Key Takeaways
- Wegovy is an FDA-approved medication for weight loss. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps with weight loss by regulating appetite and delaying gastric emptying.
- Some reasons for considering alternatives to Wegovy include medication shortages, high costs, side effects, and personal preferences.
- Compounded injectable Semaglutide and oral Semaglutide drops or tablets are potential Wegovy alternatives for weight loss.
- The dose of compounded Semaglutide injections, drops, and tablets can be customized to meet individual needs.
- Weight loss can also be achieved through dietary changes, regular physical activity, behavioral therapies, and mindfulness techniques.
Introduction
Wegovy has gained significant attention as an effective medication for weight loss. However, it’s not the only option available for those seeking to manage their weight.
With the growing interest in weight loss solutions, many people are exploring alternatives to Wegovy for reasons such as high costs, issues with accessibility, side effects, or personal preferences.
In this blog, we’ll explore some effective and safe alternatives to Wegovy, including how they work, their potential benefits, and what to consider when choosing an alternative weight loss method.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is an oral medication approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for weight loss. The primary ingredient of this drug is Semaglutide. [1]
Clinical research has demonstrated that adults taking Wegovy lose nearly 15% of their body weight, or approximately 35 pounds, on average, within 68 months of starting treatment. [2]
Wegovy is prescribed to adults who are obese and have a BMI of 30 or higher. It is also suitable for overweight patients with a BMI of 27 or higher when they have a health condition associated with weight gain.
In some cases, Wegovy can also be prescribed to children above 12 years of age if certain BMI conditions for their age and gender are met. Children in this age group may be eligible for Wegovy if their BMI is at or above the 95th percentile, adjusted for age and sex. [3]
How Does Wegovy Work for Weight Loss?
Wegovy promotes weight loss by targeting the appetite centers in the brain. The primary ingredient of this drug, Semaglutide, acts as a GLP-1 agonist.
GLP-1 is a hormone that is naturally released in response to food intake. Wegovy mimics the action of GLP-1 and interacts with receptors in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which plays a role in regulating hunger and cravings.
This helps reduce your appetite and makes you feel fuller for longer periods after eating, eventually lowering your food intake.
Another important mechanism by which Wegovy helps with weight loss is by delaying gastric emptying. Gastric emptying refers to the rate at which food leaves the stomach to enter the small intestine. The delayed gastric emptying allows the food to remain in the stomach for longer, keeping you from overeating.
These effects of Wegovy lower your overall calorie consumption, making it easier for you to lose weight.
Benefits Of Wegovy
Wegovy is an FDA-approved prescription medication for weight management in adults struggling with obesity or overweight conditions.
One of the most significant benefits of Wegovy is its ability to promote substantial and sustained weight loss. [4]
Controlled clinical trials have demonstrated that, on average, Wegovy can help you lose about 15% of your initial body weight over 68 weeks. For example, if you start using Wegovy at 230 lbs (104 kg), you can expect to lose approximately 35 lbs or (15.8 kg). [5]
Another benefit of Wegovy is that it acts on areas of the brain that are involved in appetite regulation. This reduces hunger and increases feelings of fullness, making it easier for you to consume fewer calories without the constant battle against hunger and cravings.
As a result, Wegovy can help you stick to your dietary plans, leading to more consistent and sustainable weight loss.
In addition, weight loss achieved through Wegovy can lower your risk of serious conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. It may also improve the prognosis of type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Moreover, maintaining a healthy weight can enhance your mobility, reduce joint pain, and improve the quality of your life.
Wegovy can, thus, also impact your emotional wellness. Many people struggling with obesity experience psychological challenges, including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety. The weight loss and health improvements facilitated by Wegovy can enhance self-confidence and mental well-being.
How to Use Wegovy?
The available dosage strengths of Wegovy for weight loss include 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. This drug is available as prefilled pens, each containing the specified quality of Semaglutide.
The recommended dosing schedule of Wegovy is as follows. However, the exact dosage may vary depending on your health profile and provider:
- Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg, once weekly
- Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg, once weekly
- Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg, once weekly
- Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg, once weekly
From week 17 onwards, patients may be advised to continue the treatment in a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once a week.
Potential Side Effects and Limitations
Some common side effects of Wegovy include:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness
- Flatulence
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
If you experience these side effects, your doctor might advise you to stop Wegovy and recommend an alternative weight loss method.
