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doctor explaining GLP-1 drugs to patient at Clinique Michel Gagner.

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GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss: What Patients Should Know in 2025

A recent study, published in August 2025, on the real-world weight loss results for patients treated with either semaglutide or tirzepatide paints a clear picture. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, and tirzepatide, a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist, are both new therapies in the treatment of overweight and obesity with similar mechanisms of action. This survey of 9916 patients, with generally similar characteristics, such as age, gender, and starting weight before treatment, had significant weight loss on average. After 1 year of treatment, the average weight loss with semaglutide was 14.6 kg, or 14.1% of body weight, while the average weight loss with Tirzepatide was 17.2 kg, or 16.5% of body weight.

These findings confirm what physicians have seen in practice: GLP-1 drugs can produce meaningful, sustained weight loss (PubMed, 2025).

At Clinique Michel Gagner, we see these therapies as one part of a broader toolkit that includes nutrition support, surgical options, and ongoing weight loss management. If you are interested in learning more about GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, the following should answer many of the questions you have. To learn more about how weight loss medications could be part of your personalized weight loss plan, get started today by completing our patient questionnaire. 

What are GLP-1 Drugs for Weight Loss?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone the body releases after eating. It slows digestion, helps control appetite, and increases insulin release from the pancreas. In people with obesity or diabetes, digestion, appetite control and insulin release are often impaired. GLP-1 medications bind to the same receptors as GLP-1 in the body and work by mimicking the hormone’s action.

These injectable medications help patients eat less and feel full longer while also allowing the body to produce enough insulin to keep blood sugar stable. Over time, this combination leads to weight reduction and better metabolic health.

Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1s have been repurposed for obesity after researchers noticed consistent weight loss among users. The results have been impressive enough for multiple FDA-approved and Health Canada-approved indications.

How do GLP-1 Drugs Work for Weight Loss?

GLP-1 drugs work throughout the body, including within the digestive system, where they slow how quickly food moves through the stomach and small intestine. This delay in food travel throughout the digestive tract signals the brain that the body has eaten enough. This reduces appetite which helps people lose weight through reduced caloric intake. The way GLP-1 medications decrease appetite allows for caloric restriction without the crash-and-crave cycle that often follows traditional dieting approaches. 

Beyond appetite control, GLP-1s stimulate  the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar rises, while simultaneously reducing the amount of glucagon the liver produces. Together, these effects lower blood sugar which supports fat loss. Fat loss has been shown to protect against high blood pressure, kidney disease, and other health conditions linked to excess weight.

How to Get GLP-1 Drugs in Canada

As of 2025, Canadians have broader access to approved pharmacologic options for obesity treatment than ever before. Six medications are now authorized by Health Canada for long-term weight management: liraglutide (Saxenda®), naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave®), orlistat (Xenical®), semaglutide (Wegovy®), tirzepatide (Zepbound®), and setmelanotide (Imcivree®).

Among these, semaglutide and tirzepatide represent a new generation of GLP-1–based therapies. 

Both are injectable medications that target hormonal pathways regulating appetite and metabolism.Weekly injections of these medications target the hormonal pathways which regulate appetite and metabolism. Semaglutide (Wegovy®) is offered at 0.25 mg weekly to start, which is progressively increased every four weeks until a maintenance dose of 1.7mg or 2.4 mg is reached. Semaglutide (Wegovy®) is approved for use in adults and adolescents above 12 years old. Trizepatide (Zepbound®), administered at either 5, 10, or 15 mg every week, is approved for use in adults in Canada and is a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist. 

The addition of these agents marks a significant step forward for patients in Canada seeking medically supervised options to treat obesity. Each of these drugs requires a prescription and should be initiated under the care of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in obesity management. Access remains uneven across provinces, as public and private insurance coverage continues to evolve. Many plans have begun expanding reimbursement as evidence accumulates for the role of GLP-1 therapy in reducing cardiovascular and metabolic risk.

The updated national clinical guidelines also make one point very clear: compounded versions or unapproved versions of GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists are not approved for use in Canada. 

At Clinique Michel Gagner, each treatment plan is individualized. Some patients benefit from medical therapy alone. Others may combine pharmacological therapy with bariatric surgery under the guidance of our bariatric surgery specialist.

Starting GLP-1 Treatment

The first step is a medical consultation. At Clinique Michel Gagner, a physician reviews your history, including family history, medications, and any pre-existing health issues such as diabetes, heart failure, gastrointestinal symptoms, thyroid disease, and others. The goal is to confirm that GLP-1 therapy is appropriate and safe.

Not every patient qualifies. Those with certain endocrine disorders or a history of severe allergic reactions may not be the best fit for this medication. GLP-1 drugs are not indicated for pediatric patients.

Financing is an important part of the discussion. Some insurance plans now cover GLP-1 therapy for obesity, though coverage varies. Our team helps patients explore payment and financing options.

Are GLP-1s Worth the Risk?

For many adults living with obesity as a chronic condition, the answer is yes—when used correctly and monitored carefully. The most common side effects are temporary nausea and/or digestive discomfort. These symptoms can be alleviated by ensuring proper water and fibre intake and also eating smaller, more frequent meals. The digestive symptoms typically resolve as the body adapts to the medication. The longer-term risks, while serious, are uncommon and usually manageable under physician supervision.

The benefits can be considerable. Patients often see improvements in energy, sleep, and mental health on a GLP-1 medication. Many regain control over their eating habits for the first time in years. Moreover, weight reduction can also lessen the strain on the joints and heart, improving overall health and mobility.

Still, GLP-1 therapy is not a cure. Stopping the medication often leads to re-gaining the weight that was lost.Sustainable success comes from combining medication with lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and regular exercise. In some cases, surgical intervention provides a more effective solution. Our clinicians discuss all these options openly, helping patients choose the path that best fits their goals.

Are GLP-1s Right For You?

If you’re considering a GLP-1 treatment, speak with a healthcare provider who understands both its potential health benefits and its limits to see if it is the right path for you. 

At Clinique Michel Gagner, our multidisciplinary team helps patients evaluate medical and surgical strategies for weight management. You can get started today with an initial assessment and see whether GLP-1 therapy fits within your broader health plan.

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