This article was reviewed by Darragh O’Carroll, MD.
Ozempic Alternatives for Weight Loss
Key takeaways:
- Ozempic® alternatives for weight loss include the injections Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, and Saxenda®.
- You can also get oral medications like metformin, topiramate, and Rybelsus®.
- You can switch from Ozempic® to another medication, but you’ll likely need to start on a low dose of the new medication.
Ozempic® is a diabetes drug from the pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk. It’s sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. When it comes to weight loss medications, it’s far from your only option.
There are many Ozempic® alternatives, including weight loss injections, like Wegovy® and Zepbound®, plus pills, like metformin and Rybelsus®.
Read on for more alternatives to Ozempic®, as well as how to switch and whether over-the-counter (OTC) and natural alternatives exist.
Ozempic® Alternatives for Weight Loss
There are many Ozempic® alternatives. Some are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. Others are diabetes drugs prescribed off-label for weight loss.
1. Wegovy®
Wegovy® is about as close to Ozempic® as you can get. Also made by Novo Nordisk, it’s a weekly injection that contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but in a higher dose.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
Wegovy® works in the same way as Ozempic® by:
- Reducing hunger
- Curbing cravings
- Increasing feelings of fullness (satiety)
Wegovy® is FDA-approved for weight loss and chronic weight management in people with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related health condition, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, or type 2 diabetes.
Research shows that people who take Wegovy® and make lifestyle changes can lose an average of about 15 percent of their body weight over 68 weeks.
You’ll probably start on a Wegovy® dose of 0.25 milligrams (mg). This will increase every four weeks until you reach a maximum dose of 2.4 mg.
2. Mounjaro®
Mounjaro® is another weekly injection that’s FDA-approved for blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. Like Ozempic®, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. This medication contains the active ingredient tirzepatide.
Tirzepatide is both a GLP-1 and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. That means it acts on two hormone receptors rather than just one.
Still, it works in a similar way to Ozempic®, by decreasing appetite and cravings and increasing fullness.
Research suggests that tirzepatide may be more effective for weight loss than semaglutide.
One study sponsored by Eli Lily — the manufacturer of Mounjaro® and Zepbound® — found that 10-mg and 15-mg doses of tirzepatide led to more weight loss in folks with type 2 diabetes than 2-mg doses of semaglutide.
However, 2 mg of semaglutide led to a similar amount of weight loss as 5 mg of tirzepatide — so it depends on which dose you take.
Your healthcare provider will likely prescribe a starting dose of 0.25 mg that gradually increases every four weeks. The maximum dose of Mounjaro® is 15 mg.
3. Zepbound®
Zepbound® is another weekly injection that contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. It comes in the same doses as Mounjaro®.
The difference? Alongside diet and exercise changes, Zepbound® is FDA-approved to:
- Reduce excess body weight and maintain weight loss in people with obesity or overweight with a weight-related health condition
- Treat moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity
Higher doses are more effective for weight loss. Research shows that people taking 15 mg of Zepbound® lose an average of 22.5 percent of their body weight in 72 weeks. This was compared to 16 percent with the 5-mg dose.
4. Saxenda®
Saxenda® is another GLP-1 drug. It contains the active ingredient liraglutide. One key difference from Ozempic® is that it’s a daily injection instead of a weekly one.
Alongside diet and exercise changes, Saxenda® is FDA-approved for people with obesity and a body weight of more than 132 pounds. It’s also approved for people with overweight and a weight-related health condition.
This is another weight loss drug that can reduce your appetite and increase fullness.
One study found that taking Saxenda® for a year led to losing roughly 15 pounds. When participants took Saxenda® and exercised, they lost even more weight — about 21 pounds.
Some research suggests Wegovy® is more effective for weight loss than Saxenda®.
Your medical provider will probably start you on a dose of 0.6 mg per day. This will gradually increase each week until you reach the maximum Saxenda® dose of 3 mg.
5. Victoza®
Victoza® is another daily liraglutide injection. It’s FDA-approved as a diabetes medication, but like Ozempic®, it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
You’ll probably start on a 0.6-mg dose of Victoza® that gradually increases week by week until you reach the maximum dose of 1.8 mg.
6. Rybelsus®
Rybelsus® is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with the active ingredient semaglutide. It comes in the form of a daily tablet. You take one tablet in the morning on an empty stomach.
It’s FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. This drug works in a similar way to many medications on this list, by reducing appetite and increasing fullness.
A healthcare provider may prescribe a starting dose of 3 mg a day that gradually increases month by month. The maximum dose, if you need it, is 14 mg a day.
7. Metformin
You might have heard of metformin as a diabetes drug. Like many medications on this list, it’s often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
It’s a daily tablet you might take once or twice a day — or sometimes even three times a day if you’re on a higher dose.
Metformin may work by reducing appetite, increasing fullness, and changing the gut microbiome in ways that promote weight loss.
Research from 2020 shows that metformin can reduce body mass index (BMI) by one unit.
