Alternatives to daily Ozempic (semaglutide) for Type 2 diabetes or weight loss include other GLP-1s like weekly Wegovy (also semaglutide) or Zepbound (tirzepatide) for weight loss, or daily oral Rybelsus (semaglutide) for diabetes, plus non-GLP-1 options like daily Metformin, or newer dual-acting drugs, with lifestyle changes like diet (fiber) and hydration also key.
If you're having trouble accessing Ozempic, your healthcare team may recommend an alternative that works in a similar way. For Type 2 diabetes, this may include Rybelsus, Trulicity, or Mounjaro. If you're taking Ozempic off-label for weight loss, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are three FDA-approved options.
WEGOVY (semaglutide)
Yes, Wegovy is the same semaglutide medication as Ozempic and it's from Novo Nordisk too. The difference is in the way Wegovy is packaged to deliver a higher dose specific to weight loss rather than diabetes control.
8 Natural Ways to Reduce Cravings and Curb Hunger Without Ozempic
Ozempic is the name of the drug as it's used for diabetes. The generic name for Wegovy and Ozempic is semaglutide.
Natural Alternatives to Ozempic: Wrapping It Up
Semaglutide natural alternatives range from food groups and behaviors (like protein, fiber, sleep, and stress reduction) to supplements (like berberine, magnesium, and green tea).
What is the strongest weight loss prescription medication?
Kelly Clarkson uses a prescription weight-loss medication, but specified it's not Ozempic, though she hasn't revealed the exact drug; it helps her body break down sugar, a necessity due to pre-diabetes, alongside healthy habits like a high-protein diet, increased walking, and a better lifestyle after moving to New York. Her doctor encouraged medication due to concerning blood work, leading her to start after a health scare prompted change, though she initially hesitated due to thyroid issues.
Fastest ways to lose weight usually combine:
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
The BMI requirements for using Ozempic for weight loss follow general medical guidelines for anti-obesity medications. Ozempic is typically considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which falls into the clinical obesity category.
Mounjaro's prescribing information warns of severe gastrointestinal disease, while Ozempic's does not. In clinical trials, more people stopped taking Mounjaro due to gastrointestinal side effects, and both medications had more side effects at higher doses.
Rybelsus is essentially Ozempic in the form of a pill rather than an injection. Ozempic and Rybelsus are made by the same manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, and have the same active ingredient, semaglutide.
An analysis of 143 studies revealed that phentermine-topiramate and GLP-1 receptor agonists (like liraglutide and semaglutide) are among the most effective medications for reducing weight in people with obesity. The typical body weight reduction with these medications is 6% to 11%.
The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which works by inducing satiety. This feeling of being satisfied or “full”, suppresses appetite. This is why it works for weight loss.
Adele's significant weight loss wasn't from a quick fix but a two-year journey combining intense strength training, Pilates, hiking, boxing, and cardio, alongside major lifestyle changes focused on managing anxiety, not restrictive diets like the Sirtfood Diet, with workouts happening multiple times daily for mental and physical strength. Her routine included morning weights, afternoon hikes or boxing, and evening cardio, emphasizing getting stronger, which naturally led to fat loss and improved well-being.
Her diet included meals like vegetable poha, fruit, roti, and grilled chicken. Alia trained with Yasmin Karachiwala, blending Pilates, cardio, and strength exercises. Her 7-day routine included running, push-ups, yoga, squats, and crunches to tone and lose weight.
She followed a low-carb diet, high in lean proteins and healthy fats, and eliminated processed foods from her meals. This helped in reducing her calorie intake while maintaining her energy levels for her workouts.
Kim Kardashian never confirmed Ozempic, but her ultra-slim frame in 2024 and 2025 kept rumors alive, especially after extreme dieting stories like crashing for the Met Gala dress.
Okay, so Meghan Markle is a flexitarian, not a vegan — but that still matters.
alli IS THE ONLY FDA APPROVED OVER-THE-COUNTER WEIGHT LOSS AID. Dieting can feel like an uphill battle. With alli on your side, you can get a jumpstart on your diet. When used as directed, alli can help you lose 50% more weight than dieting alone.
Diabetes medications can cause weight changes by affecting your body's insulin levels and how your body uses glucose (sugar). Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Ozempic (semaglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are examples of diabetes medications that can cause significant weight loss.
The table below lists prescription drugs approved by the FDA for chronic weight management. The FDA has approved six of these drugs—orlistat (Xenical, Alli), phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia), naltrexone-bupropion (Contrave), liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), and tirzepatide (Zepbound)—for long-term use.