Which obesity medication is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management?

Which obesity medication is a once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management?

• A. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
• B. Orlistat (Xenical)
• C. Naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave)
• D. Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Answer: (D)

Semaglutide (Wegovy) is the once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by slowing gastric emptying and increasing satiety, which reduces hunger and helps people eat less. The weekly dosing makes it convenient and supports better adherence compared with daily injections. Among the options, another GLP-1 agonist, liraglutide (Saxenda), is effective but given daily, not weekly. The other choices work via different mechanisms—Orlistat blocks fat absorption, and naltrexone/bupropion targets reward pathways—so they’re not the weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management. Wegovy combines a weekly schedule with robust weight-loss results seen in clinical trials, making it the best fit.

Semaglutide (Wegovy) is the once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management. GLP-1 receptor agonists work by slowing gastric emptying and increasing satiety, which reduces hunger and helps people eat less. The weekly dosing makes it convenient and supports better adherence compared with daily injections. Among the options, another GLP-1 agonist, liraglutide (Saxenda), is effective but given daily, not weekly. The other choices work via different mechanisms—Orlistat blocks fat absorption, and naltrexone/bupropion targets reward pathways—so they’re not the weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management. Wegovy combines a weekly schedule with robust weight-loss results seen in clinical trials, making it the best fit.