The year 2025 marks a turning point in the fight against obesity. Millions of people around the world are discovering GLP-1 treatments.
These drugs were initially designed for type 2 diabetes. Now, they are also used to help with weight loss. Names such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro are creating a buzz, promising up to 20% weight loss. But what exactly is GLP-1, and how does it affect our bodies?
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1, or Glucagon-Like Peptide-1, is a hormone naturally produced by the intestine. It plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels and appetite. After a meal, GLP-1 stimulates insulin secretion, slows gastric emptying, and sends a signal of satiety to the brain.
GLP-1 analog drugs mimic this natural action. Initially developed for the treatment of diabetes, they have shown a dramatic effect on weight loss. This discovery has led to the marketing of treatments such as Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and more recently Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
How do GLP-1 injections work for weight loss?
GLP-1 analogues act on several metabolic mechanisms:
- Appetite reduction: by acting on brain receptors, they reduce feelings of hunger and promote satiety.
- Slow digestion: gastric emptying is slower, which prolongs the feeling of a "full stomach."
- Blood sugar control : treatment prevents insulin spikes that cause cravings.
Result: the person eats less, more slowly, and feels full for longer, leading to a natural reduction in calorie intake.
The main GLP-1-based drugs available in France are:
Wegovy (semaglutide)
- Weekly injection
- Indicated for obesity or overweight with comorbidities
- Promotes an average weight loss of 15 to 20%.
- Prescription reserved for specialists (endocrinology, nutrition)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
- Daily injection
- Indicated for weight control in obese adults
- Progressive effect on satiety and blood sugar levels
- Requires close medical supervision to adjust doses
Saxenda is no longer available; it has been replaced by Wegovy.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
- Weekly injection
- Indicated for type 2 diabetes and significant weight loss
- New generation of combined GLP-1/GIP analogues
- Promising results in recent clinical trials
The Phenicia Clinic offers Mounjaro and Wegovy. The program is supervised by a gastroenterologist. He works with a nutrition coach and a hypnotherapist.
These treatments are only available with a prescription in France.
The French National Authority for Health (HAS) and the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) recommend these treatments only for patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. They may also be prescribed to people with a BMI greater than 27 when their health condition requires it, particularly in cases of hypertension, sleep apnea, or diabetes.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any drug treatment, GLP-1 analogues have side effects.
The most common are:
- Nausea, bloating, or constipation at the start of treatment.
- Fatigue or mild headaches during the adjustment phase.
- Digestive problems (diarrhea, reflux) if taken too quickly.
These medications should always be used under medical supervision. Abruptly stopping treatment or self-medicating can lead to a yo-yo effect with weight regain.
GLP-1: doctors' opinions and patient feedback
Healthcare professionals recognize the effectiveness of GLP-1 analogues. According to the HAS, they are a second-choice option. This occurs when conventional methods (diet, exercise, psychological support) have not yielded good results. Patients, on the other hand, often report a radical transformation:
"I lost 14 kg in six months without feeling deprived. My relationship with food has changed a lot," says Claire, 38, a patient taking Mounjaro.
Recent studies, such as SELECT (2024), show a benefit for the heart in obese patients. These patients are treated with semaglutide. This confirms the medical value of this treatment, beyond weight loss.
Can GLP-1 be purchased freely?
No. In France, the initial prescription of GLP-1 drugs is strictly regulated:
- It must be performed by an endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, or nutritionist.
- The renewal can then be carried out by the attending physician.
Online sales of Wegovy, Saxenda, or Mounjaro are illegal and dangerous.
Many counterfeit products are circulating on the internet and may contain toxic substances.
It is therefore strongly advised not to purchase these injections without a prescription.
Personalized medical supervision is essential to adjust doses and prevent side effects.
Comparison: GLP-1 drugs vs. bariatric surgery
GLP-1 treatments (Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, Mounjaro) are often presented as an alternative to bariatric surgery, but the two approaches are complementary.
- Bariatric surgery: rapid and lasting weight loss (25–35%), but invasive procedure requiring lifelong follow-up.
- GLP-1 drugs: average weight loss of 10 to 15%, non-surgical treatment, less risky, but requiring continuous use and strict monitoring.
- Allurion gastric balloon: an option without surgery or injections. It enables you to lose 10 to 15% of your weight in 4 to 6 months.
Phenicia Clinic offers a program that combines Allurion with post-Allurion GLP-1 injections. This aims to improve your weight loss journey.
What are the prospects for GLP-1 treatments?
Research is advancing rapidly. New molecules combining GLP-1 and GIP (such as tirzepatide, already present in Mounjaro) promise even greater efficacy.
Laboratories are also exploring oral forms, transdermal patches, and even combination anti-obesity treatments.
In the medium term, these innovations could change the way overweight is treated. They could also help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
GLP-1 treatments such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro represent a major advance in the fight against obesity.
By acting on satiety hormones, they enable significant and lasting weight loss while improving metabolic health.
However, they require discipline and proper supervision. These injections are not a substitute for a balanced diet. Nor are they a substitute for regular physical activity. They are a complement to overall medical treatment.
Before considering injections for weight loss, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
GLP-1 is truly effective, but caution is still essential.