Use these entries to understand general terminology, then follow the linked guide or official source for detail. A definition does not tell you whether a medicine is right for you, what dose to use or how to change treatment.
Quick reference
- GLP-1 is both a gut hormone and shorthand for a related class of medicines.
- Semaglutide and tirzepatide are active ingredients, not interchangeable brand names.
- Compounded means made by a compounding pharmacy, not automatically equivalent to an FDA-approved product.
- Terms such as “microdosing,” “natural GLP-1” and “GLP-1 patches” need extra caution because online claims can exceed the evidence.
Common GLP-1 terms
These short definitions are for orientation, not treatment decisions. Use the linked guide or official label when a term affects a prescription, safety question, coverage decision or product purchase.
| Term | Plain-English meaning | Continue reading |
|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 | A gut hormone involved in blood-sugar, digestion and appetite signaling. | Basics guide |
| GLP-1 receptor agonist | A prescription medicine that activates the GLP-1 receptor. | Medication list |
| Semaglutide | The active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. | Comparison |
| Tirzepatide | The active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound, acting on GLP-1 and GIP receptors. | Tirzepatide guide |
| Compounded | Made by a compounding pharmacy rather than as an FDA-approved finished product. | Compounding explainer |
| Microdosing | An informal term for a lower or nonstandard amount, not a universal protocol. | Safety explainer |
For the full ingredient and brand list, see our GLP-1 receptor agonists guide.
- GLP-1
-
Glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone released by the gut after eating. It is involved in blood-sugar regulation, digestion and appetite signaling. Read the GLP-1 basics guide.
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
-
A prescription medicine that activates the GLP-1 receptor and produces effects that overlap with the natural hormone.
- Incretin
-
A gut hormone released in response to food that helps the body regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 and GIP are incretin hormones.
- GIP
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Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, an incretin hormone. Tirzepatide activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
- Semaglutide
-
The active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. The brand, indication and delivery form depend on the product. Compare semaglutide and tirzepatide.
- Tirzepatide
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The active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound. It activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.
- Liraglutide
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The active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda, which are different branded products with different approved uses.
- Dulaglutide and exenatide
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Active ingredients in older GLP-1 medicines, including Trulicity, Byetta and Bydureon BCise. Their labels and administration instructions are product-specific.
- Compounded GLP-1
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A preparation made by a compounding pharmacy rather than manufactured as an FDA-approved finished product. Quality, labeling, availability and oversight can differ, so readers should verify the source and discuss risks with a qualified clinician.
- Microdosing
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An informal term that may refer to using a lower or nonstandard amount of a medicine. It is not a universal medical instruction or a substitute for the product label and prescriber guidance.
- Titration
-
A label-defined process of increasing a medicine in steps. The pace and amounts vary by product and are not a do-it-yourself schedule. Read the dosing guide with label links.
- Food noise
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An informal phrase for persistent thoughts or preoccupation about food. It is not a formal diagnosis.
- Natural GLP-1
-
The GLP-1 hormone produced by the body. Foods and habits may influence hormone release, but supplements marketed as “natural GLP-1” products should not be assumed to work like prescription medicines.
- GLP-1 patch, gummy or drops
-
Marketing terms used for products sold outside the standard prescription injection or oral medicine formats. A product using GLP-1 language is not automatically a GLP-1 medicine or FDA-approved treatment. See the safety guide.
Glossary questions
What is GLP-1 in simple terms? +
GLP-1 is a hormone released by the gut after eating. It helps regulate blood sugar, digestion and appetite. GLP-1 medicines are prescription products designed to activate the GLP-1 receptor for specific approved uses.
Are semaglutide and tirzepatide the same? +
No. They are different active ingredients and are not dose-equivalent. Semaglutide is in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus. Tirzepatide is in Mounjaro and Zepbound.
What does compounded GLP-1 mean? +
It means a preparation made by a compounding pharmacy rather than as an FDA-approved finished product. It should not automatically be treated as equivalent to an FDA-approved product.
Is microdosing an official GLP-1 treatment? +
No. Microdosing is an informal term, not a universal medical protocol. It is not a substitute for the exact product label or prescriber guidance.
How these definitions are checked
ThinkGLP uses official drug labels, FDA pages, NCBI terminology and peer-reviewed research where relevant. Definitions are intentionally short. They are starting points, not personalized medical guidance.