Weight Control Treatment: An Overview of GLP-1 and GLP/GIP Receptor Agonists for Nurses
The surge in demand for GLP-1 medications for weight loss has shifted how healthcare providers – and especially nurses – approach weight management conversations. Drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are now mainstream, with patients often asking about them before clinicians bring them up. As a frontline source of education and safety monitoring, nurses must understand how these medications work, what risks are involved, and how to counsel patients effectively.
What Are GLP-1 and GLP/GIP Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) are hormones naturally released from the gut in response to food. They help regulate blood sugar and appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists are drugs that mimic this hormone to increase insulin secretion, slow gastric emptying, and signal satiety to the brain.
GLP/GIP receptor agonists like tirzepatide activate both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, resulting in stronger appetite suppression and metabolic effects. These dual agonists are newer but gaining traction quickly due to their reported weight loss efficacy.
The most common GLP-1 medications used for weight control include:
- Semaglutide (Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, Wegovy for weight management)
- Liraglutide (Victoza for diabetes, Saxenda for weight loss)
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight loss)
How GLP-1 Medications Support Weight Loss
GLP-1 drugs promote weight loss through multiple mechanisms:
- Delayed Gastric Emptying – Food stays in the stomach longer, contributing to early satiety.
- Appetite Suppression – GLP-1 signals to the hypothalamus, reducing hunger cues.
- Improved Glycemic Control – Stable blood sugar levels help limit cravings and energy crashes.
- Lowered Food Intake – By reducing appetite and increasing fullness, patients tend to eat less.
Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss among participants using these medications. For example, the STEP trials studying semaglutide reported average weight loss of 15% or more of initial body weight. Tirzepatide has shown even more promising results in the SURMOUNT trials, with some patients losing over 20% of their body weight.
“Nurses are often the first and most consistent touchpoints in the patient experience. It’s critical to provide clear, honest information about what these drugs can and cannot do”
Patient Safety and Monitoring Considerations
While GLP-1 medications are highly effective, they require careful monitoring. Nurses play a key role in identifying contraindications, educating on side effects, and supporting adherence.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
These are usually dose-dependent and may improve over time. However, nurses should assess patients for more serious adverse effects, such as:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Renal impairment due to dehydration
- Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (in animal studies)
Caution is warranted in patients with:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Severe gastrointestinal disease
In addition, GLP-1 medications are not intended for use in individuals with type 1 diabetes or as first-line treatment for obesity without lifestyle intervention.
Counseling Patients: What Nurses Should Say
Nurses are often the first and most consistent touchpoints in the patient experience. It’s critical to provide clear, honest information about what these drugs can and cannot do.
Key education points include:
- GLP-1s are tools, not cures. Without lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, behavior modification), results may not be sustained.
- Titration is important. Doses are gradually increased to minimize side effects.
- Stopping the medication can lead to weight regain. Many patients experience rebound weight gain if the medication is discontinued abruptly or without a plan.
- Cost and access vary. These medications are expensive and often not covered without a qualifying diagnosis (e.g., BMI threshold or diabetes).
Managing expectations is a major part of this conversation. While social media often hypes rapid weight loss, the reality is more complex, and nurses are essential in grounding patients in the evidence.
FAQs Nurses May Have
1. What’s the difference between GLP-1 and GLP/GIP receptor agonists?
GLP-1 agonists stimulate one receptor, while GLP/GIP agonists target two. The dual effect can lead to more pronounced weight loss and metabolic improvements.
2. Are these medications only for diabetes?
No. Some GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Saxenda are FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, independent of diabetes.
3. What are the long-term risks of using GLP-1 medications?
Data on long-term use is still emerging. Potential risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and possible thyroid concerns.
4. How do you manage the common side effects like nausea?
Start at the lowest dose and increase slowly. Encourage small, bland meals and hydration. Most symptoms improve with time.
5. Can GLP-1s be combined with other weight loss treatments?
Caution is advised. Many providers avoid combining GLP-1s with other appetite suppressants. A full medication review is essential.
Trusted Resources to Learn More
To stay current on weight control pharmacology, nurses can explore the following resources:
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- American Gastroenterological Association – Obesity Guidelines
- FDA Drug Safety and Medication Guides
These sources provide reliable, evidence-based updates on weight management therapies, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Continuing Education
For nurses looking to deepen their understanding of GLP-1 therapies, NurseCE4Less offers two in-depth, evidence-based continuing education courses. “Weight Control Treatment: An Overview of GLP-1 and GLP-GIP Receptor Agonists” provides a comprehensive look at the mechanisms, uses, and safety considerations of these medications. For a closer focus on one of the most widely discussed GLP-1 agents, “Semaglutide in Diabetes, Obesity, and Beyond: Evidence-Based Applications and Research“ explores current clinical applications and emerging research. Both courses support clinical excellence in the rapidly evolving field of metabolic health. Nursing professionals can take these courses for free as an Unlimited Plan member.
Final Thoughts
GLP-1 and GLP/GIP receptor agonists are reshaping how we approach obesity treatment. As more patients turn to these medications, nurses must be prepared to explain how they work, monitor for side effects, and counsel patients through the process. Beyond the headlines and hype, it’s clinical knowledge, practical communication, and ongoing education that drive safe and effective outcomes.
References
Andraos, John, Muhar, Harlene. & Smith, Shawn. “Beyond glycemia: Comparing tirzepatide to GLP-1 analogues”. Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders 24 (2023): 1089–110. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-023-09825-1
Kaneko, Shizuka. “Tirzepatide: A Novel, Once-weekly Dual GIP and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.” TouchREVIEWS in Endocrinology 18 no.1 (2022): 10-19. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9354517/
Le Roux, Carel & Mondoh, Alvin.. “Treatment of obesity with medications binding the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor: what is the current state of play?” Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy 25 no. 2 (2024): 131–138. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14656566.2024.2311731
Author Bio
Maria Jasanya is currently a Nurse Educator at NYU Langone – Brooklyn and an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Long Island University – Brooklyn and Hunter College. She completed her MSN in Nurse Midwifery at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and her post-MSN in Nursing Education at SUNY Stony Brook. She has devoted herself to be a lifelong learner and encourages nurses to do the same!
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