It was discovered in the saliva of the Gila monster, a venomous lizard found in the American southwest, although no one knows why the lizard produces a molecule that replicates the action of GLP-1 when injected twice a day
One side effect of GLP-1 use can be dehydration, and of course, alcohol can compound the issue
10.1152/ajpcell.00248.2012
For instance, 98% of Medicare Advantage plans cover at least one GLP-1 drug for the treatment of diabetes
For the oral Wegovy tablet, the starting doses (1.5 mg and 4 mg) are available at $149 per month through August 2026, with the 4 mg dose rising to $199 per month after that date
It signals the brain to reduce hunger, slows gastric emptying so you feel full longer, and improves insulin sensitivity