Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro… in just a few months, these brand names have become familiar to the general public. Behind them lies the same therapeutic class: GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1) analogues, also called GLP-1 receptor agonists. 

Described as the “scientific breakthrough of the year 2023” according to the scientific journal ScienceTheir history is much older, stemming from several decades of research on the intestinal hormones. 

So why all the hype today? And what do we really need to understand about these medications? 
To answer these questions, here are 5 key points to remember about GLP-1 analogues: 

Mechanisms of action 

GLP-1 analogues mimic the action of a incretin, GLP-1, an intestinal hormone naturally secreted in response to the food intakeThis incretin regulates blood glucose via its specific receptor expressed in several organs. In the intestine, it slows down the emptying gastric, which reduces thenutrient uptake, including glucose. At the pancreatic level, GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretionpromoting the entry of glucose into peripheral tissues. In parallel, it inhibits glucagon secretion limiting hepatic glucose production. At the level of the central nervous system, GLP-1 modulates food intake by reducing appetite and increasing satiety. 

History 

The history of GLP-1 analogues is intertwined with the discovery of incretins. glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) was identified in the 1970s, followed in 1983 by GLP-1, the only two incretins known to date. In the 1990s, the discovery of exendin-4 in the saliva du Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), a venomous lizard from the North American desert, represents a major breakthrough. This peptide, partially homologous to human GLP-1, has a high affinity for its receptor and replicates its effects hypoglycemicsResistant to degradation by the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), an enzyme responsible for the rapid inactivation of GLP-1, it exhibits a prolonged action compared to endogenous GLP-1. This discovery led to the development of a synthetic analog of exendin-4, theexenatideThe first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved in 2005 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In the 2000s, new molecules were developed to further prolong the duration of action of GLP-1 analogs. These compounds exhibit a better stability and total lower renal eliminationwhich contributes to a extended half-life and allows for less frequent administration. Among them is semaglutide, present in medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. 

Therapeutic benefits  

Next-generation GLP-1 analogs such as semaglutide, found in Ozempic and Wegovy, represent a major advance in the management of 2 type diabetes and the obesity. Their extended half-life, which can go up to 7 days Compared to a few hours for exenatide and a few minutes for natural GLP-1, this improves their clinical efficacy. They are among the most effective therapeutic classes in terms of glycemic control and induce a significant reduction in body weight, With a cardiovascular benefit demonstrated for certain molecules. Other potential effects are currently being studied in various cardiometabolic diseases, such as kidney disease ou liver but also in a broader spectrum of pathologies, such as neurodegenerative diseases, whose Alzheimer's disease, and some Addictions (alcohol, tobacco, compulsive eating behavior). 

Side effects  

GLP-1 analogues, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are treatments In the long termadministered over several months, which may be accompanied bySide effects the digestive disordersSide effects, related to their mechanism of action at the gastrointestinal level, are the most frequent, especially at the beginning of treatment or when increasing doses: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea or, conversely, ConstipationA decrease in food intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies (iron, vitamin B1) and a greater loss of muscle mass than weight loss achieved through lifestyle and dietary measures alone. These adverse effects can lead to a discontinuation of treatment, often followed by a partial or total weight regainRarer but more serious events have also been reported, including... biliary disorders, pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis). Certain events, including the thyroid cancersare subject to monitoring without any causal link established to date. 

Misuse 

GLP-1 analogues, notably Ozempic, are the subject of misuse, particularly for weight loss for purposes aesthetic and non-medical. A significant portion concerns drugs obtained outside the medical and pharmaceutical system without a prescription, via relatives, abroad or the internet. These products sold as GLP-1 analogues are mostly counterfeitTheir quality, safety, and effectiveness are not guaranteed: they may not contain the advertised active substance or may contain... toxic substances Has dangerous concentrations for health. Serious adverse effects have been reported in connection with these misuses, including severe vomiting, severe hypoglycemia as well as acute pancreatitisThese medications are treatments requiring a medical prescription, indicated in the 2 type diabetes and the obesityTheir use for weight loss for aesthetic purposes, outside of these indications, exposes them to... significant health risks. 

