In recent years, the medication Ozempic, which was designed and FDA-approved for helping patients with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar, has become well known for its off-label use for weight loss. Semaglutide is the prescription medication sold as Ozempic and is also the same medication, but in higher doses, marketed as Wegovy and used for weight loss. Ozempic became a good substitute when the manufacturer was experiencing severe Wegovy shortages.
Not everyone has access to or can tolerate the side effects of Ozempic, so they often look for alternative methods to drop their extra pounds. Today we are going to look at some pharmaceutical alternatives to Ozempic as well as natural alternatives to Ozempic, strategies, and supplements so you can choose the best weight loss method for you.
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What Is The Best Alternative To Ozempic?
Ozempic can be effective for weight loss in many individuals, but it is not the only option available. Endobariatric procedures offer a powerful alternative for those seeking sustainable weight loss without Ozempic. These minimally invasive weight loss procedures can help you achieve more significant results without having to deal with the common side effects of Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications.
Gastric Balloon
This non-surgical procedure involves a medical device that looks like a silicone balloon being placed temporarily in your stomach and filled with saline. This reduces the amount of space available for food and helps you feel full faster while eating less. The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes and requires no incisions. The balloon stays in place for anywhere between six and eight months before being removed, depending on the type being used.
Patients lose an average of about 10 to 15% of their body weight while the balloon is in place, and they can continue to lose weight and maintain their results by implementing and consistently following certain lifestyle changes.
Suture Sculpt Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
Suture Sculpt ESG is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that uses internal sutures to reduce your stomach’s size by about 70 or 80%. Unlike a surgical gastric sleeve, it does not require any incisions or the permanent removal of any stomach tissue.
Your smaller stomach significantly reduces the amount of food you can eat during one meal and digests the food more slowly. This helps you consume fewer calories and keeps you feeling satisfied for a longer time. Most people lose between 15% and 20% of their total body weight in one year, however, we have seen many individuals surpass these results.
Suture Sculpt ESG offers a much faster recovery compared to traditional weight loss surgery, and most patients return to their normal activities within a few days.
Unlike Ozempic, which is quite expensive and requires the administration of weekly injections, and may need to be taken long-term, Suture Sculpt ESG is a one-time procedure that can help you reach your weight loss goals without medication.
Top Alternative Medications to Ozempic for Weight Loss
Today there are several different medications that function similarly to Ozempic and are approved for weight loss, including:
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
Contains the same medication as Ozempic but is specifically approved for use in weight management. Wegovy is semaglutide that is dosed at higher levels and has demonstrated that when used with lifestyle modifications, it can result in significant weight loss.
Saxenda (Liraglutide)
The first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management was Saxenda over 10 years ago. It is administered daily and has not shown the significant weight loss results as other similar medications but may be an alternative to Ozempic if needed.
Mounjaro or Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
Tirzepatide mimics both GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) hormones and potentially offers a stronger formula that will boost your metabolism and enhance how effective the medication works to help you lose weight. Studies have shown that tirzepatide offers greater weight loss results when compared to other GLP-1 agonists alone.
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
This is an oral form of semaglutide that is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, who also manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy. It offers the same medication in easy-to-take tablet form and is a great alternative for individuals who would prefer to avoid injections.
Natural Alternatives To Ozempic
If you are looking for alternatives to prescription medications to help you lose weight, there are many natural alternatives and lifestyle changes that can help you create the necessary calorie deficit so you can lose weight.
Herbal Drinks
There is not a direct natural alternative to Ozempic (semaglutide), but some drinks can help with blood sugar regulation, appetite control, and weight loss, which can mimic some of the effects of Ozempic or a GLP-1 medication. Some of these include:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps lower blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons with some water and drink prior to eating.
Green Tea or Matcha
Green tea contains catechins and caffeine that help optimize the metabolism and help with blood sugar control. It is also full of antioxidants so it can boost your immune system while increasing your metabolic rate by about 4%. Drink between 1 and 3 cups each day (without sugar).
