GLP-1 medications are synthetic versions designed to activate these same pathways more powerfully and persistently
They also support the release of hormones (including insulin) that help our bodies use nutrients from the foods we consume such as glucose more efficiently
This way of doing things is good for people who have ongoing issues like type 2 diabetes
They exemplify how modern medicine is evolving to offer more comprehensive and patient-friendly treatments
Addressing Barriers and Concerns Several barriers prevent more psychiatrists from prescribing GLP-1 medications

Goal: Type 2 diabetes management (A1C reduction) If you prefer once-weekly injections: Semaglutide (Ozempic), tirzepatide (Mounjaro), dulaglutide (Trulicity), or efpeglenatide (Eperzan) If you prefer daily injections: Liraglutide (Victoza) or lixisenatide (Adlyxin) If you prefer oral medication: Semaglutide (Rybelsus) If cost is the primary concern: Compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide (if eligible under shortage provisions) Goal: Weight loss (obesity or overweight with comorbidities) If you want maximum weight loss: Retatrutide (Retara, triple agonist, 24% mean loss) or tirzepatide (Zepbound, dual agonist, 20% to 22% mean loss) If you want proven long-term safety data: Semaglutide (Wegovy, 15% to 17% mean loss, 5+ years post-approval data) If you prefer oral medication: Orforglipron (Orfoglip, 15% mean loss, oral once daily) If cost is the primary concern: Compounded semaglutide or compounded tirzepatide Goal: Both diabetes and weight loss If you have significant obesity (BMI over 35): Tirzepatide (Mounjaro for diabetes indication, Zepbound for obesity indication
