Ozempic is a popular, FDA-approved medication to manage Type II diabetes, and some users have found it also helps with weight loss. Although the idea of a “miracle pill” is tempting, not everyone needs a prescription drug for weight management. Many alternative weight loss medications can be obtained without a prescription. These supplements may help with regulating blood sugar levels and reducing appetite.
With so many weight loss supplements available, picking the best one can be challenging. That’s why we’re recommending the four best ones designed for things like weight control, blood sugar management, and lasting health. Keep reading to learn more.
Best Ozempic Alternatives Promoting Weight Loss
- Best Overall: Ozemra
- Best Brand Reputation: PhenQ
- Best for Athletes: Instant Knockout Cut
- Best All-Natural Supplement: Trimtone
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name FDA-approved medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide, the same active ingredient in the brand-name prescription medications Wegovy and Rybelsus. It is available by prescription only from a healthcare professional and administered as a weekly injection in the upper arm. While Ozempic was originally used as a diabetes medication, it may also be prescribed as a weight reduction aid. Some insurance carriers may cover some or all of the cost of the drug. Not all health insurance covers this prescription.
Semaglutide is an FDA-approved chemical that mimics your body’s natural glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It lowers blood sugar, and when paired with physical activity, it may help users get their weight into a healthy range.
It works by increasing the amount of insulin your body produces, which in turn can help stabilize your blood sugar. More consistent blood sugar levels may curb your appetite, reduce simple carbohydrate and refined sugar cravings, and make it easier to lose weight.
Potential side effects of Ozempic include thyroid cancer, stomach pain, abdominal pain, or abnormally low blood sugar levels.
Best Ozempic Alternatives
1. Best Overall: Ozemra
Why We Love It:
Ozemra is a weight loss supplement available over the counter without a prescription. We love that this medication comes in pill form, so you don’t need to submit to painful injections. We were also impressed by the quality of the ingredients in Ozemra. It’s made with Certified Natural Compounds in an FDA-registered manufacturing facility. Most ingredients are substances you’re probably already familiar with, such as cayenne pepper powder, vitamin B12 premix, and caffeine. These ingredients may also help boost your mental health.
Customers say Ozemra helps reduce their appetite, so they are less tempted to overeat or reach for extra snacks. Ozemra also works by increasing your metabolism, which means you may burn more calories when exercising and while at rest. Plus, the active ingredients in Ozemra are designed to prompt your body to burn fat from stubborn areas like around your abdomen.
Ozemra is popular among athletes trying to avoid weight gain, people with stubborn fat around their midsection, and those who want to live healthier lifestyles by making better food choices. Reviewers struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise alone report finally seeing the scale move once they started taking Ozemra daily. Some reviewers mention losing as much as 50 pounds.
Customers can save on Ozemra by buying two or three bottles at a time.
Pros:
- Made in an FDA-registered facility
- Formulated with Certified Natural Compounds
- No prescription required
- Safe to take with other diabetes medications
Cons:
- Contains caffeine
Specs:
- Size: 90 capsules per bottle
- Strength: 600 mg calcium L-5 Methyltetrahydrofolate, 100 mcg vitamin B12 premix, 200 mcg Chromium Picolinate, 200 mg Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate, 200 mcg L-Carnitine Tartrate, 100 mg alpha-lipoic acid, 100 mg caffeine anhydrous, 100 mg cayenne pepper powder, and 250 mg glucomannan per 2-capsule serving
- Key Ingredients: Calcium L-5 Methyltetrahydrofolate, vitamin B12 premix, Chromium Picolinate, Chromium Nicotinate Glycinate Chelate, L-Carnitine Tartrate, alpha-lipoic acid, caffeine anhydrous, cayenne pepper powder, and glucomannan
2. Best Brand Reputation: PhenQ
Why We Love It:
We appreciate that this supplement aims to address metabolic health in five different ways. PhenQ may help burn fat, thanks to its powerful blend of a-Lacys Reset and Capsimax Powder. It could also reduce fat accumulation and food cravings, balance your mood, and promote healthy energy levels. If you want to manage your blood glucose levels and promote healthy insulin secretion, this supplement may help you on your journey.
The ingredients in PhenQ have been carefully researched. Participants in a placebo-controlled study experienced weight loss when given a-Lacys Reset, one of the key ingredients in PhenQ. Reviewers also praise this supplement highly, saying it helps them lose weight but also helps them feel healthier and more energized. Those who formerly struggled with motivation in the gym find they work out more often when taking PhenQ.
You can save on PhenQ by signing up for monthly shipments. Multi-bottle deals are often available, and most orders ship for free.
