Weight Loss Treatments

Weight loss medications that mimic GLP-1s are making headlines in recent years and touted as a ‘wonder drug’ for weight loss. Why is that? And what sets these medications apart from traditional weight loss medications? The drug’s effectiveness stems from its ability to mimic a naturally occurring hormone in our body, called glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1).

GLP-1 is a natural compound that is released from our intestinal track after we consume a meal and it then signals to the brain that we are full and to stop eating. This naturally occurring hormone in our body plays an essential role in regulating blood sugar, appetite and digestion.

Can GLP-1 Be Boosted Naturally?

Healthy dieting and healthy eating habits are ways one can boost GLP-1 naturally. A diet that is protein rich, high in fibre and diets that contain healthy fats such as monosaturated fats and omega-3s can enhance the release of GLP-1. Eating your meals slowly and taking carbohydrates later in a meal can also positively affect GLP-1 response.

That said, GLP-1 has a short lifespan in its natural form as its molecule gets dismantled by enzymes in our blood quickly. Studies have also shown that for diabetic or obese individuals, GLP-1 release tends to be weaker due to impaired function. This is one reason why some individuals may overeat and not feel satiated even after a full meal.

For individuals with poor or impaired GLP-1 function, GLP-1 medications can be used to help with amplifying GLP levels. These drugs mimic the GLP-1 hormone, but unlike natural GLP-1, these synthetic GLP-1s, which consists of semaglutide, have a stronger molecular structure that better withstands degradation and are designed to persist in our body longer. The consistency of synthetic GLP-1 makes it effective for weight loss and weight management.

Compared to older weight loss medications that typically only target one pathway, such as to block fat absorption, these newer GLP-1 medications containing semaglutide, target multiple pathways, by not just regulating blood sugar and slowing gastric emptying but also activating the receptors in the brain to suppress appetite.

Various GLP-1 Medications are available in Singapore – namely, semaglutide, liraglutide and tirzepatide. Semaglutide is available in both injectable and oral form while liraglutide and tirzepatide are available in injectable form.

What is the Best GLP-1 Medication for Weight Loss?   

With all these options, how do you decide which weight loss medication is suitable for you? Here are some key differences:

• While both OZP and WGV are semaglutide injectables produced by the same pharmaceutical, OZP’s official indication is for type 2 diabetes and used off-label for weight loss, whereas WGV is approved for weight loss in Singapore. WGV is also approved for weight loss in adolescents – 12 years and older, making it suitable for treating obesity in teens. OZP, on the other hand, is not approved for use by individuals below 18 years of age. Compared to OZP, WGV is also available in higher dose strengths, allowing for those who require more drastic weight loss or those who experience plateau at their current dose to titrate up to a higher dosage.
• Like OZP and WGV, RYB consists of semaglutide as its main active ingredient. It is the sole oral GLP-1 in the market as of 2025. Unlike injectable semaglutide which is administered weekly, RYB is a tablet meant to be taken daily.
• While belonging to the same drug class as semaglutide, liraglutide medications such as SXD stays active for a shorter time in the body and has to be injected daily instead of weekly. Studies have found semaglutide to be of higher effectiveness than liraglutide in reducing HbA1c levels and in achieving greater pronounced weight loss.
• Like OZP, MJ is indicated for the management of type 2 diabetes for individuals above age 18. It is not officially approved for weight loss in Singapore and prescribed off-label for weight management. While semaglutide and liraglutide both target GLP-1 receptors, tirzepatide targets both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which may offer enhanced blood sugar control.

In Singapore, obesity is defined as those with a BMI of ≥ 27.5. This is associated with increased risks in over 230 medical conditions including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases. For obese individuals, especially those of whom are genetically prone to weight gain, medical options can be considered.

Synthetic GLP-1 medications can be game changing for overweight individuals and those seeking significant weight loss. That being said, everyone can have a different experience and these are not necessarily intended for those looking to lose a few pounds. Exercise, a balanced diet and metabolism-boosting treatments should still be the first step.

If in doubt about which weight loss approach is right for you and your goals, reach out to us for an assessment with experienced doctors to evaluate suitable treatment options for you.