GLP 1 & Weight Loss

Is Metformin a Glp 1

Linda Girgis | MD

Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.

No, metformin is not a GLP-1 medication. Metformin belongs to the biguanide class of diabetes drugs and works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic) and liraglutide (Victoza) are incretin mimetics that stimulate insulin release and slow gastric emptying. While both medication types help manage type 2 diabetes, they have completely different mechanisms of action. Metformin has been the first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes for over 60 years, while GLP-1 agonists were introduced in the mid-2000s. Some patients may be prescribed both medications together as part of combination therapy for better blood sugar control.

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