In addition, Wegovy is not suitable for people with a medical or family history of some forms of thyroid carcinoma, including multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 and medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Why You Might Be Looking for Wegovy Alternatives?
Here are some reasons why you might be looking for Wegovy alternatives for weight loss:
- High Costs: Wegovy is an expensive medication. Hence, it is common for people to seek more affordable options to achieve their weight loss goals.
- Side Effects: Side effects might drive you to explore Wegovy alternatives. Wegovy comes with potential side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects can be severe enough to disrupt daily life for some people. In such cases, finding an alternative with a more manageable side effect profile becomes important.
- Personal Preferences: Personal preferences, such as fear of injections, might lead you to consider Wegovy alternatives.
- Shortages: Ongoing availability issues and shortages of Wegovy may prompt you to explore alternative treatments to ensure consistent access to your weight loss treatment.
Pharmaceutical Alternatives To Wegovy
| Alternatives | Type | Frequency | Cost | Other Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compounded Semaglutide | Injectable/Oral | Varies (customizable) | Moderate | Customizable dosages; may be more accessible and potentially cheaper than brand-name drugs like Wegovy. |
| Terzeptide | Injectable | Daily | High | A newer treatment option, potential availability issues, and high costs. |
| Various Surgeries | Surgical | Single procedure | Very High | Includes options like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy; significant long-term commitment and risks. |
| Diet Adjustment | Non-pharmaceutical | Daily | Varies | Cost depends on chosen diet; requires consistent commitment to see results. |
| Exercise and Physical Activity | Non-pharmaceutical | Daily/Weekly | Low to Moderate | Costs vary based on whether gym membership or personal trainers are used; significant health benefits. |
| Behavioral Therapy | Non-pharmaceutical | Weekly to Monthly | Moderate to High | Costs vary by therapist and frequency; can address underlying behavioral issues related to eating. |
| Mindfulness and Stress Management | Non-pharmaceutical | Daily/As needed | Low to Moderate | Practices like yoga, meditation; cost-effective and can be done at home. |
| Various Surgeries | Surgical | Single procedure | Very High | Includes options like gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy; significant long-term commitment and risks. |
This table provides a summary about the different alternatives to Wegovy at a glance to help you make informed decisions.
Injectable Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded Semaglutide can be a suitable alternative to Wegovy if you are concerned about the high costs and shortages of this drug. The frequency and dosage of this medication can be customized based on your health, medical conditions, and weight loss goals. It is less expensive than Wegovy and most other branded GLP-1 agonists.
Injectable compounded Semaglutide has the same active ingredient as Wegovy but in customized doses. So, compounded Semaglutide works similarly to Wegovy and supports weight loss by creating a sense of fullness in the stomach.
In addition, compounded Semaglutide also offers a low-cost alternative to Wegovy. Since compounded drugs are prepared in pharmacies approved by the FDA, they can offer the medication at a lower cost while also addressing the issue of frequent shortages.
If you want to know more about compounded Semaglutide and whether it could be a good option for you, you can get in touch with our healthcare experts at Amp Health. Our doctors will evaluate your medical history and discuss your preferences, including your weight loss goals, to prescribe a suitable dosage. In addition, our doctors will recommend a personalized weight management plan for sustainable weight loss.
Oral Semaglutide
Compounded Semaglutide tablets and drops are cheaper yet effective alternatives for Wegovy. Here’s a breakdown of cost and dosage you can expect with this medication:
- For the first month, you will start with a dosage of 1 milligram, which is priced at $299. This cost covers the starting dosage necessary to begin your weight loss journey.
- In the second and third months, the cost rises to $399 per month to reflect the higher dosage required. This adjustment ensures that you are receiving the appropriate amount of medication to continue your weight loss effectively.
- Amp Health offers both 3-month and 12-month plans to provide greater affordability and flexibility. These plans are designed to accommodate different financial needs and treatment goals. Opting for these plans can help you manage the cost by providing a more consistent pricing structure over a shorter period.
Compounded Semaglutide tablets can be a convenient substitute for Wegovy for you if you do not prefer injectables.
The usual recommended dosage of Semaglutide tablets is once a day. The tablets dissolve easily in the mouth, with a pleasant, minty flavor. This makes compounded Semaglutide tablets particularly beneficial for people who are frequently on the go and need an easy-to-carry medication.
Compounded Semaglutide drops offer another excellent Wegovy substitute for those who prefer liquids over injections and tablets. These drops are administered sublingually, meaning they are placed under the tongue for absorption. This method is suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing pills.
