Ozempic is the drug on everyone’s mind at the moment, being the subject of countless conversations and medical strategies. It’s become a super hot topic in everything from celebrity tabloid culture to generally fighting against the obesity epidemic. However, Ozempic was only ever prescribed for weight loss “off-label”, with the drug primarily intended for use as a type 2 diabetes management tool. That’s why anyone interested should also be aware of Ozempic alternatives on the medical market. This piece will put the spotlight on the Ozempic alternatives that doctors might prescribe, ensuring you understand all the right options when it comes to medicinal weight loss strategies.
Wegovy | Semaglutide for weight loss
Wegovy is probably the most relevant alternative to Ozempic, produced by the same organisation, Novo Nordisk, and using the same active ingredient, semaglutide, to mimic GLP-1. This mimicking of a gut hormone helps to regulate appetite, digestion and blood sugar, aiding with weight loss. Wegovy differs from Ozempic by increasing the amount of semaglutide in doses, making it more suitable for weight loss over type 2 diabetes alone. It’s considered just as, if not more effective than, Ozempic.
Mounjaro | Tirzepatide that packs a punch
Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, is considered by many healthcare professionals to be the most effective weight management option out there. It’s a dual agonist, meaning it mimics both GLP-1 and a similar hormone called GIP. GIP does much of the same things as GLP-1, stimulating insulin release, slowing down digestion and reducing appetites, meaning Mounjaro or other tirzepatide drugs aid with the same weight management issues on two fronts.
Other GLP-1 agonists
Other GLP-1 agonists include Saxenda and Victoza, each of which being powered by liraglutide and older than Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro. These drugs need to be injected daily rather than weekly and are considered less effective overall.
All of these Ozempic alternatives are injectable, while there are also semaglutide pills, such as Rybelsus that can be taken orally as a means of mimicking GLP-1. These oral pills generally aren’t considered to be as effective as injectable GLP-1 agonists, however, higher oral doses are in development.
Other prescription Ozempic alternatives for weight management
Alongside GLP-1 agonists, there are some other alternatives to Ozempic that doctors might prescribe to patients struggling with their weight.
Orlistat
Orlistat, sold under brand names like Xenical and Alli, is a lipase inhibitor that blocks around a third of the fat eaten from being absorbed in your gut. This fat is then passed in stool, contributing to modest weight loss, typically around 5-10% of body weight.
Contrave
Contrave is a combination of naltrexone and bupropion that attacks weight management from a mental point of view. It’s a daily oral medication that essentially affects the brain’s appetite and reward centres, helping to reduce hunger and control cravings.
Natural Ozempic alternatives | Lifestyle is everything
People who might not be totally obese, aren’t disabled by their weight or simply want to lose a few pounds might wonder about over-the-counter alternatives to Ozempic or more natural pathways. Yes, while there are supplements that claim to be natural alternatives to Ozempic, the truth is the best, most natural way to lose weight is through lifestyle changes, which must be enacted even if medical intervention is leveraged.
All the herbal supplements in the world are no substitute for exercise and a good diet, and without those, you could even end up reversing the results of prescription medications. As with any medical issue, your approach to managing your weight should be informed by a doctor. If you’re looking to make a change, book an appointment with a physician and start your journey with the right information.
