A Brief History of Weight Loss Medications
Weight loss medications have been around for decades, but historically, most weight loss drugs that focused on reducing appetite or increasing metabolism came with serious side effects, and many early weight loss medications were even banned because they were unsafe.
In recent years, with the advancements in medicine, new medications to treat type 2 diabetes were developed that work with the natural hormones your body produces, which are very effective in regulating blood sugar levels. These medications are called GLP-1 agonists because they mimic the hormones that are produced when you eat.
During clinical trials, in addition to helping to balance their blood sugar, most of the participants lost weight as an added benefit. These clinical trials then tested these medications on individuals who were overweight or obese but did not have type 2 diabetes, and these participants lost a significant amount of weight during the 68-week trial. This led to a second FDA approval of these same prescription medications (previously approved for treating type 2 diabetes) as a viable treatment for weight management.
How Weight Loss Drugs Like Wegovy Work
New medications, like Wegovy injections, work by copying a hormone that your body naturally makes called glucagon-like peptide-1, or GLP-1 for short. This hormone helps regulate your blood sugar levels and controls your appetite by sending signals to your brain that stop food cravings and tell you that you are full and satisfied after eating. It also slows down how fast your stomach empties, so food stays in your stomach longer, which helps you eat less frequently and helps you eat smaller meals so you lose weight.
What Is a Wegovy Alternative?
A Wegovy alternative is any medication or product that can be used instead of Wegovy that is effective in helping you lose weight. Some people look for a Wegovy substitute because they may not tolerate the side effects of the medication, cannot afford the high cost, or prefer to avoid using an injectable medication.
Weight Loss Drugs Like Wegovy
Today there are several medications that work similarly to Wegovy by suppressing your appetite, controlling blood sugar, and alleviating food cravings to help you lose weight, including:
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
The first GLP-1 receptor agonist medication, and it works similarly to Wegovy, but is administered every day by injection instead of weekly.
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
The same prescription drug as Wegovy, but was developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Some doctors prescribe it off-label for weight loss.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
The newest GLP-1 medication that is approved to treat type 2 diabetes and the first to mimic both GLP-1 and a second hormone (GIP), so it is a bit stronger and provides better blood sugar regulation and added appetite control. It is also used off-label for weight loss.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
This is the same prescription medication as Mounjaro that has also been approved for weight loss by the FDA.
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
This is a pill version of semaglutide, used for type 2 diabetes, but it is also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight management.
Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
This is another oral medication that is approved for type 2 diabetes and not an approved weight loss drug, but it may help with weight loss and is sometimes approved for off-label use.
Wegovy Alternatives For Weight Loss That Are Not GLP-1
These pills are different from GLP-1 medications because they do not influence the same hunger hormones, and they do not slow stomach emptying. They have been around longer than Wegovy and Zepbound are administered orally.
Contrave
Contrave is a combination of the two prescription medications bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is often used to treat depression and to help people stop smoking, and naltrexone is used for alcohol or opioid addiction. Together, they work on the part of your brain that triggers cravings and helps reduce your feelings of hunger and desire for food. Contrave targets the reward system in your brain to keep you feeling balanced at all times, which helps you avoid emotional or binge eating.
Phentermine
Phentermine is a stimulant, similar to an amphetamine, and works by controlling food cravings by influencing the brain’s hunger signals by increasing the chemical norepinephrine, which reduces your appetite and makes you feel full longer. It also increases your levels of dopamine and serotonin to even out your mood and help prevent weight gain from emotional eating. Phentermine is only used for up to 12 weeks because it can cause blood pressure issues or other serious side effects if taken for too long.
Alternatives To Wegovy Covered by Insurance
One concern many people have is the high cost associated with Wegovy, because it can be prohibitively expensive, and insurance coverage is still an issue. Most insurance companies still do not cover this medication, so individuals are seeking Wegovy alternatives for weight loss.
Several medications can be considered as Wegovy alternatives, and depending on your circumstances, some may be covered by insurance, especially if they are prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. You will need to check your specific insurance plan and speak to your prescribing doctor, as they may require pre-authorization.
These medications include:
Ozempic.
Ozempic, which contains semaglutide like Wegovy, is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes but can be prescribed for weight loss off-label. If your insurance covers Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, it may be an option for weight loss as well.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro contains the same active ingredient as Zepbound (tirzepatide) and is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. It may be covered by insurance if prescribed for type 2 diabetes, although prior authorization may be needed.
Saxenda
Saxenda (liraglutide) is another GLP-1 receptor agonist that is approved for weight loss in adults and adolescents. Some insurance plans may cover Saxenda instead of Wegovy.
Contrave (Naltrexone/Bupropion) and Qsymia (Phentermine/Topiramate ER)
These are oral weight loss medications that may be covered by some insurance plans.
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
This oral semaglutide is usually covered by most insurance plans when prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but it may be an option for you depending on your circumstances.
Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
This type 2 diabetes oral medication may help with weight loss and may be covered by insurance.
Are There Other Ways To Save On GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs?
If you are unable to find alternatives to Wegovy covered by insurance, many of the manufacturers offer savings programs that can help lower the cost of these medications, even if you have insurance coverage. Check for details on the manufacturer’s website and ask your doctor for guidance.
Is There a Wegovy Over-the-Counter Alternative?
Unfortunately, right now there are no over-the-counter medications that work exactly like Wegovy. Some supplements claim to help with weight loss, but they are not regulated by the FDA and lack strong science-based evidence to prove they work safely and effectively.
The best natural way to help with weight loss is to make sure you are living a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating a healthy, low-calorie diet, avoiding unhealthy foods, getting an adequate amount of exercise, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and managing your stress levels. GLP-1 medications like Wegovy are meant to be used in conjunction with these healthy lifestyle practices to achieve sustainable weight loss.
What Is The Best Alternative to Wegovy for Weight Loss?
If you are looking for the best alternative to Wegovy for you to help you maintain a healthy weight, the best thing to do is partner with a qualified weight loss expert who can help you consider your options.
MySlimMed Offers Alternatives to Wegovy for Weight Loss
Dr. Angelina Postoev with MySlimMed can help you find the best plan to give you the results you are looking for. She can help you understand the different medications available and even speak to you about non-surgical weight loss procedures that are safe and effective alternatives to Wegovy. Sometimes, they are used along with GLP-1 medications to help increase weight loss results.
MySlimMed offers a convenient prescription service that delivers your medication right to your door, just in time, and with no hassles. Let the knowledgeable team at MySlimMed find the best weight loss medication for you that fits your circumstances, lifestyle, and budget and will be safe and effective for your needs. Set up your consultation today!
