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What is a GLP-3?
The range of injectable weight loss medications being prescribed is rapidly expanding, and it can be difficult to keep track of all the different types. Here is a quick guide to the medications currently available, and what’s coming soon.
GLP-1 Medications
Semaglutide, which is sold under the brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy, belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of medications. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications are designed to mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which is a hormone our bodies produce naturally in response to eating or drinking.
When we consume food or drinks that contain fats or carbohydrates, our intestinal cells secrete the GLP-1 hormone. GLP-1 helps regulate our blood sugar by triggering the release of insulin from our pancreas. GLP-1 also contributes to a feeling of satiety or fullness by making food move more slowly through our digestive tract and sending a message to our brain that says, “I’m full”. This is all a part of normal digestion and metabolism.
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications can help people lose weight by reducing their appetite and/or their experience of a condition referred to as "food noise”. People use the term “food noise” to describe constant and persistent thoughts about food and eating, particularly foods that very palatable and energy-dense (aka “junk food”).
Combined GIP and GLP-1 Medications
Tirzepatide, which is sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound, is considered a “dual agonist” as it works on both the GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) receptors.
When we consume food or drinks that contain fats or carbohydrates, our body naturally releases both GLP-1 and GIP. These peptides work together to regulate blood sugar by triggering the release of insulin from the pancreas. Because tirzepatide combines the action of both GLP-1 and GIP in the same medication, it can have increased blood sugar regulation and weight loss effects relative to semaglutide, which only mimics the action of GLP-1.
Note that both semaglutide and tirzepatide have been shown to be effective for weight loss and blood sugar regulation in various population groups, and the decision of which medication to use, if any, will be made with consideration to a patient’s personal medical history and individual circumstances.
The GLP-3 Misnomer
A new medication called retatrutide is currently in development and has been nicknamed a “GLP-3” by the media. Retatrutride earned its nickname as it’s a triple receptor agonist, working on GLP-1, GIP and glucagon receptors in the body.
Glucagon is a hormone that triggers the release of stored glucose into the bloodstream, causing your blood sugar to increase. Retatrutide is designed to decrease glucagon secretion, thereby keeping blood sugar levels low and theoretically increasing both the amount of energy the body burns and the breakdown of body fat.
Retatrutide is still being trialled in the US and is not yet approved for prescription.