Weighing your options for weight management medication? You're not alone.
Wegovy has become a household name. But it's not your only option.
Several alternatives exist: each with distinct features, delivery methods, and clinical considerations. Understanding these differences helps you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.
Here are seven essential facts about Wegovy alternatives before your next consultation.
1. A Pill Version of Wegovy Now Exists
The same active ingredient in Wegovy injections is now available in pill form.
Oral semaglutide became available in early 2026. It's taken once daily instead of once weekly.
Key differences:
• Daily dosing vs. weekly injections
• Same active medication (semaglutide)
• No needles required
• Specific timing requirements for absorption
High-dose oral semaglutide in clinical studies showed weight reduction approaching injection results. Participants experienced approximately 14-17% weight loss over slightly more than a year.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, oral formulations offer an alternative delivery method for those who prefer pills over injections.
2. Injectable Alternatives Work Through Different Mechanisms
Not all weight management injections are the same. They target different hormonal pathways.
Zepbound (tirzepatide) mimics two hormones instead of one:
• Targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors
• Weekly injection schedule
• Clinical trials demonstrated greater average weight loss compared to semaglutide
• Different side effect profile
Saxenda (liraglutide) is an older GLP-1 medication:
• Requires daily injections
• Generally produces less weight loss than newer options
• Longer track record of clinical use
• May be appropriate for specific patient profiles
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, these medications provide alternatives based on individual health needs and treatment goals.
DrMed Health offers telehealth consultations for tirzepatide and semaglutide weight loss programs when medically appropriate.
3. Your Health History Should Drive the Decision
Different medications have distinct clinical indications beyond weight management.
Certain alternatives may be more suitable if you have specific conditions:
Cardiovascular considerations:
• Semaglutide medications have cardiovascular outcome data
• May be preferred if you have heart disease history
• Providers consider cardiac risk factors in treatment selection
Sleep apnea considerations:
• Tirzepatide has approval for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea
• This specific indication differs from semaglutide products
Liver health considerations:
• Some medications have data for MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic hepatitis)
• Your provider evaluates liver function in treatment planning
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, medication selection considers your complete health picture: not just weight management goals.
Your provider should review your medical history, current conditions, and treatment priorities during consultation.
4. Non-GLP-1 Oral Medications Offer Different Approaches
GLP-1 medications aren't the only pharmaceutical option for weight management.
Several oral medications work through different mechanisms:
Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion):
• Combination of two medications
• May help reduce hunger and manage cravings
• Potentially suitable for emotional eating patterns
• Requires twice-daily dosing
Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate ER):
• Stimulant and anti-seizure medication combination
• Works to decrease appetite
• Once-daily dosing
• Has specific contraindications providers review
Xenical (orlistat):
• Blocks fat absorption from food
• Taken with meals containing fat
• Different mechanism than appetite-suppressing medications
• Requires dietary modifications
These alternatives typically produce less weight reduction than GLP-1 medications. However, they may be appropriate for certain patients based on health history, medication interactions, or treatment preferences.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, non-GLP-1 options expand the treatment toolkit for personalized care.
5. Delivery Methods Vary Significantly
How you take your medication matters for convenience and adherence.
Single-use injection pens:
• Pre-filled with one dose
• Dispose after each use
• No dose adjustment needed
• Wegovy uses this system
Multi-dose pens:
• Reusable for multiple injections
• Requires dose dialing
• More economical if available
• Saxenda uses this approach
Oral tablets:
• No injections required
• Specific timing requirements (typically morning, empty stomach)
• Must wait 30+ minutes before eating
• Water restrictions apply
Understanding the practical aspects of medication administration helps you choose an option that fits your lifestyle.
Your provider can demonstrate injection techniques or explain oral medication timing during your consultation.
6. Availability and Cost Factors Continue Evolving
The weight management medication landscape changes regularly.
Supply considerations:
• Wegovy injections are no longer in shortage
• Some alternatives may have limited availability
• Generic versions are emerging for older medications
• Supply affects out-of-pocket costs
Cost variations:
• Brand-name medications typically cost more
• Compounded GLP-1 formulations may offer cost-effective alternatives
• Insurance coverage varies widely
• Patient assistance programs exist for brand medications
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, compounded formulations can provide access when brand-name options aren't financially feasible.
DrMed Health offers transparent pricing for weight loss programs with no hidden fees.
Future developments may improve accessibility. Non-peptide GLP-1 medications in development could be manufactured more easily, potentially reducing costs.
7. Emerging Options Are in Development
The weight management medication field continues advancing rapidly.
Pipeline developments include:
• Once-weekly oral GLP-1 formulations (currently in phase 2 trials)
• Extended-release implants delivering medication for 3-6 months
• Triple hormone agonists targeting additional pathways
• Combination therapies pairing different mechanisms
These aren't available yet. However, they represent the future direction of weight management pharmacotherapy.
If you're considering starting treatment, discussing your timeline with your provider helps determine whether waiting for emerging options makes sense for your situation.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, staying informed about treatment advances supports long-term success.
What This Means for Your Consultation
Understanding Wegovy alternatives empowers you to have a productive conversation with your healthcare provider.
Questions to ask during your consultation:
• Which alternatives are appropriate for my health history?
• What are the expected outcomes for each option?
• How do delivery methods fit my lifestyle?
• What are the costs with my insurance or out-of-pocket?
• What are potential side effects I should consider?
Every person responds differently to weight management medications. What works well for someone else may not be your ideal option.
Medical weight loss requires ongoing supervision. Regular follow-ups allow your provider to adjust treatment based on your response and any side effects.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Finding the right weight management approach starts with a conversation.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, multiple alternatives to Wegovy exist to support your health goals.
DrMed Health offers online consultations with board-certified providers specializing in medical weight loss. Our team evaluates your complete health picture to recommend personalized treatment options.
Take our free weight loss assessment to see if you qualify for medical weight management. No sign-up required. Takes 5 minutes.
Learn more about how our program works or connect with an online weight loss doctor in your state.
Medically Reviewed: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Treatment eligibility, outcomes, and appropriateness vary by individual. All medications discussed require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider who has evaluated your specific health circumstances. DrMed Health providers conduct thorough evaluations before prescribing any weight management medications. We do not guarantee specific results, as individual responses to treatment vary. All patient information is handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations. For more information about our medical team and credentials, visit our About page. See our Legal page for complete terms and disclaimers.