Pros:
- Made with well-researched ingredients
- Promotes weight loss in five different ways
- Energizing
- Safe to take with other medications
Cons:
- May interfere with sleep
Specs:
- Size: 60 pills per bottle
- Strength: 150 mg L-carnitine L-tartrate, 125 mg InnoSlim, 75 mg caffeine, 50 mg Capsimax, 25 mg a-Lacey’s Reset, 20 mg Nopal cactus, and 10 mg piperine per 1-capsule serving
- Key Ingredients: Capsimax Powder, Chromium Picolinate, Caffeine, Nopal Cactus, L-carnitine fumarate, Innoslim, B vitamins, Iodine
3. Best for Athletes: Instant Knockout Cut
Why We Love It:
Professional MMA fighters use Instant Knockout Cut. It also receives rave reviews from athletes in many other sports. Several wrestlers mention using it to help them lose weight before competitions. The formula is designed to promote all-day fat burning without compromising muscle tissue. Since Instant Knockout Cut is made with only plant-based ingredients, it is even suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Instant Knockout Cut contains glucomannan as one of its key active ingredients. This natural, soluble dietary fiber expands in your intestines, so it may make you feel full and therefore cause you to eat less. Another active ingredient in this weight management supplement is cayenne pepper seeds, which may help elevate your metabolism. Instant Knockout Cut also contains caffeine to keep your energy levels up, plus vitamins D3 and B6 to support overall health and help you maintain a helathy weight.
We also appreciate that this weight loss supplement is made in an FDA and cGMP-compliant facility. The company adheres to the highest standards regarding ingredient quality and purity. If you are looking to improve blood sugar levels but don’t want to take Ozempic because you’ve had diabetic retinopathy complications or other chronic conditions, this might be a better option.
Customers can save on Instant Knockout Cut by buying multiple packages at once.
Pros:
- Used by professional MMA fighters
- Made in an FDA and cGMP-compliant facility
- Shed fat while conserving muscle
- Complements a healthy diet
Cons:
- Must be taken four times per day
Specs:
- Size: 120 capsules per bottle
- Strength: 1800 mg glucomannan and 500 mg green tea extract per 1-capsule serving
- Key Ingredients: Glucomannan, cayenne pepper seeds, green tea extract, black pepper extract, caffeine, L-theanine, vitamin D3, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12
Learn more about Instant Knockout Cut today
4. Best All-Natural Supplement: Trimtone
Why We Love It:
Trimtone is an excellent, all-natural alternative to Ozempic and other weight loss medications. This weight management supplement is made with 100% natural ingredients. It’s formulated to help your body burn fat, reduces your appetite, and raises your metabolism, making it easier to shed unwanted pounds.
One active ingredient in Trimtone is caffeine. One serving has about as much caffeine as a strong cup of coffee. Other active ingredients include green coffee beans, green tea, and grains of paradise. Plus, you get some glucomannan, which may help reduce the appetite.
Unlike many other weight loss aids, Trimtone only needs to be taken once a day. Take it before breakfast or with a glass of water. Reviewers say they notice a difference in their appetite after just one dose. Many reviewers credit this supplement with helping them overcome a weight loss plateau. They report feeling that the supplement also helps stabilize their blood sugar levels.
Customers who buy multiple bottles of Trimtone often qualify for discounts or free products. Most orders ship for free.
Pros:
- 100% natural ingredients
- Only needs to be taken once per day
- Helps reduce appetite
- 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Contains caffeine
Specs:
- Size: 30 capsules per bottle
- Strength: 120 mg caffeine, 100 mg green coffee, 100 mg green tea, 100 mg glucomannan, and 40 mg grains of paradise per 1-capsule serving
- Key Ingredients: Caffeine, green coffee, green tea, glucomannan, and grains of paradise
Learn more about Trimtone today
How We Picked The Best Ozempic Alternatives
To choose our recommended Ozempic alternatives, we considered four key criteria:
Ingredient Quality and Safety
First, we looked into the active ingredients in each product. We read about each ingredient to see whether there was good evidence to suggest it was helpful for weight loss. We also examined the possible side effects of each ingredient. Most of the products featured here have more than one active ingredient, which may make for more effective weight loss and blood sugar control.
While Ozempic is FDA-approved, other supplements might not be. So, we made sure that supplements were made in FDA-registered facilities.
Customer Reviews
We also read countless reviews to see what other customers experienced when taking each weight loss aid. We aimed to feature products that assisted customers in achieving steady, healthy weight loss. Furthermore, we checked to see if the ingredients listed had any studies done or research showing that clinical trials lowered weight.
We prioritized products that reportedly work for customers with various weight loss goals, from manageable blood glucose to reducing high blood pressure. As such, these weight loss medications may be suitable for both those who want to shed a few extra pounds and those with more substantial weight loss goals.
Company Policies and History
We ensured the brands we featured were reputable with a good history of customer service and honesty. The companies here are all happy to answer questions from potential customers. Many offer discounts and shipping deals to make their products more affordable.
