Ozempic — typically a medication to treat type 2 diabetes — is the new hot drug to help support weight loss. You’ve probably seen dozens of dazzling transformations of celebrities thanks to their use of Ozempic, which has inevitably led to a shortage of the medication.
Thankfully, several prescription medications are just as effective as Ozempic, some even contain the same active ingredient as the popular drug, Semaglutide (a GLP-1 drug). This ingredient helps regulate blood sugar, as well as, regulates the appetite by making you feel fuller for longer.
Other weight loss medications besides Semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs can help support your weight loss journey. We’ve researched dozens of premium brands to find the best Ozempic alternatives to help you towards a happier and healthier future.
Summary of the Best Ozempic Alternatives
- Best Overall Ozempic Alternative: Reflex MD
- Best Weight Loss Support: G-Plans
- Best All-Around Weight Loss Program: EnhanceMD
- Best Injectable Ozempic Alternative: FuturHealth
- Best Telehealth Services: Strut Semaglutide
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an example of a newer class of medication, usually used to treat type 2 diabetes, which has gained attention recently because of its significant weight loss results. In some cases, people can lose 10 to 20% of their body weight in a short period. They’re called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and the GLP-1 in Ozempic is Semaglutide.Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of the hormone GLP-1 that is released by the gut after a meal. As well as supporting normal insulin action, GLP-1 sends a signal to the brain that makes you feel full, thereby regulating appetite and preventing overeating. The hormone also slows down how quickly the stomach empties, which makes you feel fuller for longer
Best Ozempic Alternatives
These are some of the most reliable online companies that have safe and effective Ozempic alternatives:Best Overall Ozempic Alternative: Reflex MD
Pros:
- Same active ingredient as Ozempic
- Complete virtual medical intake with a licensed doctor
- Free shipping
- Semaglutide is not suitable for use by those with certain medical conditions.
- Size: Monthly subscription
- Strength: 0.25mg of semaglutide once a week for the first 4 weeks, elevated to 0.5mg/week for the next 4 weeks, then further increased to 1mg/week for the final 4 weeks
- Key ingredients: Semaglutide
Starting your weight loss journey with Reflex MD requires just three simple steps:
- Complete a medical intake so a medical doctor can develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Meet a licensed doctor with weight loss experience to review your information virtually.
- If you’re a suitable candidate, you’ll receive your GLP-1 medication in the mail every month with discreet and free shipping.
Pros:
- Same active ingredient as Ozempic
- Personalized meal plan
- Money-back guarantee
- Not as many prescription weight loss medication choices as some other providers
- Size: Monthly subscription
- Strength: Not specified
- Key ingredients: Semaglutide
Included in your treatment program is a personalized meal program designed to support your weight loss journey. Your weekly meal plan is adjusted weekly based on metabolic tests to maximize the benefits of your prescribed medication.
So confident are G-Plans that you’ll lose weight using their combination of medication and meal planning, that they offer a full refund if you fail to lose 10% of your body weight.
Pros:
- Same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy
- Lab work included
- 100% money-back guarantee
- Only one form of weight loss medication
- Strength: 0.25mg semaglutide in weeks 1 and 2, 0.5mg in weeks 3 and 4, 0.75mg in weeks 5 and 6, 1.0mg in weeks 7 and 8, 1.25mg in weeks 9 and 10, 1.5 mg in weeks 11 and 12, and 2.5mg a week in the final month.
- Size: Monthly plans
- Key ingredients: Semaglutide
EnhanceMD also provides diagnostic lab testing to ensure that semaglutide is right for you and your body’s unique needs. They also help establish a clinical baseline, which is essential when it comes to monitoring progress and establishing if the medication is working. Plus, by checking for certain indicators, lab testing helps determine there are no kidney or liver problems before you begin treatment.
There are no hidden fees and if at any point during the onboarding process you;re found unsuitable for semaglutide medication, you’ll receive a full refund of your membership fee, minus the cost of diagnostic testing.
Buy now!Best Injectable Ozempic Alternative: FuturHealth
Pros:
Best Injectable Ozempic Alternative: FuturHealth
Pros:- Once a week, an easy-to-administer shot
- Same active ingredient as Ozempic
- Meal plans available
- A less established company than some of the others on our list
- Size: Monthly subscription
- Strength: Not specified until prescription confirmation
- Active ingredient: Semaglutide
To help you make the necessary lifestyle changes needed to get the most from the medication, FuturHealth provides you with a personalized meal plan based on the results of metabolic testing. This ensures that you’re getting all the nutrients you need in a balanced and healthy diet.
Buy now!Best Telehealth Services: Strut Semaglutide
Pros:
Best Telehealth Services: Strut Semaglutide
Pros:- Injectable and oral medication options
- Comprehensive telehealth services
- Free MD consultation and follow-up care
- Side effects are possible, particularly when initiating use
- Size: Monthly supply
- Strength: The injectable medication contains 2.5mg of Semaglutide/ml and the lozenge medication contains 250mcg of semaglutide per lozenge
- Key ingredients: Semaglutide
Both medications also contain vitamin B6, which also helps control appetite and hunger, by stimulating thyroid function, and also balancing hormones and water retention. Vitamin B6 may also help improve any side effects of Semaglutide.
A free online doctor consultation, at-home lab tests, and a medical history (including prior weight loss attempts) are used to create a custom treatment plan. Should you have any concerns or require a change in form or dosage, you’re supported by comprehensive telehealth services throughout your weight loss journey,. There are no hidden fees and you can cancel your subscription at any time.
