Wegovy has become a well-known prescription medication for weight management. But it's not the only option.
Whether you're dealing with supply issues, cost concerns, or simply prefer a different approach, several medically supervised alternatives exist.
Each option works differently. Each requires medical oversight. And each may be appropriate for different individuals based on their unique health profile.
Why People Explore Wegovy Alternatives
Several reasons drive people to consider other options:
• Availability challenges – Supply shortages have affected access
• Cost considerations – Brand-name medications can be expensive
• Injection preference – Some prefer daily versus weekly injections, or pills instead
• Individual response – Not everyone responds the same way to the same medication
• Medical history – Certain health conditions may make one option more suitable than another
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, these alternatives can support weight management goals as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
1. Oral Semaglutide (Pill Form)
Oral semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy injections. The difference? You take it as a daily tablet instead of a weekly injection.
How It Works:
• Mimics GLP-1, a hormone that regulates appetite
• Taken once daily on an empty stomach
• Requires waiting 30 minutes before eating or drinking
Who Might Consider It:
• People who prefer pills over injections
• Those seeking comparable mechanism of action to Wegovy
• Individuals comfortable with daily medication routines
This option became available in early 2026. It provides an alternative delivery method for the same medication many people know.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, oral semaglutide may offer similar benefits to the injectable form while addressing needle concerns.
2. Tirzepatide (Zepbound)
Tirzepatide works differently than semaglutide-based medications. It targets two hormone pathways instead of one.
The Dual Approach:
• Activates GLP-1 receptors (like Wegovy)
• Also activates GIP receptors (an additional pathway)
• Administered as a once-weekly injection
Key Considerations:
• Currently approved for adults only
• Different mechanism may suit different metabolic profiles
• Requires medical evaluation for appropriateness
Some clinical data suggests tirzepatide may produce different results compared to semaglutide, though individual responses vary significantly.
Learn more about tirzepatide for weight management and whether it might be appropriate for your situation.
3. Liraglutide (Saxenda)
Saxenda belongs to the same medication class as Wegovy but requires daily injections rather than weekly ones.
What Makes It Different:
• Daily injection schedule
• Approved for adults and adolescents 12 and older
• Earlier GLP-1 medication with established history
Who Might Prefer This Option:
• Those who want more frequent dose control
• People who have used liraglutide for other conditions
• Individuals seeking an established medication with longer track record
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, Saxenda can be part of a medically supervised weight management program.
The daily injection requirement works well for some people. Others prefer less frequent administration. Your healthcare provider can help determine which schedule fits your lifestyle and medical needs.
4. Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
Contrave represents a completely different approach from GLP-1 medications. It combines two medications that work on different brain pathways.
The Combination Approach:
• Targets appetite control centers in the brain
• Available as oral tablets
• No injections required
Potential Fit For:
• People seeking non-GLP-1 options
• Those who experience emotional eating patterns
• Individuals who prefer oral medications
This medication works through different mechanisms entirely. It doesn't mimic gut hormones like GLP-1 medications do.
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, Contrave may be suitable for individuals who don't respond well to or aren't candidates for GLP-1 therapies.
5. Phentermine/Topiramate ER (Qsymia)
Qsymia combines two medications into one capsule. It takes yet another approach to weight management support.
How It's Different:
• Oral medication taken daily
• Combines appetite suppression with different metabolic effects
• Non-GLP-1 mechanism
Considerations:
• May be appropriate for different patient profiles
• Requires specific medical evaluation
• Not suitable for everyone – multiple contraindications exist
This option has been available longer than newer GLP-1 medications. It serves specific patient populations where other options may not be appropriate.
Comparing Your Options: What to Consider
Choosing among these alternatives isn't about finding the "best" option. It's about finding the most appropriate option for your individual situation.
Injection Frequency:
• Weekly: Wegovy, Zepbound
• Daily: Saxenda
• None: Oral semaglutide, Contrave, Qsymia
Medication Class:
• GLP-1 medications: Semaglutide (oral and injectable), liraglutide, tirzepatide
• Non-GLP-1 options: Contrave, Qsymia
Medical Considerations:
• Your health history
• Current medications
• Specific health conditions
• Treatment goals
For more context on semaglutide-based alternatives or other Ozempic alternatives, explore how different GLP-1 options compare.
How Medical Supervision Makes the Difference
None of these medications are appropriate for everyone. All require medical oversight.
What Medical Supervision Includes:
• Comprehensive health evaluation
• Ongoing monitoring
• Dosage adjustments as needed
• Management of potential side effects
• Integration with lifestyle modifications
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, these medications become part of a broader weight management strategy: not standalone solutions.
Working with licensed medical providers online can provide convenient access to evaluation and ongoing care.
Understanding Compounded Medications
Some patients explore compounded versions of these medications. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Important Distinctions:
• Compounded medications differ from brand-name products
• They're created by specialized pharmacies
• They may be appropriate when certain criteria are met
• Medical evaluation remains essential
Learn more about compounded GLP-1 options and how they differ from brand-name alternatives.
Next Steps: Finding Your Right Fit
The right alternative depends on multiple factors unique to you.
Questions to Discuss With Your Provider:
• What does my health history suggest?
• Which delivery method suits my lifestyle?
• What are the costs and coverage options?
• How will we monitor progress?
• What side effects should I watch for?
When prescribed by a licensed medical provider, and when clinically appropriate, any of these alternatives might support your weight management goals.
Ready to explore which option might be right for you?
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Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All prescription medications for weight management require evaluation and ongoing supervision by a licensed healthcare provider. Individual results vary, and no specific outcomes can be guaranteed. Eligibility for any medication depends on your unique health profile, medical history, and clinical assessment. All medications carry potential risks and side effects that should be discussed with your healthcare provider. This content does not replace professional medical consultation.
About DrMed Health: Our platform connects patients with licensed medical providers for telemedicine consultations. All clinical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals. We comply with HIPAA regulations and maintain strict patient privacy standards. For information about our medical team credentials and platform security, visit our About page.
The information in this article represents current understanding as of February 2026 and may be updated as new medical information becomes available.