GLP-1 medications: the complete list
Every GLP-1 drug used for weight loss in 2026 — semaglutide, tirzepatide, retatrutide, liraglutide and compounded options — compared by brand, average weight loss, dosing and cost. Tap any medication for the full guide.
| Drug | Brands | Receptors | Avg. weight loss | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus | GLP-1 | ~15% | FDA-approved |
| Tirzepatide | Zepbound, Mounjaro | GLP-1 + GIP | ~15–21% | FDA-approved |
| Retatrutide | — (investigational) | GLP-1 + GIP + glucagon | ~24% (phase 2) | Not yet approved |
| Liraglutide | Saxenda, Victoza | GLP-1 | ~8% | FDA-approved |
| Compounded GLP-1 | Compounded sema/tirz | GLP-1 (± GIP) | Matches branded | Not FDA-approved |
Figures are trial averages (STEP, SURMOUNT, SCALE and phase-2 data). See each guide for the full picture and sources.
Semaglutide
FDA-approvedGLP-1 receptor agonist · Injection or oral · Sold as Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
The most widely prescribed GLP-1 — sold as Wegovy for weight loss, Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, and Rybelsus as a daily pill.
Read the full guideTirzepatide
FDA-approvedDual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist · Subcutaneous injection · Sold as Mounjaro, Zepbound
A dual-hormone injection (Zepbound for weight loss, Mounjaro for diabetes) that has produced the largest average weight loss of any approved GLP-1-class drug so far.
Read the full guideRetatrutide
Investigational (not yet FDA-approved)Triple GIP/GLP-1/glucagon receptor agonist · Subcutaneous injection · Sold as (no brand name yet)
An experimental “triple agonist” that produced the largest weight loss seen in trials so far — but it is not yet approved and not legally available.
Read the full guideLiraglutide
FDA-approvedGLP-1 receptor agonist · Subcutaneous injection · Sold as Saxenda, Victoza
The original once-daily GLP-1 (Saxenda for weight loss, Victoza for diabetes) — now largely superseded by weekly drugs but still relevant, including as a generic.
Read the full guideCompounded GLP-1
Compounded (not FDA-approved as a finished product)Pharmacy-compounded semaglutide / tirzepatide · Subcutaneous injection · Sold as Compounded semaglutide, Compounded tirzepatide
Lower-cost versions of semaglutide or tirzepatide mixed by compounding pharmacies — the reason telehealth GLP-1 can cost a fraction of the branded price, with important caveats.
Read the full guideGLP-1 medications: FAQ
What are all the GLP-1 drugs?+
The GLP-1-class drugs used for weight loss are semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic), tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza), all FDA-approved, plus retatrutide, which is investigational and not yet approved. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are the same molecules made by compounding pharmacies.
How many GLP-1 medications are there for weight loss?+
Three molecules are FDA-approved and relevant for weight loss — semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide — each sold under a weight-loss brand and a diabetes brand. Retatrutide is a fourth that is still in trials. Technically tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist and retatrutide a triple agonist, but they're grouped with the GLP-1 class.
Which GLP-1 is best for weight loss?+
Tirzepatide (Zepbound) produces the most average weight loss of the approved drugs — roughly 20–23% at the top dose — versus about 15% for semaglutide (Wegovy) and ~8% for liraglutide (Saxenda). Semaglutide has the longest track record and proven cardiovascular benefit. The best choice depends on efficacy, cost, insurance and tolerance.
Are there GLP-1 pills, or only injections?+
Most GLP-1 drugs are injections, but an oral option exists: Rybelsus is oral semaglutide, taken as a daily tablet. Higher-dose oral semaglutide and new oral agents are in development, though injections currently remain the most potent delivery for weight loss.
What is the newest GLP-1 drug?+
Among approved drugs, tirzepatide (Zepbound) is the newest and most effective for weight loss. The next wave includes retatrutide, a triple agonist that produced the largest average weight loss in phase 2 trials but is not yet FDA-approved.
Want the full picture in one place?
Read the complete GLP-1 weight-loss guide