Although the flagship GLP-1 brands Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have become household names, new benefits beyond diabetes and weight loss are still being discovered, and there’s a long pipeline of GLP-1 drugs in development. They all work essentially the same way—by mimicking peptides (small-chain proteins) naturally produced in the body to regulate glucose metabolism, hunger, and satiety. These drugs were on the market for many years as treatments for type 2 diabetes, but it wasn’t until evidence emerged for weight loss that they became so popular. It is now known that GLP-1 drugs improve cardiovascular, liver, and kidney health, and suppress the systemic inflammation that drives aging and disease. What is of particular interest to us here at PHASE Plastic Surgery is their potential role in longevity medicine.
We encourage you to read our guide to GLP drugs and call PHASE Plastic Surgery today for a consultation.
What Are GLP Drugs and How Do They Work?
Glucagon is a peptide hormone produced in the pancreas, and its function is to elevate blood glucose—the opposite of insulin. Glucagon is released in response to a drop in blood sugar, fasting, or exercise. It travels to the liver, where it triggers the breakdown of glycogen, a form of stored glucose. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), on the other hand, works to decrease blood sugar and suppress glucagon. GLP-1 is naturally produced in the intestinal tract and the brainstem. Drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide mimic the natural GLP-1 effects by binding the same cell receptor; this is why they are called GLP-1 receptor agonists (as opposed to antagonists).
GLP-1 and a similar hormone called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) are known as incretins because their main purpose is to regulate blood sugar after eating. Newer versions of GLP-1 receptor agonists also target GIP receptors and others, allowing for broader beneficial effects. GLP-1 drugs may affect individuals differently, and so it is important to be able to determine which one works best and have access to the one needed for that patient. For example, we generally find that tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP, works better for reducing visceral fat. Pemvidatide and survodutide, both still in clinical testing, contain GLP-1 receptor agonists in addition to glucagon. Retatrutide, new in 2025, is a triple-receptor product with glucagon as well as targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
| Brand name (generic name) | Dose frequency | Approved use* |
| Wegovy (semaglutide) | Once weekly | • Weight loss • Heart attack and stroke risk |
| Ozempic (semaglutide) | Once weekly | Type 2 diabetes |
| Rybelsus (semaglutide) | Once daily (orally) | Type 2 diabetes |
| Mounjaro (tirzepatide) | Once weekly | Type 2 diabetes |
| Zepbound (tirzepatide) | Once weekly | Weight loss |
| Saxenda (liraglutide) | Once daily | Weight loss |
| Victoza (liraglutide) | Once daily | Type 2 diabetes |
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | Once weekly | Type 2 diabetes |
*Approved uses are the on-label indications approved by the FDA for each manufacturer. This does not necessarily mean that other GLP-1-RA drugs or compounded versions are ineffective for those uses – only that they cannot be promoted for those indications.
Side Effects of GLP-1 Peptides
An important part of how GLP-1 receptor agonists work is by slowing down stomach emptying, contributing to a sense of fullness. This can also lead to nausea, bloating, and constipation. That is one reason why treatment is typically started at the lowest dose, increasing each month until the goals are met with minimal side effects, or switching to a different drug if needed.
Another possible consequence of GLP-1 peptides is the loss of muscle mass. Because fat accumulates in muscle tissue with weight gain, loss of overall muscle mass accompanies any form of weight loss. Still, preservation of muscle tissue is a vital part of anti-aging and longevity. For this reason, we often prescribe a growth hormone-secreting peptide like sermorelin to offset muscle wasting and amplify the effects of exercise.
Accelerated weight loss can also be bad news for facial aging: the so-called “Ozempic face.” We know that loss of facial volume contributes to an aged appearance, but there may be more to it than that. Fat tissue contains stem cells, which are important for their renewing effects in maintaining healthy skin. Loss of facial fat may actually diminish the skin’s natural regenerative ability. Facial rejuvenation beyond lifting and tightening needs to address this.
GLP’s in Longevity Medicine
Because the management of blood sugar and energy processing in cells is a central aspect of aging, it is no surprise that GLP-1 agonists could be an effective component of longevity medicine in individuals with and without diabetes. Every tissue type in the body – muscle, skin, brain – is critically affected by how well it processes energy. Here are a few ways that GLP-1 peptides may impact aging and longevity:
- Reduced glycation: The way that glucose control is measured over the long term is hemoglobin A1c, or glycated hemoglobin. Glycation affects tissues throughout the body and is closely correlated to the rate of aging. There is actually a biological age clock based on glycation (GlycanAge).
- Suppression of neuroinflammation: There is evidence that chronic inflammation is an important contributor to neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. GLP-1 peptides reduce neuroinflammation and thereby support brain health. (A clinical trial with the GLP-1 exenatide had positive effects on measures of Parkinson’s disease and was sustained beyond the period of the trial.)
- Reversing cellular senescence: When cells enter their twilight years, they sometimes enter a zombie-like state called senescence. Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging, and strategies to counteract it are a major focus of longevity medicine.
If you are looking for a way to improve your overall health and longevity, GLP-1 peptides may be right for you.
Determining Which One is Right For You and How To Obtain Them
A major hurdle to even broader use of GLP-1 receptor agonists is their cost, especially when insurance coverage is not available or physicians are hesitant to prescribe them. In some circumstances, certain GLP-1 drugs may be available from compounding pharmacies, similar to how we prescribe other peptides as part of our longevity medicine practice. One advantage of using compounding pharmacies is that they may be available at a lower cost when paying out of pocket. The regulations around this way of sourcing change frequently, but so far, we have been able to maintain access to most GLP-1 products at reasonable prices.
One thing we believe is important is to have an in-person evaluation to determine the best plan and select the GLP-1 that is best for each individual. Close monitoring and regular lab studies are also one of the keys to success.
Consultations for GLP Drugs Are Available Now
We encourage you to call us today to schedule your consultation and learn how GLP drugs can support your health, longevity, and aesthetic goals.
