Alternatives for Ozempic: Which slimming drugs are there?

Ozempic is primarily intended for the treatment of diabetes, but it is often used for weight loss. There are various alternatives that can be effective for weight control. We go over the options and give you more information about the operation, benefits, side effects and availability in Belgium.

Also read: Is Ozempic diabetes drug a panacea to lose weight quickly?

Also read: Ozempic: Is Semaglutide also the panacea for your heart?

Ozempic and Rybelsus: Diabetes drugs with weight loss as a side effect

Ozempic

Ozempic is often associated with weight loss, but it is important to know that this drug has been primarily developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient, Semaglutide, helps to regulate blood sugar levels by promoting insulin release and reducing glucose production by the liver. Weight loss often occurs as an Ozempic side effect, because it can suppress appetite and promotes a saturated feeling.

Also read: Can you buy Ozempic in Belgium without a prescription?

Rybelsus

Rybelsus is a drug for adults with type 2 diabetes and is used to regulate blood sugar, especially when metformin is not suitable or in combination with other diabetes medication. Although it is not intended as a slimming agent, many patients experience weight loss as a side effect. The use of Rybelsus always goes together with a suitable diet and sufficient exercise.

It is available as tablets (3, 7 and 14 mg) and available exclusively on prescription. After six months of treatment, patients noticed weight loss in addition to better blood sugar values. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea and low blood sugar levels. In Belgium it is mainly prescribed for diabetes, not for weight loss. Therefore always consult with your doctor to determine what is the best choice for you.

Also read: Rybelsus: a pill to lose weight?

Slimming medicine Orlistat: Tablet to be taken at meals

• Operation: Orlistat works by inhibiting the enzymes responsible for fat digestion, so that the body does not absorb about 30% of the nutritional fat. There are two forms: Xenical (the prescribed version of 120mg) and Alli (the lower dose of 60mg).
• For whom: It is usually prescribed for long -term management of obesity (BMI equal to or higher than 30), but also in overweight (BMI between 27 and 30). Always in combination with an adapted diet and extra movement.
• Effect: Orlistat helps with weight loss by reducing the amount of fat that your body absorbs, which can lead to a modest weight decrease of approximately 3% more than just an overweight and obesity diet (BMI = 27).
• Usage: Xenical (120 mg) is taken three times a day during or within an hour after a meal that contains fat. Weight loss is usually noticeable only after 2 months, although it can start after 2 weeks. Alli (60 mg) works in the same way and is also taken three times a day.
• Side effects: Possible side effects are digestive problems, fecal incontinence and shortages in fat -soluble vitamins. Moreover, Orlistat is not suitable or safe for everyone and can interact with commonly used prescribed medicines.
• Availability: Orlistat is available in Belgium, both on prescription (xenical) and in a non-prescribed version (Alli) at the pharmacy.
• Cost price: Orlistat is available in generic form, making it relatively affordable, both on prescription (xenical) and without a prescription in a lower dose (Alli). Every month we talk about 35 to 90 euros depending on the manufacturer and the dose.

Slimming agent Wegovy: Not yet available in Belgium

• Operation: Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide (the active component of Ozempic) It works by stimulating the feeling of saturation and delaying the stomach emptying.
• For whom: Wegovy is used by people with obesity (BMI equal to or higher than 30) and overweight (BMI between 27 and 30), both to lose weight and to keep weight under control. Always in combination with a low -calorie adapted and extra exercise.
• Effect: Studies show that Wegovy is effective with weight loss, where a considerable part of the users reaches at least 5% weight reduction.
• Usage: Wegovy is administered once a week via a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. To reduce the risk of gastrointestinal complaints, the weekly dose is gradually increased for 16 weeks. You can administer the medicine yourself.
• Side effects: Possible side effects can include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain. The medicine is not recommended for all patients.
• Availability: In 2022, the European Medicines Agency approved the medicine, but Wegovy is currently not being sold in Belgium, but in the Netherlands.
• Cost price: Wegovy is more expensive than generic resources, with a price that can often rise in the hundreds of euros per month.

Also read: Wegovy: even better than Ozempic to lose weight?

Slimming agent Mounjaro: 1 injection per week

• Operation: Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a substance that works such as the hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which stimulate insulin production in the pancreas and lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It also helps to reduce appetite and supports weight management by working on specific receptors in the body, such as the one in the pancreas and brain.
• For whom: It helps adults with obesity (BMI above 30) or overweight (BMI between 27 and 30) and weight -related health problems, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, to lose weight and keep it under control. Always in combination with an adapted diet and extra movement.
• Effect: Mounjaro can lead to a weight reduction of 15% on average after 72 weeks, depending on the dose.
• Usage: Mounjaro is available as a solution for injection in pre -filled pens and can only be obtained on prescription. It is injected once a week, under the skin of the abdomen, upper arm or thigh. You can administer the medicine yourself.
• Side effects: The most common side effects of Mounjaro are nausea, diarrhea, constipation and vomiting, usually mild or moderate in nature. These side effects are more common in a change in the dose.
• Availability: Since the end of 2024, Mounjaro has been available at the Belgian pharmacy. Because there are conditions for use, the medicine is only available on prescription.
• Cost price: Mounjaro is still relatively new on the market and can be expensive, with costs that amount to around 250 euros per month and without a reimbursement.

Also read: Diabetes and slimming drug Mounjaro: more weight loss than Ozempic

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