GLP-1 & metabolic health glossary
Short, citable definitions of the entities referenced across the site — built for both humans and AI retrieval.
Key terms
Standalone definitions for the entities referenced on this page.
- GLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin hormone released after eating that slows gastric emptying, increases satiety, and stimulates glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are synthetic analogs that produce these same effects at higher, sustained levels than the body's own GLP-1.
Also known as: Glucagon-like peptide-1
- Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist administered by once-weekly subcutaneous injection.
Sold as Ozempic for type 2 diabetes (up to 2.0 mg/week) and Wegovy for chronic weight management (up to 2.4 mg/week). In STEP-1, semaglutide 2.4 mg produced ~14.9% mean total body weight loss at 68 weeks.
Also known as: Ozempic · Wegovy · Rybelsus
- Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist used for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Sold as Mounjaro (diabetes) and Zepbound (weight management). In SURMOUNT-1, tirzepatide produced ~22.5% mean total body weight loss at 72 weeks at the 15 mg dose.
Also known as: Mounjaro · Zepbound
- Titration
Titration is the gradual escalation of GLP-1 dose used to reduce gastrointestinal side effects during initiation.
Standard semaglutide titration is 0.25 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.7 → 2.4 mg weekly with at least 4 weeks per step.
- Metabolic health
Metabolic health is a composite of insulin sensitivity, glycemic control, lipid profile, blood pressure, and body composition.
GLP-1 therapy improves several of these markers independent of weight loss, including HbA1c and cardiovascular event risk.
- Appetite regulation
Appetite regulation is the network of hormonal and neural signals controlling hunger, satiety, and food intake.
GLP-1 agonists act on brainstem and hypothalamic circuits, increasing satiety and reducing food reward responses.
- Side effects
GLP-1 side effects are predominantly gastrointestinal — nausea, constipation, reflux — and concentrate during titration.
Most resolve within 4–8 weeks of stable dosing. Rare but important risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease.
- Plateau
A GLP-1 plateau is a stall in weight loss after an initial loss phase, typically reflecting a new metabolic setpoint rather than treatment failure.
Evidence-supported responses: confirm protein and resistance training are in place, then evaluate dose adequacy with a prescriber.
- Protein intake
Recommended protein intake on GLP-1 therapy is 1.2–1.6 g per kg of body weight per day to preserve lean mass during rapid weight loss.
Distribute across 3–4 meals of 25–40 g each to maximize muscle protein synthesis.
- Resistance training
Resistance training is structured strength work used during weight loss to preserve lean mass and metabolic rate.
Two to four sessions per week covering all major muscle groups is the typical minimum prescribed alongside GLP-1 therapy.
- Setpoint
Setpoint is the body weight the brain and metabolism actively defend through changes in hunger, satiety, and energy expenditure.
GLP-1 therapy appears to shift the defended setpoint downward; stopping the medication usually returns the setpoint toward baseline.