These advances are part of an active research effort aimed at better understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of cardiometabolic diseases, in particular type 2 diabetes and obesity. At the Pasteur Institute of Lille, these pathologies are at the heart of the research work carried out by the researchers on campus.

Sources 

Holst JJ. From the Incretin Concept and the Discovery of GLP-1 to Today's Diabetes Therapy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2019 Apr 26;10:260. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00260. PMID: 31080438; PMCID: PMC6497767. 

Latif W, Lambrinos KJ, Patel P, Rodriguez R. Compare and Contrast the Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP1RAs). 2024 Feb 25. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan–. PMID: 34283517. 

WHO World Health Organization, Use of GLP-1 analogues in the treatment of obesity, 2th December 2025 

ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products), GLP-1 analogues: update on the monitoring of serious adverse effects and misusePublished on July 05, 2024 and updated on January 07, 2026 

ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products), Monitoring of GLP-1 aglycones: ANSM confirms the favorable benefit/risk ratio when these drugs are used in accordance with recommendations. Published on January 07, 2026, updated on February 17, 2026 

ANSM (National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products) Warning about the risks associated with buying counterfeit aGLP-1 online, Published on September 09, 2025, updated on November 18, 2025 

FAQ

These are drugs that mimic GLP-1, an intestinal hormone involved in regulating blood glucose and appetite.

GLP-1 analogues increase insulin secretion, reduce glucagon secretion, slow digestion and decrease appetite, which improves blood sugar and promotes weight loss.

Primarily in type 2 diabetes and obesity, with some demonstrated cardiovascular benefits for certain molecules.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but at different doses and for different indications. Ozempic (0,25 to 1 mg injectable solution) is authorized for the treatment of 2 type diabetesWegovy (0,25 to 2,4 mg injectable solution) is authorized for the treatment of...obesity and has been reimbursed by Health Insurance since June 15, 2026, under strict conditions (BMI ≥ 40, or ≥ 35 with specific comorbidities, after failure of supervised nutritional care).

Mounjaro contains another active molecule, tirzepatide, which is both a GLP-1 and a GIP analog. Mounjaro is used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. Like Wegovy, it has also been reimbursed by the French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie) for the treatment of obesity since June 15, 2026.

No, the first GLP-1 analogues have existed since the early 2000s, but the newer generations are more effective.

Because the new molecules have a longer half-life and therefore a longer duration of action, allowing for more spaced-out administrations and superior clinical efficacy compared to the first generations.

No. There is no natural equivalent to semaglutide. Some dietary supplements, such as berberineThese products are presented as natural alternatives, but their mode of action is different, and their effectiveness on blood sugar and weight remains far inferior and is not demonstrated by comparable clinical studies. Products sold as "Natural Ozempic" or "Natural Alternative to Ozempic" fall within the realm of commercial products without any scientific basis. Furthermore, they expose users to a risk of delay in appropriate medical care.

Digestive problems (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation) are the most common.

More rarely, biliary tract infections, pancreatitis, or severe digestive disorders may occur. Certain risks, such as thyroid cancer, are still being monitored.

Yes, weight regain is frequently observed after stopping treatment.

Because they open up interesting avenues in other diseases such as kidney, liver, neurodegenerative diseases or certain addictions.

Because of their effect on weight, they are sometimes used for cosmetic purposes outside of a medical setting, which exposes people to significant health risks.

In accordance with its marketing authorization (MA), the specific use of Ozempic is reserved in France for treating type 2 diabetes Insufficiently controlled. It is not authorized for weight loss. If you are obese or overweight and have associated risk factors, consult your doctor. They will be able to assess your situation and, if necessary, offer you appropriate treatment.

In France, Ozempic is available only available in pharmacies, with a medical prescriptionBuying it without a prescription, especially online, exposes you to a high risk of receiving substandard medication that poses a health risk.