What Providers Need to Know Now: June 2025 GLP-1 Updates
GLP-1 medications continue to dominate headlines—and May 2025 was a milestone month. With game-changing trial results, expanded treatment possibilities, digital dose optimization, and intensifying market competition, the weight loss landscape is shifting fast.
If you offer medical weight management in your practice, now is the time to revisit your protocols and prepare for patient questions. From definitive efficacy comparisons to surprising behavioral benefits and new safety signals, here’s what stood out last month—and how it could shape the future of your care model.
Table of Contents
Introduction
If you offer medically-supervised weight loss services, you already know that GLP-1 medications are reshaping how we approach obesity treatment. But staying on top of this fast-changing field can feel overwhelming.
In May 2025 alone, we saw definitive clinical comparisons between top medications, new therapeutic uses, market shifts, digital support innovations, and emerging safety considerations—all with immediate implications for patient care.
That’s why we’ve done the work for you.
Below, you’ll find a digestible breakdown of the 7 most important trends from May’s clinical research and industry news, along with what each means for your practice. Whether you’re already offering GLP-1s or just getting started, this update will help you better guide your patients, improve outcomes, and future-proof your protocols.
Trend #1. Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide – We Finally Have a Clear Winner
A long-anticipated head-to-head trial has confirmed it: tirzepatide (Zepbound) outperforms semaglutide (Wegovy) for weight loss.
In the SURMOUNT-5 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, participants taking tirzepatide lost about 20% of their body weight—roughly 50 pounds—compared to 14% (about 33 pounds) for those on semaglutide.
“Zepbound outduels Wegovy in weight-loss clinical trial” – Cornell University News
- Update your treatment algorithms. With insurance coverage and cost being equal, tirzepatide is now the clear first-line GLP-1.
- Prepare for patient questions. Those currently on semaglutide may ask to switch.
- Know your payer landscape. Coverage limits may still dictate choice. Some patients are already being forced to switch to “2nd-choice” drugs (NYT).
- Be ready to talk cost. Zepbound’s price has dropped to $349–$499/month (WSJ)—still a barrier for some, but more accessible than before.
Trend #2. GLP-1s Are No Longer Just “Weight Loss Drugs”
- Liver disease: Wegovy helped treat MASH, a severe fatty liver disease (Healthline)
- Cardiovascular disease: Rapid reduction in heart attacks and strokes reported in the SELECT trial (News-Medical)
- Sleep apnea: GLP-1s are showing benefits in obstructive sleep apnea patients (Rheumatology Advisor)
- Alcohol use: Users of liraglutide or semaglutide cut alcohol consumption by nearly two-thirds (EurekAlert)
- Cancer risk: New research suggests a 50% reduction in obesity-related cancers (The Guardian)
What This Means for Your Practice:
- Broaden your screening beyond BMI. Look for MASH, cardiovascular risk, alcohol use, and sleep disorders.
- Highlight these expanded benefits during patient consults to boost motivation and adherence.
- Use these indications to strengthen insurance authorization—GLP-1s are no longer single-purpose medications.
Trend #3. Digital Tools Are Changing the Game—And the Dose
New research suggests you can achieve impressive results with lower doses of semaglutide—if patients have strong digital support.
In one study, patients using an online support program lost 16.7% of their weight using half the typical dose (PatientCareOnline).
What This Means for Your Practice:
- Add digital support. These tools may lower costs, improve adherence, and optimize dosing.
- Start low, go slow. With good support, some patients may not need maximum doses to see results.
- Explore billing options for remote patient monitoring and support programs.
Trend #4. More Demographic-Specific Data Is Emerging
- Menopausal women respond as well as younger women to tirzepatide (NewYork-Presbyterian)
- Teen usage is up 50%, though barriers remain (NBC News)
- Children as young as 6 may benefit from liraglutide under close supervision (NEJM)
What This Means for Your Practice:
- Don’t overlook menopausal women—they may benefit as much as younger patients.
- Consider adolescent care protocols if you treat pediatric populations.
- Be prepared to advocate for insurance coverage, especially for younger patients.
Trend #5. Market Shifts Are Impacting Access
What This Means for Your Practice:
- Monitor insurance changes and keep an adaptable medication protocol.
- Have switching strategies ready for patients moved by their insurers.
- Stay current on manufacturer programs for patient support and discounts.
Trend #6. New Safety Signals to Watch
As usage increases, so does scrutiny. May’s safety headlines included:
- Concerns about psychiatric side effects (ScienceDirect)
- Risks for patients with asthma (American Lung Association)
- Ongoing issues around nutrient deficiencies and GI side effects (AJCN)
What This Means for Your Practice:
- Enhance mental health screenings before and during treatment.
- Be cautious with patients who have asthma or complex GI issues.
- Consider adding nutrition support into your protocol, especially for long-term users.
Trend #7. The Future of Weight Management Is Already in Motion
- Amylin mimetics are gaining attention (Nature)
- Mazdutide, a dual GCG/GLP-1 agonist, shows strong Phase 3 results (Yahoo Finance)
- Oral semaglutide is under review (Clinical Advisor)
- Muscle-preserving combos may help address lean mass loss (Regeneron)
What This Means for Your Practice:
- Be ready to educate patients who may be waiting for “the next big thing.”
- Position your clinic to pivot quickly as new drugs are approved.
- Consider participating in clinical trials or early access programs.
Final Thoughts: Stay Informed, Stay Strategic
There’s no doubt: the GLP-1 space is moving fast. But that doesn’t have to leave you—or your patients—behind.
By staying on top of new data, adapting your protocols, and making patient-centered decisions, you can be the trusted expert your patients need.
Want help staying current? Keep an eye on our ongoing coverage and training options for weight management providers at IAPAM.com.
FAQs About GLP-1 Medications
Is tirzepatide better than semaglutide for weight loss?
Yes. The SURMOUNT-5 trial confirmed that tirzepatide (Zepbound) leads to greater average weight loss than semaglutide (Wegovy)—about 20% vs. 14% of body weight—when compared directly in clinical trials.
Can I switch patients from semaglutide to tirzepatide?
Switching may be appropriate, but it should be based on individual patient response, insurance coverage, and tolerance. Providers should weigh risks of switching versus continuing a regimen that’s already working.
What conditions besides obesity can GLP-1 medications treat?
Recent studies show benefits for metabolic liver disease (MASH), obstructive sleep apnea, cardiovascular risk reduction, and even alcohol use reduction. These findings can strengthen coverage requests and support more holistic care plans.
Can digital tools help reduce GLP-1 doses?
Yes. Patients in online support programs achieved similar or greater weight loss using lower doses of semaglutide, suggesting digital health integration can improve outcomes and reduce medication costs.
Are GLP-1 medications safe for menopausal women?
Yes. Recent post-hoc analyses show tirzepatide is just as effective for menopausal women as it is for younger women, helping broaden the eligible patient population.
Can adolescents or children take GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1s like liraglutide and semaglutide are being prescribed more frequently in teens, and some studies support use in children as young as 6. However, insurance access and dosing protocols remain significant challenges.
What’s the latest on GLP-1 medication side effects?
New concerns include potential psychiatric side effects and nutrient deficiencies, particularly in long-term users. It’s recommended to screen for mental health risks and provide nutrition support as part of the treatment plan.
Are there new GLP-1 medications coming soon?
Yes. Amylin mimetics, oral semaglutide, and dual agonists like mazdutide are in advanced clinical stages. Some may reduce GI side effects or preserve muscle mass—common concerns with current therapies.
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