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by Skippack Pharmacy
Have you or someone you know ever struggled with obesity? Imagine it’s 2010. You desperately want to lose weight, but you’re finding it impossible to maintain a restrictive 1,200-calorie diet while balancing work and life. Exercise feels like an unattainable commitment, and when you seek medical assistance, your doctor offers only two options: phentermine, which has left you with side effects like dry mouth and insomnia, or gastric surgery, which feels too extreme. You wish there was a safe, effective medication to help you lose weight—without these challenges.
A decade ago, this was the reality for many. Obesity and overweight conditions affected nearly 70% of Americans, and traditional weight-loss methods either failed to deliver long-term results or were poorly tolerated. That changed with the introduction of GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have proven to be both safer and more effective for sustained weight loss. But where do these medications come from?
The Major Players in GLP-1 Medications
Two pharmaceutical giants dominate the GLP-1 market:
Novo Nordisk: Manufacturer of Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide).
Eli Lilly: Manufacturer of Zepbound (tirzepatide).
The Evolution of GLP-1 Medications
Saxenda: The First GLP-1 for Obesity
In 2014, Novo Nordisk introduced Saxenda (liraglutide), the first FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss. This twice-daily injectable led to an average 7% reduction in body weight over a year. It quickly gained popularity due to its relatively mild side effects—primarily nausea, headaches, and injection site pain—along with its ability to support long-term weight loss.
Wegovy: The Game Changer
For several years, Saxenda remained the primary GLP-1 option. That changed in 2021 when Novo Nordisk launched Wegovy (semaglutide). Unlike its predecessor, Wegovy required only a once-weekly injection, making it significantly more convenient. Clinical trials showed that Wegovy led to up to 10% weight loss over 104 weeks, making it more effective than Saxenda. Wegovy’s impact extended beyond weight loss. In 2022, the FDA approved its use for obesity in adolescents aged 12 and older, broadening its reach. Then, in 2024, Wegovy became the first GLP-1 medication approved in the U.S. to reduce cardiovascular risk in overweight and obese patients with heart conditions. These advantages led to an overwhelming surge in demand, contributing to national shortages.
Zepbound: A New Contender
Eli Lilly entered the GLP-1 weight-loss market in 2023 with Zepbound (tirzepatide). Like Wegovy, Zepbound is a once-weekly injection, but its clinical trials revealed an unprecedented 20% weight loss over 72 weeks—a significant improvement over previous medications. With a slightly lower price point, Zepbound has quickly become the most sought-after GLP-1 medication for obesity.
The Current Landscape
The growing popularity of GLP-1s has led to supply shortages, particularly for Wegovy and Zepbound. Many pharmacies struggle to keep up with demand, so availability may vary.
If you and your doctor are considering starting a GLP-1 medication, it’s best to call your local pharmacy to check stock. If you’d like to learn more about these weight-loss treatments, click here for additional information.
Best of luck on your weight-loss journey!
Written By: Sharon Choi and Steven Dao, Temple University PharmD Students