GLP-1 Agonists
Also known as semaglutide, tirzepatide, Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro
The most effective pharmacological weight-loss tools available. Powerful, expensive, and with real appearance trade-offs.
Highly variable — $200–1400/month depending on insurance, country and compounding.
How it works
GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying, act on hypothalamic appetite centres to increase satiety, and improve glycaemic control. Tirzepatide adds GIP receptor agonism, producing larger average losses.
How it's used
Weekly subcutaneous injection, titrated upward slowly to limit nausea. Requires a prescriber. Adequate protein intake and resistance training are essential to limit lean mass loss — this is where most people get the aesthetics wrong.
Trade-offs
In favour
- Substantial, reliable weight loss where lifestyle approaches have failed
- Reduced body fat improves facial definition and jawline visibility
- Meaningful metabolic health benefits
- Reduces food preoccupation
Against
- Weight regain is common after stopping
- Significant lean mass can be lost without resistance training
- Rapid facial fat loss can age the face — the so-called "Ozempic face"
- Expensive and subject to supply issues
Risks and side effects
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea, especially during titration
- Pancreatitis (uncommon)
- Gallbladder disease with rapid weight loss
- Contraindicated with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
- Muscle and facial volume loss if protein and training are neglected
How good is the evidence?
Large randomised controlled trials support substantial weight reduction; the aesthetic consequences are well documented clinically.
Sources
Sources point to guideline bodies and literature searches rather than single papers, so they stay accurate as the evidence moves.