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Weight Loss

How Do Weight-Loss Medications Like Semaglutide Work?

Learn how today’s weight-loss medications differ from ones used in the past.

Lauren Smith, MABrian Clista, MD
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Brian Clista, MD
Updated on August 6, 2025
Featuring Stacia Woodcock, PharmDReviewed by Brian Clista, MD | August 6, 2025

There have been quite a few weight-loss medications in the past several decades, but none of them work like today’s headline-grabbing options, including semaglutide.

In this video, learn what makes modern weight-loss medications unique and effective, according to Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, Pharmacy Editor at GoodRx.

References

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Brian Clista, MD
Reviewed by:
Brian Clista, MD
Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

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