Top 5 Alternatives To Ozempic For Weight Loss

Ozempic—also known as Wegovy—is an FDA-approved injectable medication that can help patients lose weight and manage chronic weight problems. This has revolutionized the industry and given many patients an effective and simpler weight loss option. Administered as a weekly injection in combination with traditional diet and exercise, Ozempic is a safe medication and suitable for many patients with weight-related health problems or those who have trouble losing weight the traditional way.

However, Ozempic is not recommended for everyone. Some may have contradicting medical conditions or the injections do not fit their lifestyle. Additionally, due to normal biological variances between people, Ozempic may not work for everyone. Here are the top five alternatives to Ozempic for weight loss.

Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide belongs to the same class of medications as Ozempic, GLP-1 agonists. However, it uses a dual-hormone approach by also mimicking the GIP hormone alongside the GLP-1 hormone. For some patients, this can be more effective than Ozempic. It may also come with fewer side effects for some patients.

If a patient has been on Ozempic for several months, but has not seen adequate results, or continues to have uncomfortable side effects, Tirzepatide may be a viable alternative. It is also FDA-approved for weight loss.

Oral Semaglutide

Often sold under the brand name Rybelsus, oral semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic (semaglutide). However, it comes in an oral, or pill, form. Instead of being taken weekly, it is taken daily. This can better fit some people’s lifestyles, especially if they already take other medications every day. Oral and injectable semaglutide appear to have similar efficacy, and patients will likely see no major differences in results between Ozempic and Rybelsus.

The pill version of semaglutide does tend to come at a higher monthly cost than the injectable version. However, the cost is fairly comparable and it can be worth it for patients who routinely forget their weekly injections, feel queasy about the injections, or have adverse reactions to injections.

Wegovy

Ozempic—the original brand name for injectable semaglutide—is primarily marketed as a type II diabetes drug. Wegovy is the higher dose weight loss version of Ozempic. In general, higher doses of semaglutide are necessary for the degree of weight loss desired by most patients. Thus, Wegovy offers this option. Wegovy and Ozempic are otherwise identical. Your provider will help you determine the right dose during your consultation.

Dulaglutide

Dulaglutide—sold under the brand name Trulicity—is another GLP-1 agonist that can aid in weight loss. Like Ozempic and Tirzepatide, it can help slow digestion and better regulate your body’s appetite cues. Semaglutide and tirzepatide tend to provide better weight loss results, but Trulicity is a great alternative. Similarly, it is also an injectable medication that was originally used to help manage type II diabetes. Currently, weight loss is an off-label use of dulaglutide, but with other GLP-1 agonists receiving FDA approval, it is likely that other similar medications like Trulicity will be approved for weight loss too.

Saxenda

Another GLP-1 agonist option, liraglutide, or Saxenda, is specifically prescribed for weight loss. Unlike other similar medications, it is not routinely used to treat type II diabetes. It is also approved for use in children 12 and over. However, Allure Esthetic only prescribes medical weight loss to adult patients. Saxenda is also an injectable medication and does not have a pill form like semaglutide.

Medical Weight Through Prescription

Allure Esthetic Plastic Surgery in Seattle, WA is a leading plastic surgery clinic and medical spa. As part of their offerings, they provide medical weight loss through prescription medications that can help make weight loss easier and more effective. Diet and exercise are still highly recommended when taking these medications, and patients who make an effort to make even small improvements will typically see better results

The medical providers at Allure Esthetic customize the treatment for each patient. They can then have the medication delivered to them each month. Patients may choose to come into the Allure Esthetic office for their weekly injections if it is convenient for them. However, otherwise, they can administer the injections at home.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-209-0988. Patients can also reach out online via chat, contact form, or Price Simulator.