Ozempic requires a prescription Type 2 diabetes This drug, whose active ingredient is semagratide, Weight lossAs its popularity and demand grows, people are now looking for alternatives to Ozempic and medications that work similarly to the injectable drug.
“Ozempic is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. [U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)]”It’s approved for type 2 diabetes,” he explains. Priya Jaisinghani, MD“Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels by slowing stomach emptying and helping the pancreas release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high,” said Ozempic, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone Health.
Meet the experts: Deena Adimulam, MDHe is an expert in diabetes and endocrinology and an assistant professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Priya Jaisinghani, MDEndocrinologist at NYU Langone Health
But Ozempic is not the only drug of its kind. “There are many drugs in the same class (GLP-1 analogues) like Ozempic,” he said. Deena Adimulam, MDan expert in diabetes and endocrinology and assistant professor of medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Other medications are available for people with type 2 diabetes and those seeking medical intervention to lose weight.
Below, experts share some Ozempic alternatives (both pharmaceutical and natural) that are worth considering, as well as some that you should avoid.
Alternatives to the diabetes drug Ozempic
“If patients using Ozempic (semaglutide) to treat type 2 diabetes experience shortages or side effects, they may need to consider alternative medications,” Dr. Jaisinghani explains. Semaglutide (It is currently in short supply.) The good news is that “there are other medications indicated for type 2 diabetes that can be used as alternatives to Ozempic.”
Munjaro
GLP-1 is one of the drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) such as Munjaro.Munjaro (Tirzepatide) is a “twincretin” or GLP-1/GIP. FDA approved “It has an effect on type 2 diabetes,” says Dr. Jaisinghani, “by slowing gastric emptying, reducing food intake, and acting on hormones such as insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.” Glucagon and insulin Both are hormones that balance blood sugar levels: glucagon helps keep blood sugar levels from dropping too low, while insulin helps keep blood sugar levels from rising too high.
This injectable drug targets the same receptor as Ozempic (the GLP-1 receptor), but also targets the GIP receptor. Both receptors function in different but similar ways It acts on hormones and the digestive system in the body to manage type 2 diabetes.
Lubersus
Lubersus Semaglutide, an oral formulation, may be a suitable alternative to Ozmepic for people with type 2 diabetes. “Patients who find subcutaneous administration inconvenient or inappropriate may benefit from an oral option,” Dr. Jaisinghani noted. It works by lowering blood glucose levels via insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing sugar released by the liver. Pharmaceutical company Note.
Trulicity
According to Dr. Adimulam, Trulicty (dulaglutide) is an oral GLP-1 drug. It is usually taken once a week and many people A1C—Measure your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Many patients taking this medication A1C < 7%This is the goal for many adults with diabetes. American Diabetes Association (ADA).
Victoza
Victoza (liraglutide) is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, Dr. Jaisinghani says. VICTOZA websiteThis drug helps people with type 2 diabetes by slowing the rate at which food leaves the stomach, regulating sugar production in the liver, and helping the pancreas produce the right amount of insulin.
Ozempic Alternatives for Weight Loss
Despite its popularity among people trying to lose weight, Ozempic is actually do not have It’s FDA-approved as a weight-loss treatment, but “there are other injectable therapies for weight management,” Dr. Jaisinghani explains.
Wegovi
“Wegobi [which contains] Semaglutide is… FDA approved According to Dr Adimulam, there is an alternative to Ozempic “for weight loss” for people trying to lose weight: an injectable drug containing 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide, which works in a similar way to Ozempic: lowering blood sugar levels, slowing gastric emptying and regulating appetite. However, Wegovy Not covered by insurance.
Zepbound
Zepbound (tyrezepatide) “is a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist,” says Dr. Jaisinghani. It works in a similar way to Munjaro (tyrezepatide) by slowing gastric emptying, suppressing appetite, and regulating blood sugar levels. FDA approved For weight management.
Saxenda
“Saxenda (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. FDA approved “It is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) daily for weight management.” It works similarly to other GLP-1 receptor agonists to help patients lose weight in addition to making healthy lifestyle choices.
Kshmire
According to Adimulam, Kisumia (phentermine and topiramate) is not a GLP-1 receptor agonist, but it could be an alternative to Ozempic for people struggling with weight. FDA approved It is used for chronic weight management by suppressing appetite. It is taken orally in capsule form and is usually prescribed in addition to a calorie-restricted diet and increased exercise.
Over-the-counter Ozempic alternatives
“There are many over-the-counter weight loss products available and easily available to the general public, and seeing so many products can be confusing and overwhelming,” says Dr. Adimoolam. “Many of these over-the-counter products are not FDA approved for weight loss. [or type 2 diabetes]Additionally, many products have little to no research or data to prove their safety and effectiveness. Always consult with your doctor before considering any of these over-the-counter medications or supplements.”
If you choose an over-the-counter medication, discuss it with your healthcare provider and consider the following as “alternatives to Ozempic”:
Berberine
“Nature’s OzempicBerberine, a plant compound that’s often sold as a supplement in capsule or powder form, has gained popularity on TikTok for allegedly aiding in weight loss. the study There has been some evidence that berberine may help with weight loss, but it has never been formally compared to Ozempic or similar drugs. Like any supplement, berberine is not monitored by the FDA and may interact with other medications.
Psyllium husk
Psyllium husk is a type of soluble fiber that is often included in fiber supplements. Its effects on type 2 diabetes and weight loss medications have not been studied, but Fiber for Weight Loss It can be a useful tool in addition to other healthy lifestyle choices: Consuming soluble fiber “can increase satiety, help control food intake, and support weight loss efforts.” Heather Mangieri, RDNSports and Health Nutritionist As previously explained. One study Psyllium husk has been shown to reduce body weight, blood sugar levels, constipation, and cholesterol. However, Doesn’t mix well Combining it with certain foods or medicines can cause side effects, so it’s important to always consult a doctor before incorporating it into your daily routine.
Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any disease. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, be careful about taking dietary supplements. Also, be careful about giving supplements to children unless recommended by a healthcare professional.
Shannen Zitz is Prevention, It covers everything from lifestyle, health, beauty, relationships, and more. Prevention, She graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland with a BA in English. When she’s not reading or writing, you can find her frequenting skincare and makeup forums on Reddit or occupying the squat rack at the gym.
