJ, Drucker DJ. New Molecules and Indications for GLP-1 Medicines. JAMA. 2025;334(14):1231–1234. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.14392.
• Mechanisms of GLP-1 Receptor Agonist-Induced Weight Loss: A Review of Central and Peripheral Pathways in Appetite and Energy Regulation. The American Journal of Medicine. 2025.
• Lin S, Deng Y, Huang J, et al. Efficacy and Safety of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Weight Management and Metabolic Parameters in PCOS Women: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Scientific Reports. 2025.
• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists: Cardiovascular Benefits and Mechanisms of Action. Nature Reviews Cardiology. 2023.
• Couldwell M, Tidwell AJ, Taylor AE. Impact of GLP-1 Agonists on Reproduction. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2025.
• Choudhury I, Ward JH, Mahesh S, et al. Effect of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA) on Neuropsychiatric Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Clinical Therapeutics. 2026.
• Pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes: A Focus on the Metabolic Differences Among Southeast Asian, Chinese and Indian Populations and How This Impacts Treatment. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. 2025.
• Pasternak B, Wintzell V, Eliasson B, et al. Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Serious Renal Events: Scandinavian Cohort Study. Diabetes Care. 2020.
• Chen TH, Hu EH, Chen DY, et al. GLP-1 RAs and Cardiovascular and Kidney Outcomes by Body Mass Index in Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA Network Open. 2025.
• Budini B, Luo S, Tam M, et al. Trajectory of Weight Regain After Cessation of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A Systematic Review and Nonlinear Meta-Regression. EClinicalMedicine. 2026;93:103796. doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2026.103796.
• Compounded Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Products Use Unique Formulations but Efficacy and Safety Largely Unknown. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2026.
• Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists with Risk of Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. 2025.