GLP 1s: The Innovation That Is Changing The World

May 5, 2026

Writer:  Jacqueline Presser

Editor: Ryan Carter

Obesity has hit an all-time high in prevalence in the United States, leading to various health problems and even death. 

Recent studies at Harvard show a tremendous growth in obesity rates in adults, predominantly from 40 to 70 percent. The newest phenomenon of GLP-1 class drugs has recently entered the market and is often considered a “miracle drug”. 

Originally used mainly to regulate blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes patients, these receptor agonist drugs, better known as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, were shown to have substantial positive effects when it comes to weight loss as well as helping individuals with cardiovascular issues, brain health, sleep apnea, and even substance use disorders. Between 2019 and 2024, perceptions of the drugs have increased by 364 percent!

What are they and how do they work?

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the small intestine that regulates blood sugar and appetite by increasing insulin, reducing glucagon, slowing digestion, and suggesting fullness. GLP-1 agonist medications mimic this hormone by binding to the same receptors, increasing these effects—often helping blood sugar control and decreasing appetite depending on dosage and individual needs.

Semaglutide:

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that aids in regulating blood sugar and appetite by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone. It is used to treat type 2 diabetes (Ozempic, Rybelsus) and, under the brand Wegovy, is also approved for weight loss.

Tirzepatide:

Tirzepatide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering a dual approach to improving blood sugar and raising levels and feelings of fullness. Found in Mounjaro and Zepbound, it was initially developed for type 2 diabetes and is now also used for weight loss, often showing more significant results due to its dual-hormone action. Also, Sleep Apnea has been proven to have great success in reduction when using these medications. 

Common Effects & Side Effects:

Many users experience reduced “food noise,” increased fullness with smaller portions, and fewer cravings—especially for sweets. Common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and indigestion.

What other benefits are we seeing?

GLP-1 medications are showing promising benefits for brain health, including protecting memory and potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s by limiting harmful plaque buildup. They may also reduce brain inflammation and influence the brain’s reward system, helping improve mental clarity and decrease cravings or addictive behaviors.

Clinical research shows that GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) may protect brain health by reducing shrinkage in memory-related areas—potentially cutting brain atrophy by up to 50%—while also improving mental clarity and emotional regulation.

These drugs can cross the blood-brain barrier, allowing them to directly influence appetite, cognition, and brain function; when combined with healthy lifestyle habits, they may offer added neuroprotective benefits alongside weight management.

One downside to these drugs is their high cost, which remains a major barrier to access and is currently a key focus of ongoing regulation and pricing efforts across pharmaceutical companies.,

Of course, consulting with a professional and/or your doctor is necessary before considering if these drugs are right for you. 

Works Cited

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, July 3). GLP-1 agonists. 

National Academy of Medicine. (n.d.). Understanding GLP-1 drugs. Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://nam.edu/news-and-insights/understanding-glp-1-drugs/

Numan. (n.d.). Tirzepatide vs semaglutide: What’s the difference? Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://www.numan.com/weight-loss/medication/tirzepatide-and-semaglutide-difference

OrderlyMeds. (n.d.). What does GLP-1 do to the brain? Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://orderlymeds.com/resources/what-does-glp-1-do-to-the-brain/

TryEden. (n.d.). Tirzepatide vs semaglutide. Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://www.tryeden.com/post/tirzepatide-vs-semaglutide

Levels. (n.d.). GLP-1 research update. Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://www.levels.com/blog/GLP-1-research-update

Harvard Gazette. (2025). Researchers report astounding obesity surge in U.S. Retrieved March 23, 2026, from https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/10/researchers-report-astounding-obesity-surge-in-u-s/