Lemon & Ginger Water
Lemon can help streamline your digestion process and assist your liver in producing bile. Ginger contains gingerols and shogaols, which are compounds that can increase the efficiency of your metabolism and help with insulin sensitivity so your body burns calories faster. Squeeze a lemon into warm water and add grated ginger and drink.
Chia Seed Water
Drinking chia seed water can help with digestion, keep you hydrated, and make you feel fuller for longer. Chia seeds are full of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, which can be very helpful when you are trying to lose weight. Soak 1 tablespoon of chia seeds in a glass of water for 10 minutes before drinking.
Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea is full of antioxidants, helps to reduce inflammation, improves blood sugar levels, helps with digestion and weight loss, and boosts your immune system. Steep a cinnamon stick in hot water for 10 minutes, allow it to cool, and drink.
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Lifestyle Changes
Making Modifications To Your Diet
- Eating a low-calorie diet that is rich in protein. When you are trying to lose weight without Ozempic or following another dieting strategy, you need to ensure you do not lose muscle mass. Even when you are at rest, your body is burning calories, and people with higher amounts of muscle burn more calories than those with a higher concentration of fat.
- Consuming foods that are full of fiber, like fruits, veggies, and whole grains, can keep you feeling full longer, and they normally require more calories to digest, so it can reduce your calorie intake for the day.
- Make sure you eat a good balance of macronutrients to ensure your body gets what it needs to function properly. A good balance of lean proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates will help mitigate food cravings and low energy levels.
- Eat mindfully, meaning pay attention to what you are eating and to your portions. Chew your food thoroughly so your stomach and your brain can sync up and you can receive and recognize accurate hunger and satiety cues.
- Avoid unhealthy foods such as fast food, processed foods, junk foods, sugary snacks and desserts, fried foods, etc.
- Pay attention to your beverages. Drinks can be packed with sugar and empty calories that can add up before you know it and without any nutritional benefits.
Getting Regular Physical Activity
- Get aerobic exercise every day by walking, running, biking, working in the yard, etc. This helps improve cardiovascular function and burns calories.
- Two to three times a week, work on building your muscle mass with strength training to increase your resting metabolic rate and boost your energy levels.
Gut Health
Experts agree the balance and function of the microorganisms in your digestive system can influence a wide range of your body's functions, including digestion, your immune function, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Recent studies reveal that certain gut microbes and their metabolites can naturally reduce hunger, lower blood sugar after meals, and help control your appetite, similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Natural Supplements
Berberine
Berberine is often referred to as "nature's Ozempic" and is found in several plants like barberry, phellodendron, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, etc. It has been studied for its potential to regulate blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, and promote weight loss. It can interact with certain medications or supplements, so consult with your doctor before using.
Fenugreek Seeds
These are high in soluble fiber that slows down the absorption of carbohydrates and lowers blood sugar levels. They can be consumed in many ways, including chewing them up, grinding them and sprinkling them on yogurt or mixing them in a smoothie, putting them in an oral capsule, or soaking them overnight and drinking the water.
Green Tea Extract
A study showed that green tea extract can increase GLP-1 levels and help with appetite suppression and can help with weight loss.
Where Can I Get Help To Lose Weight Without Ozempic?
If you are looking for the best alternatives to Ozempic, Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Centers in New York City is a great place to start. Dr. Steven Batash is an expert in medical weight loss and can help determine the best weight loss tools and strategies for you and your circumstances to help you reach your goals.
Creating a calorie deficit and losing weight are complex processes, and everybody's body responds in a different way to weight loss strategies. Having an expert to help you navigate through the process can make all the difference to your success.
Contact Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center Today
If you are exploring all your options including alternatives to Ozempic for weight loss, set up a consultation with Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center today. The knowledgeable weight loss experts will help create an individualized plan that takes your needs and circumstances into consideration, making it easier for you to achieve sustainable weight loss. For your convenience, we offer both in-person and virtual consultations. Start your weight loss journey today!
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