Buy now!
How We Picked The Best Ozempic Alternatives
To ensure we’re recommending the best Ozempic alternatives, certain criteria need to be met.Proven Active Ingredient
The active ingredient of Ozempic is Semaglutide. So, first and foremost, we looked for companies that offer weight loss medications that use Semaglutide as the active ingredient or for other GLP-1 medications such as Liraglutide and Dulaglutide. We also considered brands that offer weight loss medications that contain other proven active ingredients such as Naltrexone/bupropion and Tirzepatide.Ongoing Physician Support
An initial consultation with an experienced weight loss physician and ongoing support is important. A weight loss journey is not an easy one, but it is made easier when you have ongoing physician support to help with lifestyle changes and any medication adjustments, as well as some moral support.Customer Reviews
The weight loss medication market is booming thanks to the results seen in high-profile celebrities after using Ozempic. Therefore, we must find ways of filtering out the less reputable brands from trustworthy weight loss medication companies.Verified customer reviews are an invaluable source of information. They provide insights into how well a weight loss medication works and how quickly, as well as the quality of follow-up care and additional resources.
How to Find the Best Weight Loss Medications for You
Finding the best prescription weight loss medication for you is not something you should do alone. First, and foremost you should have a consultation with a physician who specializes in weight loss treatment. They will be able to determine if you are a suitable candidate for weight loss medications based on your medical history and previous weight loss efforts.If you are eligible for weight loss medications, a physician will be able to talk you through your options, including which active ingredient is contained in each medication and how you can expect it to work. They should also provide information on potential side effects and risks, so you can make an informed decision about the best Ozempic alternative for you.
Several forms of weight loss medication are available. Injectable medications are probably one of the most common forms, but if you’re not comfortable or confident in injecting yourself, there are also oral medications including capsules/pills or lozenges.
Weight loss medications can be costly and usually require a sign-up to a monthly subscription. Make sure you get the most for your investment by going with a brand that offers ongoing physician care with your treatment plan, which includes medication adjustments as needed and advice on lifestyle changes to support your weight loss journey.
Benefits of Weight Loss Medication
Many studies have shown that weight loss medications, when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, can significantly aid weight loss, as well as improve patients’ overall wellbeing and ability to engage in day-to-day activities. Research also reveals that long-term use of Semaglutide can improve numerous cardiovascular risk factors including high blood pressure and plaque build up in blood vessels.One study in The New England Journal Medicine found that a once weekly dose of 2.4mg of semaglutide combined with healthy lifestyle changes experiences the following benefits after 68 week:
- 5% to 20% body weight loss
- Improved blood sugar levels
- Improved blood pressure
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Reduced waist circumference
Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Medication
GLP-1 medications - like Semaglutide - may cause side effects, particularly when you are new to the weight loss medications. Common side effects include:- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn
- Excess gas
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Persistent pain that beings in the middle of the stomach but may spread to the back, with or without vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing, sudden development of a rash, and swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Decreased urination
- Swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
- Vision changes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion, slurred speech, shakiness, and excess sweating.
- Anxiety, depression, and mood changes
FAQs
How long does it take for weight loss medications to work?
The majority of patients start to lose weight within a few weeks of starting medication. Typically, you’ll lose between one to two pounds per week, when you combine your medication with other healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise and eating healthy foods.However, if you don’t lose more than 5% of your body weight within 12 weeks, your physician may switch you to a different medication or a different treatment plan.
Who is eligible to take Semaglutide?
The FDA recommends Semaglutide and other GLP-1s for weight loss in those that meet one of the following criteria:- Have a BMI of 27kg/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure.
- Have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater
Who is not eligible to take Semaglutide?
Semaglutide - the active ingredient in Ozempic and other weight loss medications - is not safe for use for everyone. Those with the following conditions should avoid using GLP-1 medications:- Pancreatitis
- Conditions affecting the pancreas or kidneys
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Family history of medullary thyroid cancer
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a condition of the endocrine system.
What foods should I avoid while taking Semaglutide?
It’s wise to avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods, processed carbohydrates, and foods with a high salt content. Not only can these foods negatively impact your weight loss and health goals, but may increase digestive discomfort while using Semaglutide.In Summary
Due to a surge in popularity, there has been a huge surge in the popularity of Ozempic. But, you don’t need to worry if you’re hoping to start your weight loss journey, as there are plenty of great Ozempic alternatives that will aid your weight loss journey when combined with a healthy diet and exercise regime.The best Ozempic alternatives contain active ingredients that are proven to aid weight loss, such as semaglutide, which reduces appetite and makes you feel fuller for longer.
While starting on a low dose can mitigate your risk, weight loss medications are associated with some side effects, primarily forms of gastrointestinal distress such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Furthermore, some people with certain conditions are not suitable for prescription weight loss medication, so it’s important to consult with your doctor to check your compatibility.
THE CONTENT IN EPOCH BUY IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR TREATMENT. NEVER DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT, BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ IN THIS PUBLICATION. NEVER RELY ON INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IN PLACE OF SEEKING PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. EPOCH HEALTH DOES NOT RECOMMEND OR ENDORSE ANY SPECIFIC TESTS, PRODUCTS, PROCEDURES, OPINIONS OR OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE PROVIDED IN THIS PUBLICATION. SEE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