The sublingual delivery of Semaglutide drops can facilitate faster absorption of the medication, potentially offering a different experience compared to tablets.
Moreover, using compounded Semaglutide drops allows you to increase or decrease the dosage easily by simply changing the number of drops. This can lead to a smoother dosage titration and allow you to reach a steady state concentration more easily than the once-daily dosing of oral tablets or the once-weekly dosing of injectable Semaglutide.
Non-Pharmaceutical Alternatives To Wegovy
The non-pharmaceutical alternatives to Wegovy focus on lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments that promote healthy and sustainable weight loss. Some of these include:
- Adjust your diet: Adopting a well-balanced diet is crucial for weight management. Focus on wholesome diets that include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while minimizing refined sugars, processed/packaged foods, and unhealthy fats.
- Exercise and Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is essential for burning calories and boosting your metabolism. Combining cardiovascular exercises like walking, running, swimming, or cycling with strength training can increase your resting metabolic rate, promoting fat loss.
- Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness: Weight loss often involves addressing the psychological aspects of eating and behavior. Behavioral therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you identify and change patterns of overeating, emotional eating, or poor food choices.
- Mindfulness and Stress Management Techniques: Mindfulness techniques, such as mindful eating, can promote awareness of hunger and fullness cues, leading to healthier eating habits. Stress management with yoga and meditation might help you maintain a healthy weight by improving your awareness of food intake.
Advanced Surgical Options and Procedures For Weight Loss
Surgical interventions for weight loss are generally best avoided except in cases of extreme weight gain or when obesity is feared to contribute to the risk of life-threatening complications.
Surgical intervention may also be suitable when the weight gain significantly reduces the person’s ability to move about, potentially interfering with their routine activities.
Some surgical options and procedures that might be suitable in such cases include:
- Gastric Bypass Surgery
- Sleeve Gastrectomy
- Adjustable Gastric Band
- Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch
- Intragastric Balloon
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Each of these surgical options has its own set of benefits, risks, and considerations. Choosing the right procedure depends on individual health conditions, weight loss goals, medical history, and potential risks. In addition, surgical interventions are expensive affairs and require substantial investment for the procedure as well as preoperative and postoperative care.
Comparisons With Wegovy in Terms of Effectiveness And Risks
Choosing the right alternative for Wegovy to lose weight depends on factors, such as the availability of the medication, your preferences, and the expenses involved.
For example, if you are seeking Wegovy alternatives due to reasons such as frequent shortages and high costs, you can consider compounded Semaglutide.
Similarly, if you wish to avoid daily dosing with oral Semaglutide drops or tablets, you can choose the injectable version of compounded Semaglutide. If you want to avoid taking injections, oral tablets or drops can be great options for you.
Testimonials
“I struggled with my weight for almost 20 years despite several attempts with diet and exercise. After talking to the doctors at Amp Health, I opted for the oral Semaglutide tablets, and the results have been transformative. Within a few months, I lost over 20 pounds. The convenience of taking the tablets daily made it easy to stick with the program. “
– 49/Female
“I decided to try the Semaglutide through Amp Health after hearing about its success from a friend. The injections were surprisingly easy to administer at home. Within just a few weeks, I noticed a significant reduction in my appetite and steady weight loss.”
– 30/Male
“The oral drops were very simple to use, and I began to see results within a month. The gradual and consistent weight loss has been encouraging, and I appreciate the ongoing support and guidance provided by Amp Health.”
– 44/Female
Conclusion: Personalizing Your Weight Loss Approach
While Wegovy may be highly effective for some, it’s not the only medication to achieve sustainable weight loss. There are a variety of options available for those seeking effective weight loss solutions.
The key to successful weight management lies in finding the right form of Semaglutide that aligns with your individual health needs, lifestyle, and goals.
If you are facing difficulties with Wegovy, you can talk to our healthcare experts to explore other options. Our doctors will provide a thorough review of the benefits and limitations of Wegovy alternatives to help you make an informed choice. You can also discuss whether compounded Semaglutide could be a suitable Wegovy alternative for you.
You can also subscribe to our Amp Health Program, which includes consultations with our doctor, nutritionist, and coach, in addition to the monthly subscription of compounded Semaglutide ($79/month + cost of medication).
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34706925/
- https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215256s005lbl.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK602627/
