Ozempic offers undoubted weight management benefits and works well for some people, there is a growing interest in finding natural OTC alternatives to Semaglutide injections.
Ozempic (Semaglutide) is a prescription medication that is commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, in recent years, it has gained popularity as a weight loss drug. Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes feelings of fullness. Although Ozempic has gained popularity, a high cost price and several side effects have created a demand for an effective natural over the counter Ozempic alternative
Natural supplements have several advantages over prescription medications. Firstly, they are often more affordable and can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. This makes them a convenient option for people who do not have easy access to healthcare professionals or prefer to take a more proactive approach to their health. Additionally, natural products have fewer side effects than pharmaceutical drugs.
In this article, we look at the three best and most cost effecticve Ozempic alternatives available to buy over-the-counter (OTC) in 2024.
The Top 3 Cheaper Alternatives to Ozempic for Weight Loss Revealed
If you are looking for a more affordable weight loss supplement to use instead of Ozempic, here are the three best options to use in 2024:
- PhenQ – Best Over the Counter Ozempic Alternative
- Berbaprime
- Keto Charge
You may have heard of PhenQ because it regularly tops so many best diet pill lists. However, if you have very specialist needs Berbaprime or Keto Charge may be a better fit. Regardless of which one you choose, you can be confident you are buying a high-quality supplement produced by a reputable manufacturer that provides a long money-back guarantee.
What Are The Side Effects and Risks Of Ozempic?
Like any medication, Ozempic can present a number of side effects and potential health risks.
Here are some common side effects:
- Injection Site Reactions: Ozempic is administered via subcutaneous injection so injection site reactions are a possible side effect. These reactions may manifest as redness, swelling, pain, or itching at the injection site.
- Gastrointestinal Disturbances: One of the most frequently reported side effects of Ozempic is gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and/or abdominal pain. Fortunately, these symptoms are usually mild and tend to diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
- Hypoglycemia: Ozempic is designed to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, in some cases, it may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of hypoglycemia can range from mild reactions, such as dizziness and sweating, to more severe responses, including confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
- Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In preclinical studies, Ozempic has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. It’s unclear whether this risk applies to humans but recent research suggests this may very well be the case. [1]
- Pancreatitis: There have been rare reports of pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas among Ozempic users. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, and vomiting. If any symptoms suggestive of pancreatitis occur seek medical assistance immediately.
- Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, allergic reactions to Ozempic can occur. Signs of an allergic reaction may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Ozempic users who experience an allergic response will need immediate medical assistance.
The Best Natural Ozempic Alternatives OTC Evaluated and Compared
Moving forward, please remember that we recommend the following three over the counter supplements for weight loss, not controlling blood sugar levels, or for replacing diabetes medication.
If you are a diabetic who is using Ozempic and seeking a safe alternative, we suggest you contact a healthcare provider and ask to discuss the options available.
#1 – PhenQ: Best OTC Alternative to Ozempic Overall
CLICK to view PhenQ price and latest special offers from official website
PhenQ is one of the most popular diet pills in the world and a great alternative to using Ozempic injections for weight loss.
With over 190,000 satisfied customers so far, many of whom lose 10 pounds or more during their first month of treatment, PhenQ’s reputation as a natural weight loss aid is second to none.
In addition to being safer to use than Ozempic, PhenQ is also cheaper to purchase and has the backing of a 60-day money-back guarantee.
PhenQ supports weight loss by providing several key benefits including, strong appetite suppression, higher energy levels, mood support, and faster fat burning.
The supplement achieves these things by harnessing the power of natural ingredients such as caffeine, capsicum pepper, and nopal cactus extract.
Working in harmony with your body, the PheQ formula removes obstacles like hunger, low mood, and diet-related fatigue to make the process of losing weight less of a challenge and help you burn through your stores of body fat more quickly.
All Ozempic can do is suppress appetite, making PhenQ a more versatile option.
Most of the PhenQ ingredients are as versatile as the product that contains them. For instance, in addition to fighting fatigue, caffeine also helps reduce hunger. Research shows this popular natural stimulant further contributes to weight loss by boosting metabolism. [2]
Not to be outdone, capsicum provides capsaicin, which has scientific credentials as an appetite suppressant and thermogenic fat burner. Research shows capsaicin also supports weight loss in several additional ways including inhibiting adipogenesis (fat cell creation) and instigating positive changes in the gut. [3]
Meanwhile, traditionally used for appetite suppression, nopal shares capsaicin’s ability to boost metabolism by influencing the gut microbiota and also limiting the amount of calories the body obtains from dietary fats. [4, 5]
Pros
- Cheaper than Ozempic
- Does not have any known side effects
- Provides weight loss support in multiple areas
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly formula
- The manufacturer provides free shipping and a 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Only available from the official website
- Contains a small amount of caffeine
#2 – Berbaprime – Control Blood Sugar Levels
CLICK to view Berbaprime price and latest special offers from official website
Berbaprime is a natural supplement that supports healthy blood sugar levels and may reduce appetite similar to Ozempic. Its primary active ingredient is berberine, a plant alkaloid extracted from herbs like goldenseal, barberry, and tree turmeric.
Berberine is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. It also has antimicrobial properties. Herbalists in China and India have been taking advantage of its medicinal properties for thousands of years. Among other things, it’s a traditional treatment for high blood pressure and liver disease.
