---
title: "GLP-1s Explained: How They Work, Simply (Philippines Guide)"
url: https://www.primaralabs.com/videos/glp1s-explained
source: Primara Labs, markdown mirror of the HTML page
---

# GLP-1s Explained: How They Work, Simply (Philippines Guide)

What GLP-1 is, how GLP-1 receptor agonists work, and how semaglutide, tirzepatide and retatrutide differ

## Transcript

What is GLP-1, and why is everyone talking about it? GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1. It is a hormone made by L cells in your intestine and released after you eat. Natural GLP-1 fades fast.

Half of it is broken down in about two minutes by an enzyme called DPP-4. GLP-1 receptor agonists are lab-made versions built to last much longer. They fit the same receptor, like a key in a lock, and trigger three main effects. They help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high.

They slow how fast the stomach empties. And they act on brain areas that control hunger and fullness. Then came newer generations. Semaglutide targets GLP-1 alone.

Tirzepatide adds a second gut hormone, GIP, so it is a dual agonist. Retatrutide, still in trials, adds glucagon, making it a triple agonist. Why the attention? In the STEP 1 trial, published in 2021, adults with obesity or overweight lost 14.

9% of body weight on semaglutide over 68 weeks, versus 2.4% on placebo. The most common side effects in trials were digestive: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation, often when starting or increasing the dose. Status: semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved prescription medicines in the US.

Retatrutide is not approved anywhere yet. If you are sourcing research peptides in the Philippines, Primara Labs publishes independent lab reports you can verify yourself. Guides at primaralabs.com.

## Chapters

1.  0:00What is GLP-1?
2.  0:04The natural hormone
3.  0:20How GLP-1 drugs work
4.  0:44Three generations
5.  0:57Why they are popular
6.  1:10Side effects in trials
7.  1:19Approval status
8.  1:26Lab reports and guides

## Related

-   [The GLP-1 landscape in the Philippines, 2026](https://www.primaralabs.com/blog/glp1-landscape-philippines-2026)
-   [Regulatory status by compound](https://www.primaralabs.com/research/status)

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