---
title: "Understanding GLP-1 Agonists: The ‘Weight Loss’ Drugs Taking the World by Storm"
description: What were once drugs intended for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 agonists have exploded in popularity due to their secondary function to help lose weight.
---

[ProAssurance News ](https://proassurance.com/news)

# [Understanding GLP-1 Agonists: The ‘Weight Loss’ Drugs Taking the World by Storm](https://proassurance.com/news/understanding-glp-1-agonists-the-weight-loss-drugs-taking-the-world-by-storm)

 Written by [ProAssurance](https://proassurance.com/news/author/proassurance) | 5/29/25 1:00 PM

What were once drugs intended for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 agonists have exploded in popularity due to their secondary function to help lose weight. However, while there are currently 10 GLP-1 agonist drugs on the market, only three of these are FDA approved for the treatment of obesity.

“The weight loss benefits of GLP-1 seem to be what’s driving popularity,” said Kelly Riedl, PA-C, CPHRM, Senior Risk Management Consultant, ProAssurance. “However, because of that popularity we’ve seen supply not being able to keep up with demand, leading to drug shortages.”

Shortages further drive off-label prescribing and have led patients to seek alternative sources, through the web or from compounding pharmacies.

Off-label use of drugs, such as those that are compounded, can play an important role for patients. But it’s important to also note that compounded GLP-1 drugs are not  
FDA approved and thus have not undergone the same testing for safety or quality.

[Click here to read the full article.](https://riskandinsurance.com/content-understanding-glp-1-agonists-the-weight-loss-drugs-taking-the-world-by-storm/)

[View full post](https://proassurance.com/news/understanding-glp-1-agonists-the-weight-loss-drugs-taking-the-world-by-storm)

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