GLP-1 Weight Management Medications | HerHealth Pharmacy

Weight Management

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications

A new class of injectable medications revolutionizing weight management. Clinically proven to achieve significant, sustained weight loss.

15–22%

average body weight
reduction in clinical trials

63%

of Canadian adults
are overweight or obese

$2T

global obesity-related
healthcare costs annually

Health Canada-approved
GLP-1 medications

How GLP-1 Medications Work

Understanding the science behind these breakthrough treatments.

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Appetite Regulation

Acts on hypothalamic receptors to reduce hunger signals and increase feelings of fullness after eating.

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Gastric Slowing

Delays gastric emptying, keeping food in the stomach longer. This extends satiety and reduces portion sizes naturally.

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Insulin Response

Enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reduces glucagon, improving blood sugar control and metabolic health.

Clinical Trial Results: Weight Loss Comparison

Average Body Weight Reduction at 68–72 Weeks

Data from STEP, SURMOUNT, and SURPASS clinical trial programs^[1][2][3]

Tirzepatide 15mg (Zepbound/Mounjaro) ~22.5% loss

Semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) ~16.9% loss

Tirzepatide 10mg ~19.5% loss

Tirzepatide 5mg ~15% loss

Semaglutide 1mg (Ozempic – diabetes dose) ~9.6% loss

Lifestyle changes alone (placebo) ~2.4% loss

Medication Comparison Guide

Medication	Active Ingredient	Mechanism	Approved For	Dosing Schedule	Starting Price
Ozempic	Semaglutide	GLP-1 agonist	Type 2 diabetes (off-label weight loss)	Weekly injection	$799/pen
Wegovy	Semaglutide (higher dose)	GLP-1 agonist	Chronic weight management	Weekly injection	$499/pen
Mounjaro	Tirzepatide	Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist	Type 2 diabetes	Weekly injection	$899/pen
Zepbound	Tirzepatide (weight dose)	Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist	Chronic weight management	Weekly injection	$450/pen

Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Both contain semaglutide but differ in approved indication and dose. Ozempic (max 2mg) is approved for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy (max 2.4mg) is specifically approved for weight management. Similarly, Mounjaro and Zepbound both contain tirzepatide but target different indications.^[1][2]

Who Is Eligible?

GLP-1 medications are prescribed based on specific clinical criteria

✓ May Be Eligible If:

BMI ≥ 30 (obese)
BMI ≥ 27 with weight-related condition (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sleep apnea)
Previous unsuccessful attempts at lifestyle modification
No contraindications (see right)

✗ Contraindications:

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant
History of pancreatitis (use with caution)
Severe gastrointestinal disease

Common Side Effects & Management

Nausea (usually decreases over time) 40–50%

Diarrhea 20–30%

Constipation 15–25%

Vomiting 10–20%

Injection site reactions 5–10%

Most GI side effects are mild-to-moderate and improve with dose titration. Starting at the lowest dose and increasing gradually every 4 weeks minimizes side effects.

Our GLP-1 Medications

All medications require a valid prescription and medical assessment

Rx Only

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Weekly injectable GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes management. Pre-filled pen with dose selector. Demonstrated significant weight reduction in clinical trials.

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Rx Only

Wegovy (Semaglutide)

Health Canada-approved for chronic weight management. Same active ingredient as Ozempic at a higher dose (2.4mg). Shown to reduce body weight by ~16.9% in the STEP trial program.

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Rx Only

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

First-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist for type 2 diabetes. Demonstrated the highest weight loss in clinical trials to date (~22.5%). Weekly injection pen.

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Rx Only

Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

Tirzepatide specifically approved for chronic weight management. Same dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism as Mounjaro. Most effective weight-loss medication available.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is approved specifically for weight management at a higher dose (up to 2.4mg weekly vs. Ozempic’s 2mg). Ozempic is officially approved for type 2 diabetes but is commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss. If your primary goal is weight management and you don’t have diabetes, Wegovy is the appropriate choice.^[1]

How long do I need to take GLP-1 medications?

Current evidence suggests these medications work best as long-term treatment. The STEP 1 extension trial showed that stopping semaglutide led to regaining approximately two-thirds of lost weight within one year. Most clinicians recommend ongoing use with periodic reassessment.^[4]

Are GLP-1 medications covered by insurance in Canada?

Coverage varies by province and plan. Some private insurance plans cover Ozempic and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. Coverage for weight management indications (Wegovy, Zepbound) is more limited but expanding. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.

Can I use GLP-1 medications if I don’t have diabetes?

Yes. Wegovy and Zepbound are specifically approved for weight management regardless of diabetes status. Eligibility is based on BMI criteria (≥30, or ≥27 with a weight-related condition). A medical assessment is required to determine if these medications are appropriate for you.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next dose is within 2 days, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

Do I need to change my diet while on GLP-1 medication?

While GLP-1 medications work independently, combining them with a balanced diet and regular physical activity enhances results and supports overall health. Many patients naturally eat less due to reduced appetite. Focus on protein-rich foods to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss.

References & Sources

Wilding JPH, et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1).” New England Journal of Medicine, 384:989–1002, 2021.
Jastreboff AM, et al. “Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1).” New England Journal of Medicine, 387:205–216, 2022.
Frías JP, et al. “Tirzepatide versus Semaglutide Once Weekly in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (SURPASS-2).” New England Journal of Medicine, 385:503–515, 2021.
Wilding JPH, et al. “Weight Regain and Cardiometabolic Effects after Withdrawal of Semaglutide (STEP 1 Extension).” Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 24(8), 2022.
Obesity Canada. “Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines.” 2020 (updated 2023).
Health Canada. “Drug Product Database—GLP-1 Receptor Agonists.” Government of Canada.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

All medications listed require a valid prescription from a licensed Canadian prescriber. HerHealth Pharmacy does not guarantee specific treatment outcomes. Individual results may vary based on health status, medical history, and other factors. Clinical data and statistics referenced are drawn from published research and may not reflect every patient’s experience.

HerHealth Pharmacy is a licensed Canadian pharmacy operating under the regulations of the relevant provincial college of pharmacy. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.