Diabetes Medications for Weight Loss: What to Know

There’s been a lot of buzz around type 2 diabetes drugs lately — especially because some of them may also support weight loss. Whether you’re living with type 2 diabetes or obesity, you’ve probably heard about drugs like Ozempic^® (semaglutide) that help manage both blood sugar and weight.

But how do these medications work, and what’s the best diabetes drug for weight loss? Is there such a thing as a diabetes shot for weight loss? And are these medications actually effective for people who don’t have diabetes?

In this guide, we’ll break down the facts about diabetes medications for weight loss, including which FDA-approved diabetes drugs can cause weight loss, how effective they are at reducing and managing body weight, and the possible side effects.

You’ve probably heard of people using diabetes drugs for weight loss.

When used off-label for weight loss, diabetes drugs are prescribed alongside lifestyle changes, like a healthy eating plan and increased exercise.

These medications affect the body in different ways, including helping the pancreas produce more insulin and lowering blood sugar levels. Newer diabetes drugs also act on parts of the brain responsible for appetite regulation.

Types of diabetes drugs for weight loss include:

• GLP-1s. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are a class of medications that stimulate the GLP-1 receptor in your pancreas. This leads the pancreas to produce more insulin, which helps lower blood sugar and promote weight loss. GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and type 2 diabetes include dulaglutide, liraglutide, and semaglutide.

• GIP/GLP-1s. These are dual-acting, meaning they target two receptors in the body: gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1. Besides acting on GLP-1, they mimic GIP. This hormone is released after eating to trigger insulin production and is linked with feelings of fullness. Tirzepatide is a GIP/GLP-1.

• Biguanides. These medications help keep blood sugar in check by making the liver produce less glucose. Metformin is a biguanide drug.

• SGLT-2 inhibitors. These help the body get rid of excess glucose by inhibiting its reabsorption in the kidneys, which can lead to increased urinary glucose elimination.

We’ll break down the different active ingredients in each of these diabetes drug classes ahead.

1. Ozempic

Ozempic was FDA-approved in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes and is sometimes prescribed off-label to support weight management.

This once-weekly subcutaneous injection contains the active ingredient semaglutide and belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by acting on a hormone affecting appetite regulation.

It’s among the diabetes drugs commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss (when a medication is prescribed to treat something it’s not FDA-approved for).

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, also makes Wegovy^® — another once-weekly semaglutide injection. The main differences are that Wegovy^® contains a higher dose, and it isn’t approved for type 2 diabetes.

Instead, Wegovy^® is FDA-approved for weight loss in people with obesity or those with an overweight BMI (body mass index) who also have an obesity-related condition, like high blood pressure (hypertension) or high cholesterol.

One Wegovy^® study followed nearly 2,000 adults with a BMI of 30 or more who didn’t have diabetes. Over the course of a 68-week treatment, they lost 15 percent or more of their initial body weight.

The list price for a one-month supply of Ozempic is $997.58, while Wegovy^® is $1,349.02. The actual price will depend on various factors, like your insurance plan coverage.

2. Rybelsus

Rybelsus^® is another brand-name semaglutide medication from Novo Nordisk — but unlike Ozempic and Wegovy^®, it comes in pill form and is taken daily.

In a Novo Nordisk–sponsored clinical trial, participants with overweight or obesity who took a 50-milligram dose of Rybelsus lost up to 17.4 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks.

This is promising, but there’s a small catch: That 50-milligram dose isn’t currently available from U.S. pharmacies. The versions you can get right now are 3, 7, and 14 milligrams.

It’s also worth noting that the study participants also followed structured lifestyle interventions, which likely boosted their results.

Still, this early research suggests that Rybelsus may support weight loss — especially when paired with diet and exercise.

The list price for Rybelsus is $997.58.

2. Victoza

Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Victoza^®, which is FDA-approved to manage type 2 diabetes, but it’s also prescribed off-label for weight loss. Saxenda also contains the active ingredient liraglutide, but it’s FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people with obesity.

Like semaglutide, liraglutide is an injected GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by regulating a hunger hormone. But there’s a key difference: While Ozempic and Wegovy^® are injected once a week, Victoza and Saxenda are once-daily injections.

If a once-daily injectable medication sounds like a lot, semaglutide might be the more convenient option. But for some, Victoza, Saxenda, and generic liraglutide may still be worth considering.

In one Novo Nordisk–sponsored study, 846 people followed a calorie-reduced diet and regular physical activity for 56 weeks. Those who took 3 milligrams of liraglutide lost the most weight — more than those who took 1.8 milligrams or a placebo.

List prices are around $543.51 for Victoza and $1,349.02 for Saxenda. Generic liraglutide can be a more affordable option.

3. Trulicity

Dulaglutide is another GLP-1 injection available under the brand name Trulicity^®. It’s FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and kids 10 and older, but it’s also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

Like semaglutide, Trulicity is a once-weekly injection.

And while it’s not officially approved for weight management, research suggests it may help support weight loss. A 2023 meta-analysis found that dulaglutide led to reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference — with greater weight loss linked to higher doses and longer treatment duration.

The list price for Trulicity is $1,064.

