GLP-1 Glossary

A blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is considered normal. Doctors use this to diagnose and monitor Type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 medications can significantly lower A1C levels.

Indians and other South Asians carry more metabolic risk at lower body weights. The WHO recommends overweight starts at BMI 23 (not 25) and obesity at BMI 25 (not 30) for Asian populations. These revised cutoffs are important when evaluating eligibility for GLP-1 treatment in India.

A surgeon who specialises in weight-loss surgeries such as gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. In India, bariatric surgeons increasingly work alongside endocrinologists to combine surgical and pharmaceutical (GLP-1) approaches for severe obesity.

When a generic drug delivers the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream at the same rate as the branded version, it is said to be bioequivalent. Indian generics of semaglutide and liraglutide must demonstrate bioequivalence to receive CDSCO approval.

A number calculated from your weight and height (kg/m²) used to screen for weight categories. While BMI is a useful starting point, it does not measure body fat directly. In India, doctors use Asian BMI cutoffs which set lower thresholds for overweight and obesity.

A medicine sold under a trademarked name by the company that originally developed it. Examples include Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) and Mounjaro (Eli Lilly). Brand name drugs are typically more expensive than their generic equivalents.

A doctor who specialises in hormones and metabolism, including diabetes and obesity. In India, endocrinologists are the primary prescribers of GLP-1 medications and can guide you through dosing, titration, and monitoring.

A condition where the stomach empties food more slowly than normal. GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying by design (which helps you feel full longer), but in rare cases this effect can become excessive, causing persistent nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Report these symptoms to your doctor.

A medicine that contains the same active ingredient as a brand name drug but is sold under its chemical name or a different brand, usually at a lower cost. Several Indian pharmaceutical companies manufacture generic versions of semaglutide and liraglutide.

A hormone your gut naturally releases after eating. It tells your pancreas to produce insulin, slows stomach emptying so you feel full longer, and signals your brain to reduce appetite. GLP-1 medications mimic and amplify this natural hormone.

A class of medications that activate the GLP-1 receptor in your body, mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone but lasting much longer. This category includes semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide. They are used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The time it takes for half the drug to be eliminated from your body. Semaglutide has a half-life of about 7 days (enabling weekly dosing), while liraglutide has a half-life of about 13 hours (requiring daily dosing). Half-life determines how often you need to inject.

India’s apex body for biomedical research and public health guidelines. ICMR publishes dietary guidelines, obesity management protocols, and diabetes treatment standards that are tailored to the Indian population. Their recommendations inform how GLP-1 drugs are prescribed in India.

A condition where your cells don’t respond well to insulin, making it harder for glucose to enter them. Your pancreas compensates by producing more insulin. Over time this can lead to Type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 medications improve insulin sensitivity and help break this cycle.

A GLP-1 receptor agonist that requires daily subcutaneous injection. Sold as Victoza (for diabetes) and Saxenda (for weight management) by Novo Nordisk. Generic versions are available in India at lower prices. It was one of the first GLP-1 drugs widely used in India.

The brand name for tirzepatide, manufactured by Eli Lilly. Mounjaro is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for Type 2 diabetes. It has shown significant weight-loss results in clinical trials and is available in India through select channels.

The most common side effect of GLP-1 medications, especially during the first few weeks or after a dose increase. It typically improves as your body adjusts. Eating smaller meals, avoiding fatty foods, and proper titration can help manage nausea.

A chronic medical condition characterised by excess body fat that increases health risks. Using Asian BMI cutoffs, obesity is defined as BMI ≥ 25 for Indians (vs. ≥ 30 in Western standards). India has a growing obesity epidemic, particularly in urban areas.

A doctor (often an endocrinologist or internal medicine physician) who focuses on diagnosing and treating obesity using lifestyle changes, medications like GLP-1 RAs, and sometimes surgery. In India, obesity medicine is a growing speciality, especially in metro cities.

A brand name for semaglutide 0.25mg/0.5mg/1mg/2mg injection by Novo Nordisk, approved for Type 2 diabetes management. Taken once weekly via a pre-filled pen injector. Widely prescribed in India and also used off-label for weight management.

Inflammation of the pancreas, a rare but serious potential side effect of GLP-1 medications. Symptoms include severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

A pre-filled, pen-shaped medical device used to self-administer GLP-1 medications subcutaneously. It uses a small, thin needle and is designed to be simple to use at home. Most GLP-1 drugs in India come in pen injector form with dose-selection dials.

The daily intake level of a nutrient sufficient to meet the requirements of nearly all healthy individuals. In India, the ICMR publishes RDA values tailored to the Indian diet. While on GLP-1 medications, meeting your RDA for protein (around 0.8–1g per kg body weight) is especially important to preserve muscle mass.

A GLP-1 receptor agonist taken as a once-weekly injection. It is the active ingredient in Ozempic (for diabetes) and Wegovy (for weight management). Semaglutide has shown up to 15% body weight reduction in clinical trials and is one of the most prescribed GLP-1 drugs in India.

An injection given into the fatty tissue just under the skin, not into a muscle or vein. GLP-1 medications are injected subcutaneously, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The needle is very short and thin, making it relatively painless.

A dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly, sold as Mounjaro. It targets two gut hormones instead of one, and has shown up to 20% body weight reduction in clinical trials. Taken as a once-weekly injection, it is a newer option in the Indian market.

The process of gradually increasing a medication’s dose over several weeks to minimise side effects while reaching an effective level. GLP-1 drugs always start at a low dose and are titrated upward. For example, Ozempic typically starts at 0.25mg and may increase to 1mg or 2mg over months.

A chronic condition where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively, leading to high blood sugar. India has over 100 million people with diabetes, making it the world’s diabetes capital. GLP-1 receptor agonists are approved first-line or add-on treatments for Type 2 diabetes.

A brand name for semaglutide 2.4mg injection by Novo Nordisk, specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity. It is the higher-dose version of semaglutide compared to Ozempic.