8. Generic Liraglutide
What is a cheaper alternative to Ozempic®? Generic medications. Currently, generic liraglutide is the only generic GLP-1 drug available in the United States.
This daily injection contains the same active ingredient as Victoza® and Saxenda®. But it’s often more affordable than these brand-name liraglutide drugs.
Other Weight Loss Medications
There are additional weight loss drugs like Ozempic® (in that they help promote weight loss), including other oral weight loss medications.
Here’s more on those three medications:
- Bupropion. Bupropion is an antidepressant. It’s sometimes prescribed off-label as part of a wider weight loss treatment plan.
- Topiramate. Topiramate (Topamax®) is an epilepsy drug that’s sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. It may work by suppressing appetite and changing reward pathways related to food.
- Naltrexone. Naltrexone is a medication for alcohol use disorder and opioid dependence. It’s sometimes prescribed off-label to support weight loss treatments.
How to Switch From Ozempic® to an Alternative Medication
To switch from Ozempic® to an alternative medication, let your healthcare provider know you’d like to switch. They can talk you through your options and write you a new prescription, if suitable.
Then, your provider can recommend the best way to come off Ozempic®. This may include slowly tapering down your dose.
Once you’re off Ozempic®, you can start your new medication. You’ll probably need to start on a low dose, even if you were taking a higher dose of Ozempic®.
Are There Any Over-the-Counter Ozempic® Alternatives?
There aren’t any over-the-counter Ozempic® alternatives. Ozempic® is a prescription medication, so you’ll need to connect with a licensed healthcare provider who can determine if the medication is right for you.
The same goes for other GLP-1 injections and many oral weight loss medications.
There is, however, one OTC weight loss medication: Alli® (orlistat).
Orlistat for Weight Loss
Alongside a reduced-calorie and low-fat diet, Alli is FDA-approved for weight loss in people with overweight.
Orlistat works by stopping your body from absorbing some of the fat in food. This can help create a calorie deficit, when you consume fewer calories than your body needs, promoting weight loss.
Natural Alternatives to Ozempic®
There aren’t any real natural alternatives to Ozempic®. But you can take natural supplements and make lifestyle changes that might help regulate your appetite and promote weight loss.
Supplements include:
- Magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to inflammation, which can contribute to obesity. Supplementation may help reduce BMI, but more research is needed.
- Protein. Protein can reduce hunger and increase fullness. Get protein from whole foods — like chicken, fish, and tofu — or protein powders and bars, if you need to top up your daily intake.
- Fiber. Fiber can help you feel fuller for longer. Get fiber from fruits, veggies, whole grains, and fiber supplements, if needed.
Btw, the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements, so it doesn’t test them for safety and effectiveness like it does Ozempic® and other drugs. They can make a great addition to a holistic weight loss treatment plan, though. Check with your provider before taking any new supplements.
Beyond supplements, lifestyle changes can make for effective natural alternatives to Ozempic®. Those include:
- Eating nutritious foods. Reach for fruits, veggies, lean proteins, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats. Fill up on fiber and protein first to manage hunger.
- Doing more movement. Try to do some physical activity almost every day, and incorporate strength training into your routine.
- Getting enough sleep. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep. This can keep appetite and cravings under control. Cutting down on caffeine and pre-bed screen time can help.
- Drinking more water. Staying hydrated can also help keep hunger levels in check. If you struggle with portion control, try drinking a 16-ounce glass of water before meals.
All of this can help you reach your weight loss goals.
Ozempic® Alternatives: Wrapping It Up
Ozempic® isn’t right for everyone, but luckily, it isn’t your only option when it comes to weight loss medications.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- There are other GLP-1 injections. Those include Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, Saxenda®, and generic liraglutide.
- There are oral medications. Those include metformin, topiramate, and Rybelsus®.
- Each Ozempic® alternative has pros and cons. They come with different health benefits, side effects, and price tags.
- You can combine medication with lifestyle changes. Eating more whole foods, doing more movement, getting more sleep, and drinking more water can help you move toward your goals.
Figuring out the best medication like Ozempic® for weight loss is tricky. A licensed healthcare provider can determine if you’re eligible for weight loss medication and, if so, which one would suit you best.
FAQs
See answers to common questions about Ozempic® alternatives below.
What is a good substitute for Ozempic®?
A good substitute for Ozempic® is Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, Zepbound®, or generic liraglutide. These medications are all weekly injections that work similarly to Ozempic® to promote weight loss.
What are Ozempic® alternatives for type 2 diabetes?
Ozempic® alternatives for type 2 diabetes include Mounjaro®, Victoza®, Rybelsus®, and metformin. These are all FDA-approved to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Mounjaro® and Victoza® are injections, whereas Rybelsus® and metformin are pills.
Is there a pill that acts like Ozempic®?
Rybelsus® is a pill that acts like Ozempic®. It’s a GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic®, and can reduce your appetite to promote weight loss. Rybelsus® is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but is prescribed off-label for weight loss in some cases.
- Related: Weight Loss Treatment Medication Kits
- Related: Protein Calculator for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
