Ozempic Alternatives for Weight Loss in Germany: Exploring Your Options

was originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, and is in fact not approved anywhere for use as a weight loss medicine.

Social media buzz and celebrity success stories have led many to consider Ozempic as the holy grail for shedding extra pounds. However, the truth is, Ozempic is not for everyone, and it is not a magic solution to weight loss.

Luckily, there are a number of alternatives to Ozempic that are available in Germany, and may be more suited for dealing with the growing problem of obesity.

How does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is not approved anywhere as a weight loss medicine. However, its active ingredient, semaglutide, is approved for this purpose under different brand names (e.g. Wegovy, Zepbound) and in different doses.

Ozempic can lead to weight loss, more as a side effect than as its original purpose. It works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body, called GLP-1. This hormone normally helps regulate blood sugar and tells your brain when you're full. When you take Ozempic, it slows down how quickly your stomach empties, so food stays in longer. It also reduces hunger signals in your brain.

Because you feel fuller for longer and less hungry overall, you tend to eat less, which can lead to weight loss over time ¹.

Why seek Ozempic alternatives? The downsides of the medicine.

While Ozempic may lead to weight loss, there are multiple reasons to advise against using it for that purpose. Some of them are below.

• Creating shortages for diabetes patients

Since Ozempic is originally a type 2 diabetes treatment, the increased demand for it as a weight loss medication has caused worldwide shortages of the medicine for those patients it is actually intended for.  That's a good reason to consider an Ozempic alternative, of which multiple are available.

• Long-term risks

Long-term Ozempic usage may come with side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and associated symptoms. It may also be implicated in more serious medical issues, including the development of pancreatitis, thyroid tumors, or gallstones ².

• Ozempic rebound

Research suggests that if you stop using Ozempic, you may regain as much as two-thirds of the lost weight, even if you maintain your physical activity and diet ³. This is called Ozempic rebound, and it's considered related to sudden food cravings that appear after suddenly stopping the treatment and are difficult to control.

Which medicines can replace Ozempic for weight loss?

If you're looking for alternatives to Ozempic, there are several options to consider with your doctor. They generally fall into two categories - GLP-1 receptor antagonists and appetite regulators. Each group works differently, addressing weight loss from distinct angles.

GLP-1 weight loss alternatives

While Ozempic brought GLP-1 receptor agonists into the spotlight as weight loss solutions, other medications within this class are the ones actually approved for combating obesity. Here are some of the approved Ozempic alternatives:

#1: Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy has the same active ingredient as Ozempic - semaglutide. However, it's in a higher dose than Ozempic. Specifically approved for weight management, Wegovy works by reducing appetite and increasing satiety. It's intended for use in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

Wegovy is approved in multiple countries around the world, including the USA, EU, Switzerland, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates ⁴.

Pros and cons of using Wegovy as an Ozempic alternative:

• Pros:
  • It's approved for use in weight management.
• Cons:
  • Similar to Ozempic, Wegovy requires regular injections, which may be inconvenient for some patients;
  • Some studies suggest that weight can be regained after stopping your Wegovy treatment ⁵.
    

#2: Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Although Mounjaro is often circulated as an alternative to Ozempic, it is in fact also not approved for use in weight management. Mounjaro is only approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with Type 2 diabetes ⁶.

The same active ingredient, tirzepatide, is approved for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound.

#3: Zepbound (tirzepatide)

While Ozempic (and Wegovy) activate the GLP-1 hormone receptors, Zepbound has a dual mechanism of action. It activates both the GLP-1 and the GIP hormone receptors. This dual mechanism may lead to more pronounced weight loss and metabolic benefits, as it engages two pathways involved in appetite regulation and glucose metabolism.

Pros and cons of using Zepbound as an Ozempic alternative:

• Pros:
  • It's approved for use in weight management;
  • Dual mechanism of action activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This may lead to enhanced weight loss and metabolic benefits compared to Ozempic and Wegovy. Some clinical trials show that Zepbound achieved a superior weight loss of 20.2% compared to 13.7% with Wegovy ⁷.
• Cons:
  • Similar to Ozempic and Wegovy, Zepbound requires regular injections, which may be inconvenient for some patients;
  • Some studies suggest that weight can be regained after stopping your Zepbound treatment ⁸.

#4: Saxenda (liraglutide)

Saxenda is a medicine used along with diet and exercise to manage weight. It's approved in multiple countries, including the USA and across the EU. It contains liraglutide, which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, albeit a less potent one than semaglutide.

Pros and cons of using Saxenda as an Ozempic alternative:

• Pros:
  • It's approved for use in weight management;
  • Longer track record. Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, Saxenda has been used for weight management for about 10 years. This means that there's more clarity on its efficacy, safety profile, and long-term effects.
• Cons:
  • Liraglutide is a less potent GLP-1 receptor agonist than semaglutide. This means that you're likely to achieve a more moderate weight loss with Saxenda than other Ozempic alternatives.
  • Saxenda requires daily injections, which may be inconvenient for some patients;
  • Some studies suggest that weight can be regained after stopping your Saxenda treatment ⁹.
    

All these Ozempic alternatives can help with your weight loss, but may not be a great match for all patients. For example, there may be concerns regarding long-term side effects, your body becoming accustomed to the treatment, or weight regain after stopping the treatment. 

If none of these medicines fits your needs, there are also other options.

Ozempic alternatives that focus on suppressing appetite

Not all weight loss medicines are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Some have different mechanisms of action, focusing more on the psychological side of obesity - i.e. by working in the areas of the brain that affect appetite. One such example is Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion).

Mysimba (naltrexone/bupropion): battling emotional eating

Mysimba is used along with exercise and diet. It's approved in the USA (under the name Contrave), UK, and EU.

Mysimba is a combination of two active ingredients - naltrexone and bupropion. Unlike the GLP-1 medications that primarily focus on curbing appetite through biological signals, Mysimba targets the psychological aspects of eating behavior. It helps reduce stress eating, emotional eating, and general appetite by addressing the brain’s reward system. It targets areas of the brain such as the hypothalamus, which is related to appetite signalling, and increases dopamine levels while decreasing appetite. In this way, it helps patients control their cravings ¹⁰.

Pros and cons of using Mysimba as an Ozempic alternative:

• Pros:
  • It's approved for use in weight management;
  • It's taken as a pill, and not an injection;
  • Dual-action formula. Mysimba combines naltrexone and bupropion to help reduce appetite and curb cravings, with potential mood benefits;
  • Less expensive than GLP-1 receptor agonists.
• Cons:
  • Weight loss results can vary and may not be as pronounced as those achieved with other Ozempic alternatives. Clinical studies have shown that patients taking Mysimba achieved on average 11.5% weight loss over 56 weeks ¹⁰.
  • As with other weight-loss medicines, there may be some adverse effects associated with long-term use ¹¹.

Where to find Ozempic alternatives in Germany?

In Germany, a variety of the Ozempic alternatives we discussed are accessible through local clinics and pharmacies.

However, it’s important to note that Mysimba, which offers a unique approach by addressing the psychological side of weight loss, is exclusively available online in Germany.

Do you already have a prescription for Mysimba or any of the alternatives? Then you can request the medicine below and our partner pharmacy will make sure you receive it safely within days.