Non-surgical weight loss: A guide to effective weight loss medication
Kim Phelps
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Sep 15, 2023
Can you lose weight without invasive treatments? Learn more about injectable and oral weight management solutions to find out if they’re right for you.
At Levity we understand that the right approach to weight management looks different for everyone which is why when it comes to using weight loss medications it’s important to explore your options and find a treatment that is right for you. So, let’s break down how Ozempic works on a biological level as well as the variety of effective alternatives that are available.
Ozempic is the brand name for an injectable medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is part of a wider class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists which are often more simply referred to as GLP-1s. [1]
Ozempic was initially developed for the management of type 2 diabetes but has gained popularity in recent years due its effectiveness in promoting weight loss for adults with obesity.
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) is designed to mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone.
GLP-1 is a gut-derived hormone that is naturally produced in our bodies after food intake and its main purpose is to regulate blood-sugar levels, slow gastric emptying and increase feelings of satiety. However, the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone only last for a few minutes after eating which is why we find ourselves overeating or getting hungry between meals.
In contrast, semaglutide has a much longer half-life than the naturally produced GLP-1 hormone which means it stays in your system for longer and is why Ozempic is administered on a weekly basis.
Additionally, the presence of semaglutide does not fluctuate with food consumption meaning it has a prolonged impact on blood sugar levels and feelings of fullness, making it a great option for weight loss. [1]
While Ozempic is a generally well tolerated and highly effective weight loss medication, like all medications it does have the propensity to cause side-effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and fatigue. These side effects are typically mild and Levity's weight loss program includes personalized support and the team can assist with side effects management. [2]
Finally, for those who have an aversion to needles, the weekly injection schedule of Ozempic can also pose a challenge.
If you’re interested in using weight loss medication but unsure if Ozempic is the right choice, the good news is that there are a variety of alternatives available including oral and injectable GLP-1 medications and lifestyle interventions.
Compounded Semaglutide is a custom-made formulation of semaglutide, a medication commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes and obesity. Unlike commercially available semaglutide, which is manufactured and distributed by pharmaceutical companies under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy, Compounded Semaglutide is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy based on a specific prescription for an individual patient.
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection which contains the active ingredient tirzepatide.
Research has shown that Mounjaro may offer superior benefits compared to Ozempic, including greater A1C reduction and weight loss, the A1C test helps track your average blood sugar levels, providing valuable information for managing or diagnosing diabetes. [3] By targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, Mounjaro effectively manages blood sugar levels and aids in weight loss. It is widely recognised as a great option for individuals seeking a comprehensive approach to weight loss with patients losing up to 20% of their body weight in clinical trials. [4]
For patients seeking an alternative to Ozempic for weight management, Wegovy is a compelling option because it contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic. The key difference is that while both medications contain semaglutide, Wegovy can be prescribed at a higher dose and it is specifically indicated for chronic weight management.
In regards to clinical trials, adult patients have seen about a 15% weight loss with Wegovy compared to only a 6-7% weight loss with Ozempic. [3]
Saxenda is a GLP-1 agonist which is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity. It is designed to be administered as a daily injection and contains the active ingredient liraglutide.
Liraglutide works in a similar way to semaglutide to decrease hunger and slow stomach emptying, leading to increased feelings of fullness and reduced calorie intake. Saxenda has shown impressive results in clinical studies, with participants in a study losing 5-10% of their body weight while taking Saxenda over a year. [5]
Oral medication can be a better fit for some individuals who value the convenience and discretion of pills over injectable drugs or for those who find injections difficult or invasive to administer. The most notable oral alternative to Ozempic is Rybelsus, a medication that comes in pill form that also contains semaglutide as an active ingredient.
Rybelsus is a viable alternative to Ozempic for individuals managing type 2 diabetes. This oral tablet offers the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but in a convenient once-daily dose. However, it is important to note that currently Rybelsus is only licensed for insufficiently controlled type two diabetes.
For those who prefer not to use injections, Rybelsus provides an effective option for improving blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise.
While both Rybelsus and Ozempic work to manage type 2 diabetes, Ozempic offers additional cardiovascular benefits, reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. However, Rybelsus is a suitable alternative for those looking for a non-injectable option without compromising on the efficacy of treatment.
Overall, Rybelsus serves as a valuable alternative to Ozempic for individuals managing type 2 diabetes, offering a convenient and effective solution for blood sugar control. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if Rybelsus is the right choice for your individual health needs and lifestyle preferences. [6]
As Ozempic and other GLP-1 agonists have gained traction, so has discussion about "natural alternatives" to Ozempic.
Some of the natural alternatives getting attention online include food based approaches like "oatzempic" that claim to have the same weight loss benefits as GLP-1 agonists but without the side effects. Unfortunately, the "oatzempic" method is not backed by any credible sources and it is essentially a meal replacement diet , which is unlikely to lead to healthy weight loss. In fact, restrictive fad diets can often increase cravings.
When it comes to weight loss, adopting lifestyle modifications is one of the most affordable approaches. However, many patients find that achieving sustainable weight loss with lifestyle modification alone can be tricky.
When it comes to selecting the best Ozempic alternative it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication or supplement to ensure its safety and efficacy. Here’s a few things we recommend speaking to a professional about before starting treatment.
Remember, everyone may respond differently to treatments, so personalized guidance from a healthcare professional is essential in determining the most suitable approach for weight loss.
Discussing preferences and lifestyle with a healthcare provider can help determine which option may be the most convenient weight loss medication for you.
If you’re interested in weight loss medications like Ozempic or a cheaper alternative to Ozempic, start a short consultation with Levity to see if you're eligible for treatment here.
[1] Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2021 Feb 10;384(11):989–1002. Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
[2] Ozempic® Side Effects | Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg or 1 mg [Internet]. www.ozempic.com. 2023. Available from: https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/side-effects.html
[3] How do Mounjaro, Wegovy & Ozempic compare for weight loss? [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/mounjaro-wegovy-ozempic-compare-weight-loss-3570898/
[4] Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine [Internet]. 2022 Jun 4;387(3). Available from: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
[5] Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, Greenway F, Halpern A, Krempf M, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. New England Journal of Medicine. 2015 Jul 2;373(1):11–22.
[6] Ozempic vs Rybelsus Comparison [Internet]. Drugs.com. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/compare/ozempic-vs-rybelsus
National Health Service. Treatment - Obesity [Internet]. NHS. NHS; 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/
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Can you lose weight without invasive treatments? Learn more about injectable and oral weight management solutions to find out if they’re right for you.
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