What Providers Need to Know Now: May 2025 GLP-1 Updates
GLP-1 medications continue to make headlines—and for good reason. These powerful agents are proving useful far beyond weight loss alone, and if you offer medical weight management in your practice, it’s critical to stay current.
From new indications and emerging drug formats to common pitfalls and misinformation, here’s what stood out last month—and what it means for your patients and your practice.
1. GLP-1s Are Being Studied for More Than Just Weight Loss
Notable updates:
1. GLP-1s Are Being Studied for More Than Just Weight Loss
We’re seeing rapid expansion in how GLP-1s may be used. Several recent high-profile studies freinforced their potential in treating obesity-related conditions well beyond diabetes.
MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis)
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that semaglutide (Wegovy®) significantly reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with MASH.
The findings were widely covered:
Provider Tip: Start screening obese patients for MASH or MASLD. Early diagnosis may help support GLP-1 prescribing and insurance coverage. Novo Nordisk anticipates an FDA decision on this indication by the end of 2025.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
GLP-1s, particularly tirzepatide (Zepbound®), are showing promise in reducing OSA severity—likely from both weight loss and inflammation reduction. Zepbound® recently gained FDA approval for this indication.
- How GLP-1s Could Help People Sleep Better (Endocrinology Advisor)
Provider Tip: OSA is another obesity-linked condition where GLP-1s may improve patient outcomes—and increase payer support for therapy.
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Early data from the TRANSFORM-AF observational study (presented at Heart Rhythm 2025) suggest GLP-1s may help reduce AF recurrence in patients with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Provider Tip: While hypothesis-generating, this adds to the growing list of cardiovascular benefits associated with GLP-1 use.
2. Oral GLP-1s Could Change the Game
For patients hesitant about injections, the long-awaited oral GLP-1s may finally be close to reality.
Orforglipron
Eli Lilly announced positive Phase 3 results for orforglipron, their once-daily oral GLP-1. The drug showed meaningful weight loss and blood sugar control—comparable to injectable GLP-1s.
- Eli Lilly’s new GLP-1 weight loss pill is working (Fox13 News)
- New daily weight-loss pill shows success in trials (The Guardian)
- Weight-loss drugs entering ‘new era’ with oral options (Fox Business)
Provider Tip: Once approved (possibly 2026), oral GLP-1s may boost patient adherence and expand access. Stay ready to discuss pros, cons, and efficacy with curious patients.
3. Tirzepatide Sets a High Bar
- The promise of tirzepatide: A narrative review (ScienceDirect)
Provider Tip: With weight loss of 15–20% and improved metabolic markers, dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists are raising the standard of care. Knowing when and how to position these therapies will improve patient outcomes.
4. Side Effects: Set Expectations Early
- The ABCs of GLP-1s: A primer (Nice Healthcare)
Provider Tip: GI symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common—especially during titration. Prepping patients with slow dose escalation, hydration strategies, and meal tips can go a long way in improving tolerance.
5. Don’t Let Patients Fall for “GLP-1 Supplements”
- What to know about GLP-1 supplements (NBC News)
Provider Tip: Be proactive. Ask your patients if they’re taking anything over the counter that promises GLP-1-like benefits—and steer them toward evidence-based care.
6. Lifestyle Still Matters
- The ABCs of GLP-1s (Nice Healthcare)
- Weight Loss Injections (The Lett Center)
Provider Tip: GLP-1s work best when integrated into a long-term plan that includes diet, movement (especially strength training), and behavioral support. That’s where your coaching makes all the difference.
7. What’s on the Horizon?
GLP-1s aren’t the only promising treatment in development.
Opaganib
Preclinical data for opaganib, an oral SPHK2 inhibitor, showed semaglutide-level weight loss in animal models—possibly with fewer GI side effects.
- RedHill Biopharma’s Positive Opaganib Preclinical Data (PR Newswire)
Provider Tip: Still early, but keep an eye on emerging drug classes. The next few years may bring even more personalized, mechanism-based approaches to obesity care. Programs like the Certified Medical Weight Management Provider™ (CWMP) annual certification ensure you are always up to date.
Final Word: Keep Learning, Keep Leading
GLP-1s are changing the landscape of weight management. These updates serve as a clear reminder that this field isn’t slowing down.
To keep offering high-quality care—and to stand out in a competitive space—stay informed, educate your patients, and keep your practice flexible. When patients see you as the guide who knows what works (and what’s hype), they trust you with their next step.
Launch Your Profitable Medical Weight Management Program
Learn how you can add a profitable medical weight management program to your practice with this free resource!