4. Mounjaro

Tirzepatide is the active ingredient in the brand-name drugs Mounjaro^® and Zepbound^®.

Mounjaro is FDA-approved as a diabetes drug but is also prescribed off-label for weight loss, while Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss.

Tirzepatide is a dual-action injection known as a GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. In simpler terms, it targets two gut hormones instead of one, helping to reduce appetite and food intake.

In a large 2022 study sponsored by Eli Lilly, people with obesity (but without diabetes) who took tirzepatide for over a year lost a significant amount of weight, with higher doses leading to even more significant results.

The list price for Zepbound is $1,059.87, while the list price for Mounjaro is $1,079.77.

5. Metformin

Metformin — a biguanide — is an oral diabetes medication that helps keep blood sugar in check by causing the liver to produce less glucose. It was approved by the FDA in 1994 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Besides blood sugar control, metformin may support weight loss by curbing appetite and changing gut bacteria in a way that helps promote weight loss.

It also has other benefits, like lowering the risk of heart disease and possibly protecting against some cancers.

A large review of metformin trials found that the diabetes drug helped people with obesity lower their BMI in a meaningful way.

One smaller study showed people lost an average of 13 to 15 pounds while taking metformin.

6. Jardiance

Jardiance^® (empagliflozin) belongs to a class of medications known as sodium-glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

Empagliflozin is a daily oral medication FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It’s prescribed alongside diet and exercise.

It works by stabilizing blood sugar and preventing reabsorption of filtered glucose. This drug may also lead to weight loss, as it basically causes you to pee out extra sugar. While not primarily prescribed for weight loss, some people notice they lose weight when taking these medications.

In addition to improving blood sugar control, SGLT-2 inhibitors have been shown to benefit heart and kidney health in many patients.

The list price of Jardiance is $629.43.

Generally speaking, GLP-1s, GIP/GLP-1s, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and metformin are considered safe and effective when used as prescribed.

That said, no medication is without the risk of side effects. The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications are gastrointestinal issues, including:

• Constipation

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Abdominal pain

• Nausea

More serious issues are possible with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Taking these drugs could elevate your risk for:

• Kidney disease

• Pancreatitis

• Thyroid cancer, especially those with multiple endocrine neoplasia

These severe adverse effects of weight loss diabetes drugs are uncommon, but they’re important to keep in mind.

These diabetes drugs all require a prescription. You can meet with a licensed healthcare provider in person or through certain telehealth platforms to get a prescription. This will likely entail a medical evaluation and a review of your personal medical history.

Although getting GLP-1s and metformin for weight loss varies by provider, they’ll typically ask you a handful of questions and calculate your BMI. Body mass index is based on your height and weight. It can provide a basic idea of body fat composition.

How to Get Diabetes Medications for Weight Loss Through Hers

If you’re exploring GLP-1s or oral medications like metformin for weight loss, Hers offers access to a wide range of treatment options prescribed by licensed providers.

GLP-1s available through Hers include:

• Wegovy^®

• Ozempic 

• Generic liraglutide

• Mounjaro

• Zepbound

Besides metformin, your Hers care team might suggest some combo of the following oral meds:

• Bupropion 

• Topiramate

• Naltrexone

• Vitamin B12

Getting prescribed weight loss medication through Hers is simple and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

• Online assessment. Complete a detailed intake form covering your weight loss goals, lifestyle, and medical history.

• Provider evaluation. A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information to determine eligibility. In most states, no live consultation is needed, but a video or call may be required in some areas.

• Prescription and treatment plan. If eligible, you’ll receive a prescription and a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals. No insurance is required.

• Direct shipping. Your medication ships discreetly to your door at no extra cost, including any supplies or instructions needed.

• Unlimited ongoing care. You’ll have access to free, ongoing virtual check-ins and provider support to address concerns, help manage any early side effects, and monitor progress. For example, if you’re experiencing nausea or you’re worried about starting weight loss meds because of this possible side effect, your care team might recommend a prescription anti-nausea medication like ondansetron (generic for Zofran^®).

You don’t have to pay for the consultation or have health insurance to get treatment through Hers.

For people living with overweight or obesity, losing weight can be a meaningful step toward improving medical parameters like blood pressure, cholesterol, and overall health.

But the path to weight loss isn’t always straightforward. Factors like hormones, metabolism, and underlying health conditions can make it feel especially challenging. In some cases, diabetes medications that support weight loss can be powerful tools to help move things forward.

Here’s what to keep in mind about diabetes medications for weight loss:

• GLP-1s and GIP/GLP-1s can treat both obesity and type 2 diabetes. They each function a little differently, but they generally work by keeping blood sugar levels in check and acting on hormones that affect appetite regulation.

• While medications like metformin, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are FDA-approved for diabetes, they’re often prescribed off-label to support weight loss.

• Wegovy^®, Saxenda, and Zepbound are FDA-approved for weight loss in people with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical conditions.

If you’re struggling with weight loss, talking to a healthcare provider can be a great first step. They can walk you through your options and help you decide what’s right for your body and goals.

Hers offers access to multiple weight loss drugs. You can connect with a healthcare provider to discuss possible treatment plans and see if you’re eligible.

Get started today with our free intake assessment.