Exploring the Top Alternatives to Wegovy for Weight Loss in 2024

Wegovy is an injectable weight loss injectable medication that is prescribed for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight. It works best when used as an adjunct to a healthy, nutritious diet and regular physical activity. Due to the increasing demand for effective weight loss medications, prescription medications such as Wegovy have gained a lot of attention in aiding weight loss. However, using the medication for weight loss can be a bit expensive as it costs $1,300 for a month’s supply without insurance or discounts. Continue reading to explore in detail other alternatives to Wegovy weight loss injections for treating obesity, and learn how to order drugs from Canada. 

Why Are People Looking for an Alternative to Wegovy?

You may need an alternative to Wegovy for weight management for various reasons, such as: 

• Interactions of the drug: It may interact with any other medications you might be taking or considering taking to treat your condition. 
• Cost of the medication: There is no generic form available for this medication, which makes Wegovy pens expensive and out of reach for some people. The expenses for the medication, especially for off-label use, can be unrealistic for some people, and hence, they prefer cheaper alternatives to this drug.  
• Contraindications: It is contraindicated for use in patients who have a personal history of MEN 2 or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 and thyroid cancer. Doctors do not recommend that such people use the medication. 
• Disinterest in injectable medication: Some people do not prefer to use an injectable medication as it can be painful, so they search for non-injectable alternatives that are administered differently.
• Supply chain issues: In 2023, there was a shortage in the supply of Wegovy due to the high demand for the medication and supply chain issues occurred. If you are currently using Wegovy injection and run into a shortage, contact your healthcare provider immediately and work with them to find the appropriate alternative to the medication. 
• Side effects: Some people may experience uncomfortable side effects while taking the weight loss medication, such as headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation and nausea/vomiting. Other mild side effects may also occur. If these effects occur, a doctor may suggest you try an alternative medication. 

Injectable Alternatives to Wegovy for Weight Loss

Wegovy is a relatively new injectable medication approved for weight loss management. Many alternatives of Wegovy may be prescribed to help individuals with overweight and obesity lose weight and help in keeping the lost weight off for long, such as: 

• Saxenda
• Ozempic 
• Victoza
• Mounjaro
• Trulicity 

Let’s explore each of them in detail, including their active ingredient, effectiveness and how often to take it.  

Saxenda

Saxenda (liraglutide) is an FDA-approved daily injectable GLP-1 drug for long-term weight management. It is indicated for use in patients aged 12 years or older with obesity. When used in conjunction with a low-calorie, healthy diet and regular physical activity, typically, people can lose around 2.65% of their total body weight. The recommended dose of Saxenda is 3mg, which your doctor will gradually increase. However, the medication is not recommended for use in people who have known hypersensitivity to liraglutide, are pregnant, or have a family history of Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).  

Ozempic 

Ozempic, like Wegovy, contains semaglutide. It is a GLP-1 drug primarily approved for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, not obesity, although weight loss is a side effect. It works by reducing appetite, which helps individuals lose weight. It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2. 

Victoza

Like Saxena, Victoza is a GLP-1 agonist that contains liraglutide as its active ingredient. The primary use of the medication is regulating blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, but it also aids in effective weight management. For this reason, it is often prescribed off-label. It signals your brain to feel full. 

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is also approved for treating people with type 2 diabetes and can also help with weight loss. It contains tirzepatide, a GLP-1 agonist that mimics the action of natural hormones produced by the body. It aids in weight loss by stopping the pancreas from releasing insulin after eating, signaling the brain’s feeling of fullness and slowing the process of digestion. 

Trulicity 

Trulicity is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for diabetes and reduces the risk of heart failure and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease. It contains dulaglutide as its active ingredient. Although Trulicity has not been approved for weight loss, it is effective and may be prescribed off-label. It aids in weight loss by slowing down gastric emptying and reducing appetite. 

Is There any Natural Alternative to Wegovy?

There is no natural alternative medication for Wegovy injection, but there are lifestyle changes you can consider as natural alternatives to Wegovy for weight management, such as:

• Eating a low-calorie, nutritious, well-balanced diet
• Regular physical activity
• Joining a local weight loss group
• Setting achievable weight loss goals
• Gradually reduce your calorie intake and make healthier lifestyle choices.
• Avoiding very low-calorie, fad diets, which are not beneficial for your health and will not help in long-term weight management
• Asking family and friends for help
• Getting psychological support

What are the Alternatives to Wegovy in Tablet Form?

• Rybelsus (Semaglutide)
• Phentermine (Qsymia)
• Orlistat (brand names Alli, Xenical)

Some alternatives may not be as effective as Wegovy and may cause side effects. If you are worried about Wegovy’s out-of-pocket expenses, find out how to buy Wegovy from Canada and its alternatives at affordable prices from Polar Bear Meds- the best Canadian online pharmacy. 

Key Takeaways

While Wegovy stands out for its effectiveness in weight loss, the high cost and potential side effects may prompt the need for alternatives. Injectable alternatives like Saxenda, Ozempic, Victoza, Mounjaro, and Trulicity offer viable substitutes, each with unique mechanisms and benefits. For those preferring oral medication, Rybelsus, Phentermine, and Orlistat provide alternative approaches to managing weight. Beyond pharmaceutical options, adopting a balanced diet, increasing physical activity, and seeking support can also form a comprehensive weight management strategy. It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to choose the most suitable option based on individual health needs and financial considerations.