Oral weight loss medication vs GLP-1s: Which is right for me?
Kim Phelps
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Oct 10, 2023
Injectable weight loss treatments or oral tablets? Our experts help you decide which is the best treatment for your personal weight goals.
In the search for effective weight loss solutions, you may have come across medical treatments to support your journey. Some of the more well-known medications are: Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro. Each of these drugs has been developed to help boost results and help you lose weight safely, but what’s the difference between them? Our experts compare the three medications to help you make an informed decision about the best one for you.
Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. Originally developed for managing type-2 diabetes, Ozempic has gained attention for its weight loss benefits. It works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels and helps you feel full.
Studies have shown people using Ozempic experienced significant weight loss compared to those on a placebo. The drug has a dual action of lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss, although it’s only licensed as a type-2 diabetes treatment.
Wegovy also contains the drug semaglutide and has been approved for weight loss. It was approved by the FDA in 2021 as a dedicated weight loss medication. It’s specifically used for weight management in adults with obesity or if you’re overweight and have at least one weight-related condition.
While Ozempic is used to treat type-2 diabetes, Wegovy is a newer treatment that’s primarily prescribed for weight loss. Although both drugs contain the same active ingredient, they’re licensed for different uses. The increased dose of semaglutide in Wegovy is believed to enhance its weight loss effects. Clinical trials have shown that people using Wegovy experienced more significant weight loss compared to those using a placebo.
Mounjaro is a potent weight loss medication containing the drug tirzepatide. Unlike Wegovy and Ozempic, Mounjaro targets specific brain receptors to regulate appetite and metabolism.
It’s now also possible to get compounded weight loss medications too. These drugs use the same active ingredients and act in the body in the same way as branded medications, but are created by state-licensed pharmacies like Levity. Ours uses the active ingredient semaglutide to offer customers a weight loss drug that is readily available. Here at Levity, our Compounded Semaglutide comes in a vial and is self-administered using a syringe, rather than a pre-filled pen.
Clinical trials suggest that Wegovy may cause substantial weight loss compared to Ozempic. However, individual responses to medications may vary and be affected by factors such as lifestyle choices and underlying health conditions.
Like all medications, these treatments can come with some side effects. Nausea is a common side effect for Ozempic, Moujaro and Wegovy, but gastrointestinal side effects may be slightly more common with Wegovy due to its higher dosage. It's important you discuss your medical history and potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting any medication.
Medications can boost your weight loss, but they should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. To get long-lasting results from treatment, it should be combined with lifestyle changes.
Learn more about non-surgical weight loss solutions at Levity:
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Injectable weight loss treatments or oral tablets? Our experts help you decide which is the best treatment for your personal weight goals.
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In this post, our Levity experts break down the key differences between the two main active ingredients in popular weight loss injections, tirzepatide and semaglutide.