Alternatives to Ozempic with a medical prescription

Ozempic has become a household name, but it is not the only option for the medical treatment of obesity. There are several GLP-1 analogs and dual therapies available by prescription. The right choice depends on your clinical profile, your labs and your history.

In this article we explain the main alternatives and why the choice should always be made by a doctor.

1. What are GLP-1 analogs?

GLP-1 analogs mimic an intestinal hormone that regulates appetite, satiety and blood glucose. Clinical trials have shown significant, sustained weight loss plus metabolic benefits.

These are prescription-only medicines: they cannot be bought without a prescription and their use must be supervised, because they require dose titration, safety labs and follow-up.

2. Main prescription alternatives

Active ingredientBrand nameFormatProfile
SemaglutideOzempic / WegovyWeekly injectionWell studied; effective for obesity
LiraglutideSaxenda / VictozaDaily injectionClassic option, daily titration
TirzepatideMounjaroWeekly injectionDual GIP/GLP-1 therapy; larger weight loss
Oral semaglutideRybelsusDaily tabletOral option for those avoiding injections

Availability can vary by country and time (supply issues). A doctor will tell you which is appropriate based on your goals, comorbidities and contraindications.

3. Which is the "best" option?

There is no universal answer. The EASO 2025 European guidelines recommend individualizing the choice based on:

Important: in some cases medication is not indicated and only lifestyle changes are recommended. The decision is always medical and based on your individual benefit-risk balance.

4. What labs are needed first?

Before starting, a safety protocol (EASO) is followed: glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, renal and liver function, and TSH. At TrueWeight we provide the lab request for your health center or private laboratory.

5. Where do you buy it and how much does it cost?

With a private medical prescription, the medication is dispensed at your pharmacy. The cost varies by product and format (approx. €100–€300/month). When used for obesity without diabetes it is typically not covered by public health, so payment is private.

6. Safety considerations

These drugs have contraindications (history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2, etc.) and side effects (nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting) that are usually transient. That is why medical follow-up is essential: the dose is adjusted according to response and tolerance.

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Medical disclaimer: this article is for information only and does not replace professional advice. The medicines mentioned are prescription-only. Do not use them without healthcare supervision.