Looking Beyond Ozempic? Here Are Your Options
Maybe the price stings, or maybe you've realized Ozempic is only FDA-approved for diabetes, not weight loss. Either way, it's smart to know what else is out there. We ranked seven alternatives by cost and how well they work, so you can find the one that actually fits your goals and your budget.
The options
7 Ozempic alternatives, ranked honestly
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
FDA ApprovedSame ingredient as Ozempic, FDA-approved for weight loss.
Pros
- + Same proven molecule as Ozempic
- + FDA-approved specifically for weight loss
- + Widely available via telehealth at $249/mo
Cons
- – Retail price near $1,349/mo
- – Similar GI side effects
- – Requires ongoing use
- Type
- Injectable
- Active
- Semaglutide 2.4mg
- Avg loss
- 15–17%
- Cost
- $249/mo subscription · $1,349/mo retail
Foundayo (Orforglipron)
FDA ApprovedNew oral pill, no fasting required, FDA-approved April 2026.
Pros
- + Oral — no injections
- + No fasting window required
- + Lowest-cost FDA-approved GLP-1 at $149/mo
Cons
- – Brand new, limited long-term data
- – Slightly below tirzepatide on loss
- – Daily dosing
- Type
- Oral
- Active
- Orforglipron
- Avg loss
- 14–15%
- Cost
- $149/mo
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
FDA ApprovedDual-action GIP/GLP-1, highest weight loss in class.
Pros
- + Highest loss in class
- + Dual GIP/GLP-1 mechanism
- + Strong SURMOUNT trial data
Cons
- – Expensive without insurance
- – Off-label for weight loss
- – More GI effects during titration
- Type
- Injectable
- Active
- Tirzepatide
- Avg loss
- 15–22%
- Cost
- $550–$1,023/mo
Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
FDA ApprovedSame as Mounjaro, FDA-approved for obesity.
Pros
- + FDA-approved for obesity
- + Same molecule as Mounjaro
- + Coverage improving in 2026 + Lilly savings
Cons
- – High retail price
- – Periodic supply constraints
- – Same GI profile as Mounjaro
- Type
- Injectable
- Active
- Tirzepatide
- Avg loss
- 15–22%
- Cost
- $550–$1,060/mo
Compounded Semaglutide
Not FDA ApprovedCheapest option, but carries FDA risks.
Pros
- + Most affordable route
- + Widely available via telehealth
- + No insurance required
Cons
- – Not FDA-approved
- – 50+ FDA warning letters to compounders
- – Variable quality between pharmacies
- Type
- Injectable
- Active
- Compounded semaglutide
- Avg loss
- 12–15%
- Cost
- $99–$299/mo
Oral Wegovy
FDA ApprovedPill form of Wegovy, requires fasting.
Pros
- + No injections
- + FDA-approved for weight loss
- + Low $149/mo entry dose
Cons
- – Must take on empty stomach
- – Maintenance $500–$800/mo
- – ~1% variable bioavailability
- Type
- Oral
- Active
- Semaglutide 50mg (oral)
- Avg loss
- 15–17%
- Cost
- $149–$800/mo
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
FDA ApprovedOral semaglutide for diabetes, off-label for weight loss.
Pros
- + Oral, no injections
- + ~7 years of real-world data
- + Often covered for diabetes
Cons
- – Off-label for weight loss
- – Modest 5–8% loss
- – Same fasting requirement
- Type
- Oral
- Active
- Semaglutide 14mg (oral)
- Avg loss
- 5–8%
- Cost
- $900–$1,000/mo retail
Seed data — prices and ratings are illustrative; verify on each provider’s site before relying on them.
At a glance
All seven, side by side
| Drug | Type | Avg loss | Monthly cost | Route | FDA approved |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic (current) | GLP-1 | 12–15% | $998/mo | Injectable | Diabetes only |
| Wegovy | GLP-1 | 15–17% | $249/mo* | Injectable | Weight loss |
| Foundayo | GLP-1 | 14–15% | $149/mo | Oral | Weight loss |
| Mounjaro | GIP/GLP-1 | 15–22% | $550–$1,023/mo | Injectable | Diabetes |
| Zepbound | GIP/GLP-1 | 15–22% | $550–$1,060/mo | Injectable | Weight loss |
| Compounded Semaglutide | GLP-1 | 12–15% | $99–$299/mo | Injectable | No |
| Oral Wegovy | GLP-1 | 15–17% | $149–$800/mo | Oral | Weight loss |
| Rybelsus | GLP-1 | 5–8% | $900–$1,000/mo | Oral | Diabetes only |
*Wegovy $249/mo reflects telehealth subscription pricing; retail is $1,349/mo. Compounded semaglutide is not FDA-approved. Seed data verified for April 2026.
Decision guide
Which one is right for you?
If money's tight
Foundayo ($149/mo) is the most affordable FDA-approved option. Compounded semaglutide ($99–$299/mo) costs less still, though it isn't FDA-approved — a trade-off worth weighing. Wegovy subscriptions ($249/mo) sit in the middle: affordable, with a proven brand behind them.
If needles aren't your thing
Foundayo is the easiest pill — no fasting window to remember. Oral Wegovy works too, but asks you to wait 30 minutes before eating. Rybelsus is a good fit if you have diabetes and want a daily tablet.
If you want the strongest results
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro or Zepbound) leads the pack at 15–22%. Its dual GIP/GLP-1 action tends to do more for most people — though more medicine can also mean more adjustment early on.
Where to get them
Providers we'd point you to
The programs we rate highest can prescribe the semaglutide and tirzepatide alternatives covered above.
A fast, friendly path to semaglutide or tirzepatide — no membership, no runaround.
Compounded or brand-name, in shots, drops, or tablets — whatever fits you best.
Skip the needle if you'd like — drops, lozenges, and tablets, in all 50 states.
Message your care team as often as you need — unlimited visits, baked into the price.
Not a fan of needles? Embody's GLP-1 gum is a genuinely different way in.
GLP-1 weight care with a fitness-minded twist — plus longevity and performance add-ons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still weighing the options? Let's narrow it down.
Answer six quick questions and we'll point you to the programs that suit your budget, your insurance, and how you want to be cared for.
Related Resources
Our 2026 Program Rankings
See how all six programs stack up, side by side.
Compounded or Brand-Name?
What the end of the semaglutide shortage means for you.
Medicare GLP-1 Coverage
From July 2026, Medicare covers GLP-1 at $50 a month.
Handling Side Effects
Friendly tips for getting through the common GLP-1 side effects.
Find Your Match
A two-minute quiz to point you toward the right fit.
The Most Affordable Programs
Compare the options by what you'd actually pay.