In 2024, more than a billion people around the world are living with obesity. Among them, a major number of parents, caregivers and children are also confronted with this chronic disease. Due to rising rates of obesity, there is a growing need for effective weight loss solutions. A popular medication is Ozempic. Although, it is not the only option. Continue reading to learn more about Ozempic and its substitute medications.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is an FDA-approved type 2 diabetes medication. It is prescribed off-label because it is not approved as a weight loss medication. Its active ingredient is semaglutide which makes it effective for weight loss. It is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. This medication reduces appetite and lowers blood sugar levels.
Benefits
Clinically proven, on average, adults and children lose 12-14% of their body weight within a year. Other than weight loss, a few other major benefits include:
- Reduced waist circumference
- Improved cholesterol levels
- Improved blood pressure
- Improved blood sugar levels
Side Effects
Like any other medication, while using Ozempic you are likely to experience side effects. The most common and short-term side effects are:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Taking Ozempic might cause more serious side effects that include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Thyroid tumors or cancer
- Allergic reactions
- Kidney problems
- Vision changes
Suitability
Ozempic is suitable for:
- Adults who have type 2 diabetes and obesity
- Teenagers older than 18 years
Ozempic is not suitable for:
- Adults and teenagers who have a history of pancreatitis
Substitute Medications for Ozempic
Ozempic can be effective, although it is not the only weight loss option. Various substitute medications perform similarly. Let us compare them to read their benefits, common side effects and suitability.
Wegovy
The closest medication to Ozempic is Wegovy. It is also a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist with the active ingredient semaglutide, just like Ozempic. The major difference is that Wegovy contains a higher percentage of semaglutide and is FDA-approved for weight loss. This medication reduces hunger and lowers blood sugar levels.
Benefits
According to clinical studies, adults and children lose 15% of their body weight in 68 weeks on average.
Side Effects
Side effects of this medication may vary. A few common side effects include:
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
On the other hand, some of the serious side effects may include:
- Low Blood Sugar Levels
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
Suitability
Wegovy is suitable for:
- Adults with obesity
- Adults having at least one weight-related condition (diabetes and high blood pressure) and obesity
- Children aged 12 years or older with obesity
Mounjaro
Just like Ozempic, Mounjaro is also an FDA-approved diabetes medication and is prescribed off-label for weight loss. The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. This medication offers additional benefits because of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. The medicine is available in pharmacies and online stores so you can buy Mounjaro easily.
Benefits
Clinical studies show that Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic for weight loss.
Side Effects
The common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Although, serious side effects are rare, which include:
- Pancreatitis
- Low Blood Sugar Levels
- Vision Problems
- Kidney Problem
Suitability
Mounjaro is suitable for:
- Type 2 diabetic adults with a BMI of 27 or higher
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher
It is not suitable for those who have:
- A history of MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma)
- A history of MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2)
Lose weight easily, buy Mounjaro! But first, consult your doctor.
Saxenda
This medication is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist which is FDA-approved for weight loss. Its active ingredient is liraglutide which affects the hunger centers in your brain. [UJ1] However, the active ingredient liraglutide is less effective than semaglutide.
Benefits
According to clinical studies, adults and children lose an average of 8.4% of their body weight within a year.
Side Effects
A few of the common side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Furthermore, serious side effects include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
Suitability
This medication is suitable for:
- Teenagers aged between 13-17 with obesity
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher
- Adults having at least one weight-related condition (diabetes and high cholesterol) and with a BMI of 27 or higher
It is not suitable for:
- Individuals who have a history of medullary thyroid cancer
Zepbound
Zepbound is another medication that works just like Ozempic. It is FDA-approved. Its active ingredient is tirzepatide, a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. This medication plays a role in energy homeostasis and appetite regulation.
Benefits
According to clinical research, people lost an average of 20.9% of their weight in 72 weeks.
Side Effects
Some of the major common side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Injection site reaction
Furthermore, serious side effects include:
- Depression
- Suicidal Thoughts
Suitability
This medication is suitable for:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or higher
- Adults having a weight-related condition and with a BMI of 27 or higher
- Adults with genetic disorders related to obesity
It is not suitable for those with:
- A history of MTC (medullary thyroid carcinoma)
- A history of MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2)
Why Should You Consider Substitutes to Ozempic?
Ozempic might be an effective medication but there are several reasons to consider substitute medications. The reasons include:
Side effects
Medications have side effects that vary from mild to serious. Ozempic has some severe side effects including pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, thyroid cancer and serious allergic reactions.
Contraindications
Adults and children with high risk of rare conditions like medullary thyroid cancer and MEN2 (multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2) are recommended to avoid Ozempic.
Price
The cost of Ozempic may vary between 900$ to 1000$ per month, which is quite expensive.
Supply concerns
Ozempic is a popular medication, which means it has supply concerns. A healthcare provider may prescribe other medication simply because it is more easily available. You can buy Mounjaro and other weight-loss medicines through online pharmacies or medical stores.
Conclusion
Ozempic is an effective medication that shows visible results in weight loss. However, Ozempic might not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Factors like cost, side effects and supply concerns should be considered.
It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for weight loss medications. Consider the suitability of medicines and benefits for your overall health.