12 Common Wegovy Alternatives

Reasons to Consider Wegovy Alternatives

Some looking for weight loss medications need to consider alternatives to Wegovy. While Wegovy is a safe and effective medication for many, it may not be a good fit for everyone. Each person responds uniquely to weight loss medications, and switching to a different medication can sometimes lead to better outcomes.

Some individuals may experience uncomfortable side effects with Wegovy, such as nausea, headache, or fatigue. Some may be taking medications that interact with Wegovy, leading to potential toxicity or reduced effectiveness. Those who have allergic reactions to ingredients in Wegovy will need to avoid it, considering other medications or non-prescription treatments instead.

Insurance coverage, costs, and personal preference are additional key factors to consider. Some patients may find the cost of Wegovy a burden. If you are considering Wegovy alternatives, communicate with your prescriber and pharmacist to identify the treatments that may be a good fit for you.

What Medications Are Alternatives for Wegovy?

Wegovy is a commonly prescribed weight loss medication, but alternatives for Wegovy may be necessary for some. Several types of medications are available to help with weight management. Every Wegovy alternative medication carries risk and the potential for side effects.

Is There a Cheaper Alternative to Wegovy?

Because the medication can be costly, some may consider cheaper alternatives to Wegovy. Alternative medications like liraglutide (Victoza) or naltrexone/bupropion (generic Contrave) may be less expensive depending on location and the pharmacy used.²

Some of the most common alternatives for Wegovy include:

• GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 agonists: Ozempic, Rybelsus, Saxenda, Victoza, Trulicity, Zepbound, Mounjaro
• Appetite suppressants: Phendimetrazine, phentermine (Adipex-P, Lomaira), Qsymia
• Other weight loss medications: Contrave, Xenical (Orlistat)

How to Get a Prescription for Wegovy Alternative Medications

To get prescribed Wegovy online or in person, you will first need an evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for your weight management needs. The process of getting a diagnosis and potentially prescribed Wegovy online or in person may vary for people of different ages.

It is important to find an online provider who can prescribe peptide weight loss medications like Wegovy, such as PlushCare and Circle Medical. We have thoroughly reviewed these platforms, and in using the services ourselves, we have found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation.

A good place to start for an in-person medical evaluation is with your primary care provider. This may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. If they determine it is needed, they can refer you or your child to a specialist, such as a bariatric physician. They can further evaluate whether to include Wegovy as a part of the treatment plan for you.

Non-prescription Alternatives for Wegovy

Some wanting help with weight management may consider non-prescription alternatives to Wegovy. Over-the-counter treatments, lifestyle changes, and holistic therapies are non-prescription alternatives for addressing weight management needs. These options vary in effectiveness and research support.

Discuss these alternatives with your primary provider to understand which may be most helpful to you. Before taking an over-the-counter treatment or supplement, consult with your primary provider as they can interact with other substances and medications.

Wegovy Over-the-counter (OTC) Alternatives

Alli is an OTC form of orlistat, the active ingredient in the prescription weight loss medication Xenical.¹⁵ Alli is the only OTC weight loss treatment that has been approved by the FDA. The dosage for Alli is lower than for prescription Xenical, but it may be effective enough for some. Alli is intended to be used with diet changes and regular exercises to promote weight loss.

Many over-the-counter and natural products claim to help with weight management. However, quality studies are limited and have yet to show whether such supplements improve anxiety symptoms. Even without scientific support, some individuals may find these remedies helpful.

Supplement and natural alternatives to Wegovy for weight loss include:

• Dietary fiber: Found in fruits and grains, dietary fiber promotes fullness, regulates blood sugar, and aids digestion. For some, these effects may support weight loss efforts. Psyllium husk is another form of dietary fiber that comes in capsules, tablets, or powder form.
• Berberine: This extract may regulate metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity, which may help with weight management.¹⁶
• Green tea extract: Known for its antioxidants, green tea extract might boost metabolism and fat burning. However, scientific consensus is mixed.¹⁷
• Ginger: Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may enhance digestion and control appetite.¹⁷
• Turmeric: Turmeric’s active compound, curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties that could indirectly aid in weight management.¹⁷

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes can be highly effective alternatives to Wegovy. And for some, lifestyle changes alone may be enough to meet weight management goals. Healthy activities and routines can also enhance the results of using weight loss medications.

• Physical exercise: Increasing physical activity is a first-line recommendation for weight reduction. 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity such as walking is recommended.
• Healthy diet: Following a diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is another first-line recommendation for promoting weight loss. A balanced diet also supports brain health and mood regulation, which may also impact a person’s weight gain or loss.
• Stress management: Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can also support weight loss by addressing emotional and stress-induced eating patterns.
• Acupuncture: While the scientific evidence supporting acupuncture’s direct impact on weight loss is inconclusive, its potential role in stress reduction may indirectly aid weight management.