Top Alternatives to Ozempic That Are EffectiveReviewed by Dr. Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, FOMAOzempic is a medication approved by the FDA for individuals with type 2 diabetes. While it is often used off-label for weight loss purposes, this may result in higher costs as insurance coverage may not apply. However, there are several alternatives to Ozempic available, including more affordable options through Hers, such as GLP-1 injections and non-GLP-1 weight loss pills.One notable alternative is Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient (semaglutide) as Ozempic but is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. Through Hers, Wegovy is offered at a 50% discount off the retail price with a six-month plan paid in advance. Additionally, oral prescription medications like metformin start at $69 per month with a 10-month plan.Read on for a detailed overview of the top Ozempic alternatives, including injections and oral medications, to help you find the most suitable option for your body and budget.
The amount of tirzepatide your body can handle varies from person to person. Most individuals start with a 2.5-milligram dose and gradually increase up to a maximum of 15 milligrams. If you want to learn more, we have compared Mounjaro with Ozempic.
Zepbound is the weight loss-approved counterpart of Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide. It comes in the same dosage as Mounjaro and functions in a similar manner. The only distinction is that Zepbound is FDA-approved for weight loss in individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with a weight-related condition. You can find out more about Zepbound versus Mounjaro on our blog.
Saxenda is a GLP-1 receptor agonist containing liraglutide and is approved for chronic weight management in individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition. Liraglutide works similarly to semaglutide by suppressing appetite, helping to reduce calorie intake, and promote weight loss. Typically, a medical provider would start you on a 0.6-milligram dose of Saxenda, gradually increasing it each week until reaching a maximum dose of 3 milligrams per day.
Research indicates that individuals taking a 3-milligram daily dose of liraglutide for a year experienced weight loss, which was further enhanced when combined with adequate protein intake and increased physical activity. Some studies sponsored by Novo Nordisk suggest that semaglutide may be more effective than liraglutide for weight loss.
Victoza contains the same active ingredient as Saxenda, liraglutide, and is also administered once daily. While Victoza is FDA-approved for blood sugar control in those with type 2 diabetes, it is also prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Rybelsus shares the same active ingredient as Ozempic but is available in pill form, offering an alternative for weight loss if you prefer not to use needles. Like a few other medications on this list, Rybelsus is FDA-approved for diabetes but is commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss. The typical starting dose is 3 milligrams daily, which may be increased to 7 milligrams after 30 days and possibly up to 14 milligrams after another 30 days, if necessary.
Metformin is an oral medication primarily used for diabetes but can also be prescribed off-label for weight loss. It is believed to aid weight loss by suppressing appetite and influencing the gut microbiome. Studies have shown metformin’s efficacy in reducing BMI, with additional benefits including anti-tumor effects and decreased risk of heart disease. Explore our guide on Ozempic versus metformin for more information.
For more information about how the two compare, please refer to the comparison chart.
Other Weight Loss Medications
Apart from GLP-1s, there are alternative oral weight loss options available through Hers. Customers can access a variety of personalized oral weight loss medications in kits tailored to their needs. These kits may include a combination of the following, based on the recommendations of your provider:
Bupropion: An antidepressant sometimes prescribed off-label to support weight loss when combined with other medications.
Topiramate: An antiseizure medication, also known as the generic form of Topamax, can help suppress appetite and make you feel fuller for longer.
Naltrexone: This medication can reduce cravings for alcohol and opioids and support weight loss when used in combination with other medications.
Some Hers kits may include one or more of the daily pills mentioned above, along with metformin and vitamin B12. Your care team will create a personalized weight loss plan based on your goals and health history, starting at $69 per month for a 10-month plan paid in full upfront.
Effectiveness of these non-GLP-1 oral medications: Hers customers following the oral medication kits, combined with lifestyle changes, have reported an average weight loss of 15 pounds or 8.4% of their body weight in the first six months.
*Based on self-reported data as of March 2025 from approximately 1,172 Hers customers on a personalized treatment plan, including oral medication kits, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. Customers reported their weight at the initial consultation and again at the six-month check-in.
How to Transition from Ozempic to an Alternative Medication
If you are currently taking Ozempic and considering switching to a different weight loss medication, consult a healthcare provider to explore your options.
If deemed appropriate, your provider can prescribe a new medication, guide you on how to discontinue Ozempic, and advise on when to start the new treatment.
Your provider may initiate you on a low dose of the new medication, gradually increasing it, even if you were previously on a higher dose of Ozempic.
Refer to our comprehensive guide on transitioning from Ozempic to Mounjaro for more detailed information.
Are There Over-the-Counter (OTC) Alternatives to Ozempic?
There are no true over-the-counter substitutes for Ozempic. Prescription medications like Ozempic, Zepbound, and metformin require supervision by a licensed healthcare provider and are not available without a prescription.
However, one FDA-approved OTC option is Alli, containing orlistat as the active ingredient. It is a weight loss aid that can help individuals lose a moderate amount of weight when used correctly. Orlistat functions as a lipase inhibitor, reducing the fat absorption from food and creating a calorie deficit crucial for weight loss.
Additionally, OTC dietary supplements marketed for weight
When looking for alternatives to Ozempic, natural remedies can be effective over time when combined with medication. Some of the most successful natural options include:
– Consuming a balanced, nutrient-rich diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
– Staying hydrated by drinking more water to support digestion.
– Engaging in regular physical activity, even light daily exercise can have a positive impact.
– Ensuring you get enough quality sleep, as it is linked to improved appetite regulation and metabolic health.
For structured support, consider a holistic weight loss program such as those offered through Hers. These programs provide expert guidance and access to both prescription and non-prescription tools through a comprehensive app to help you achieve your goals safely and sustainably.
In terms of Ozempic alternatives, there are various prescription medications available for weight loss, including injections like Wegovy and Zepbound, as well as pills like metformin. These medications differ in aspects such as cost, side effects, and administration method, but all aim to promote healthy weight loss. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine the best option for you and provide personalized medical advice.
Hers offers access to Wegovy at a 50 percent discount from the retail price for six-month plans paid upfront, as well as personalized weight loss kits with oral medications starting at $69 per month with a 10-month plan paid upfront.
For more information on weight loss injections and the long-term effects of Wegovy, visit ForHers.com. This article was originally published on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
