What does GLP-1 stand for?

GLP-1 means glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural gut hormone released after you eat. It helps control blood sugar and signals fullness. GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic this hormone.

Is Mounjaro a GLP-1 medication?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on the GLP-1 receptor and also on a second incretin receptor, GIP — so it's described as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) act on the GLP-1 receptor.

Do these medications work without changing how I eat?

They reduce appetite, but what you eat still matters a lot. With a smaller appetite, prioritising protein and nutrient-dense foods helps protect muscle and keeps you well-nourished. Always follow your prescriber's and dietitian's guidance.

What Are GLP-1 Medications, and How Do They Work?

Published 1 June 2026Evidence-based · 3 sources

If you're starting a GLP-1 medication, it helps to understand what it actually is and what it's doing in your body. Here's the plain-English version.

What is GLP-1?

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a natural hormone released by cells in your gut after you eat. It's what scientists call an incretin hormone, and it does a few important jobs: it prompts your pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is high, it lowers a hormone called glucagon, it slows how quickly your stomach empties, and it signals fullness to your brain.

What are GLP-1 medications?

GLP-1 medications are lab-made versions designed to act like that hormone — so they're called GLP-1 receptor agonists ("agonist" just means something that activates a receptor). Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) is one example. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) goes a step further: it activates the GLP-1 receptor and a second incretin receptor called GIP, so it's known as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist.

These drugs are engineered to last far longer than the natural hormone (which breaks down in minutes), which is why many are taken just once a week.

How do they affect appetite and weight?

By mimicking GLP-1, these medications slow stomach emptying and act on appetite centres in the brain, so you feel full sooner and stay full longer. The result is usually a smaller appetite and reduced food intake. They also improve blood-sugar control by boosting insulin and lowering glucagon.

These are prescription medications. This article explains the science — it is not medical advice. Decisions about whether to take them, and at what dose, belong with your doctor.

Why nutrition still matters

Because your appetite is smaller, the quality of what you eat matters more than ever. With fewer total calories, prioritising protein helps protect muscle, and nutrient-dense foods help you stay well-nourished. That's the whole focus of our recipes and protein guidance.

Frequently asked questions

What does GLP-1 stand for?: GLP-1 means glucagon-like peptide-1, a natural gut hormone released after you eat. It helps control blood sugar and signals fullness. GLP-1 medications are designed to mimic this hormone.
Is Mounjaro a GLP-1 medication?: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on the GLP-1 receptor and also on a second incretin receptor, GIP — so it's described as a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) act on the GLP-1 receptor.
Do these medications work without changing how I eat?: They reduce appetite, but what you eat still matters a lot. With a smaller appetite, prioritising protein and nutrient-dense foods helps protect muscle and keeps you well-nourished. Always follow your prescriber's and dietitian's guidance.