Ease of Use
One challenge with Ozempic is the fact that it is an injectable medication. We wanted to feature alternatives that were easier to use. As such, we have only recommended oral weight loss supplements in this article. Every product comes in pill or capsule form and can be swallowed with a few sips of water. This is less invasive and painful than a once-daily or even a weekly injection.
How To Find The Best Weight Loss Medications for You
Many great weight loss supplements are on the market, but the secret lies in choosing the one that’s best for your unique needs. We recommend always consulting a healthcare professional first. Here are some key factors to consider when comparing your options:
Active Ingredients
Look at the active ingredients in each medication, and make sure they are substances you feel comfortable taking. Most people prefer a weight loss medication with more natural ingredients, which may be easier on the digestive system. A few common ones you’ll see are:
- Glucomannan: This soluble fiber may help you feel full. When taking glucomannan, people often eat less and are less likely to reach for extra snacks, which helps reduce blood sugar fluctuations and boost weight loss.
- Caffeine: Caffeine elevates your metabolism and may give you more energy to work out. It may also help manage your appetite.
- Green Tea: Green tea and green tea extracts may assist with weight loss by prompting your body to burn more fat.
- B Vitamins: B vitamins, including B6 and B12, may help keep your metabolism going strong so you stay active and burn more fat.
- Pepper: Both cayenne pepper and black pepper are sometimes added to weight loss aids in an attempt to raise the metabolism and promote fat burning.
Mechanism of Action
Different weight loss medications work in different ways. Some primarily work by making you feel fuller so you eat less. Others work by stabilizing your blood sugar levels, while others work by raising your metabolism. Ask yourself whether the medication’s mechanism of action lines up with your own needs. For instance, if you struggle to avoid snacking, a medication designed to curb appetite is likely a good one to try.
Dosing Instructions
Read the dosing instructions for the medication and make sure they suit your lifestyle. Some weight loss meds, particularly those designed to lower blood sugar levels, must be taken multiple times daily. This may be unrealistic if you have a really busy or chaotic schedule. Other medications only need to be taken once a day, which may be a better option if you’re in a busy phase of life.
Potential Benefits of Weight Loss and Weight Loss Medication
Here are a few potential benefits of taking weight loss medication:
Blood Sugar Stabilization
When your blood sugar levels drop too low, you can feel hungry and could likely overeat. Eating too much at once, especially refined sugar and simple carbohydrates, can drive your blood sugar levels back up, which causes your body to produce more insulin. This, in turn, may trigger a significant drop in blood sugar to the point that you may have cravings again. Taking a weight loss medication designed to stabilize blood sugar may help you break free from this unhealthy up-down cycle. You might even notice your mood and energy levels remain steady throughout the day, or that you have fewer urges to overeat.
More Energy
To lose fat, you need to take in fewer calories than you burn. A poorly-balanced reduced-calorie diet may leave you feeling lethargic, though. Weight loss medications may help counteract this effect, giving you energy to not only get through the day, but also power through your workouts.
Healthier Heart
Losing weight can help you prevent major cardiovascular events or better recover after cardiovascular events. If you already have diabetes, losing weight can help with insulin sensitivity, prevent a heart attack, and get your numbers in a healthy range. Any healthcare professional will advise losing weight as one way to gain control over your health.
Potential Side Effects of Weight Loss Medication
Many people take weight control aids without any bothersome side effects. On occasion, one of the following side effects may occur:
- Jitteriness: This happens most often with weight loss aids that contain caffeine. They may make you feel overly hyper and shaky.
- Sleep troubles: This is usually a side effect of caffeine. Taking your weight loss aid earlier in the day should help.
- Feeling too full: Weight loss meds designed to curb appetite may make you feel so full that you don’t want to eat. When this happens, reduce your dose or take the pills less often.
FAQs
Are Ozempic alternatives safe?
While any medication can cause side effects, alternatives to Ozempic are more likely to be safe if you take them as recommended on the label. Ensure you look into each ingredient in the weight management aid you’re considering. Avoid any that contain ephedrine, a substance that used to be popular as a weight loss aid but was later found to cause serious, heart-related side effects. Make sure that you don’t have an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients. Ozempic is FDA-approved, but weight loss supplements generally are not FDA-approved.
How much weight loss medication should I take?
This depends on the supplement. Check the label for dosing instructions, and take only as much as the label recommends. Most weight loss supplements are designed to be taken several times daily, and the dose is usually one, two, or three capsules.
Can I take other dietary supplements with this medication?
Again, this depends on the medication you are taking and on the particular supplement. If you are currently taking diabetes medications, it may not be safe to also take a supplement designed for blood sugar management. Tell your doctor what other diabetes medications you are taking and what weight loss aids you’re considering, and they should be able to weigh in on safety.
Conclusion
If you want a non-prescription alternative to Ozempic, consider the four top weight management supplements listed above. Each of these supplements are designed to contain safe, effective ingredients. Pick the supplement that best supports your weight goals and lifestyle, and it may help your weight loss journey.