One of the things berberine does is help regulate blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. For this reason, it’s also been used as a diabetes treatment and has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels by as much as 30%, making it a good natural alternative to statins. [6]
Berberine’s value as a weight loss solution has been explored in numerous clinical trials and meta-analysis investigations. The upshot of this is that there is a lot of scientific evidence that supports using berberine supplements for weight management purposes.
Researchers continue to struggle to agree on how berberine works for weight loss. Animal studies suggest it may suppress appetite but human-based clinical trials indicate it may act on the gut microbiota. [7, 8]
Regardless of the methods involved, berberine works well and Berberprime provides it in a dose that’s been clinically proven to be effective.
Due to its greater versatility, PhenQ is a more powerful option but Berbaprime may be a better choice for people who want an Ozempic alternative that will help them to burn fat faster and also provide blood sugar control, or lower cholesterol.
Pros
- Lower price point compared to Ozempic
- Proven to be effective for weight loss
- Free shipping
- 100-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- May cause mild gastrointestinal side effects in a minority of users
- It’s unclear how the key ingredient works
- It’s only available from the official website
#3 – Keto Charge – Ketogenic Weight Loss Supplement
CLICK to view Keto Charge price and latest special offers from official website
For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, Keto Charge is an excellent supplement to use instead of Ozempic.
Keto diets force the body to use fat rather than carbs for fuel through carbohydrate restriction. Keto Charge helps optimize this fat-burning state.
The primary ingredient in Keto Charge is a proprietary blend of magnesium, sodium, and potassium BHB salts. By providing these ketone precursors Keto Charge bypasses the normal process of producing ketones through carb limitation.
Studies show supplements that provide exogenous ketones can be very effective for inducing ketosis and for lowering blood sugar as well. [9, 10]
This consistent elevation of ketone levels accelerates fat oxidation and suppresses appetite more potently than dieting alone. Keto diets normally take weeks to fully induce ketosis. Keto Charge jumpstarts the process in as little as one day.
Many customers report losing up to 5 pounds per month on a low-carb diet with Keto Charge support. Others see their appetite decrease to the point they can’t finish meals or stay in ketosis even after consuming some carbs. There are no reported side effects to its use long term either.
However, if you want to get the best results from Keto Charge, you need to be willing to commit to a keto diet. If you already have done so or are prepared to do so, Keto Charge is an excellent choice.
If low-carb diets and going keto are not your thing, PhenQ remains the best Ozempic alternative to use.
Pros
- More cost effective than Ozempic
- Rapidly induces ketosis
- Supports reductions in appetite
- Free shipping and 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Works best alongside a Keto Diet plan
- Unsuitable for vegans or vegetarians (contains gelatin)
- Exclusive to the manufacturer’s website
What is Compounded Semaglutide?
Compounded semaglutide is a specialized form of the diabetes drug semaglutide that is customized by a compounding pharmacy for weight loss purposes. Here are some key points about compounded semaglutide:
- Semaglutide is an injectable diabetes medication that helps lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin production. It is sold under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy.
- In addition to lowering blood glucose, semaglutide also suppresses appetite and food cravings, which makes it useful for weight loss.
- Compounded semaglutide is mixed at specific dosages and concentrations tailored for weight management rather than diabetes treatment.
- It is customized by a compounding pharmacy on a per patient basis based on factors like BMI, weight loss goals, and tolerance.
- Compounding allows flexibility with dosing and combines semaglutide with other ingredients to optimize weight loss effects.
- Compounded semaglutide is considered an off-label use of the diabetes drug for weight loss. It typically requires a prescription.
- Research shows compounded semaglutide can help obese patients lose 15-20% of their body weight over 6-12 months.
- Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea which taper off over time. It carries risks if improper dosing.
In summary, compounded semaglutide is a modified form of a prescription diabetes drug customized for enhanced weight management under medical supervision.
How to Choose the Best Natural Alternative to Ozempic
When it comes to choosing a supplement to support you on your weight loss journey, there is no one-size-fits-all. The supplement that is a perfect choice for someone else may not be a great choice for you.
Before making a choice, clarify your personal goals and priorities. Are you primarily seeking efficient weight loss, or do you require additional help in a secondary area such as fighting fatigue, controlling hunger, or tackling issues related to insulin resistance or low mood?
Are you following a specific diet plan such as intermittent fasting or keto? It’s best to choose a dietary supplement that complements your lifestyle rather than restricts it.
For instance, if you are vegan or vegetarian, certain supplement options may be unsuitable.
Also consider any pre-existing health conditions you have and the medications you are currently taking. The ingredients in certain supplements may interact with your medications or exacerbate certain existing health conditions.
Take into account any known sensitivities or allergies you have to specific ingredients as well. Check the ingredient lists of the supplements carefully to ensure they are free from any components that may trigger adverse reactions.
For instance, if you are hypersensitive to stimulants or simply prefer to avoid them, you may want to avoid supplements that contain caffeine.
By considering these factors and gathering all the necessary information, you can make a more informed decision about which of the three supplements (PhenQ, Berbaprime, or Keto Charge) is the most appropriate choice for your specific needs and goals.
How to Get the Best Results from Ozempic Alternatives
Gaining weight is easy. Unfortunately, reversing weight gain is not. Regardless of whether you are using Ozempic or a natural alternative, you will also need to make appropriate lifestyle changes.
Healthy Diet
Adopting a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for weight loss. Focus on consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods while limiting processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugary snacks, and beverages. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats in your meals.
Portion Control
Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating. Use smaller plates and bowls, eat slowly, and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Avoid snacking and practice mindful eating.
Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity is essential for weight loss. Incorporate a combination of cardiovascular exercises (such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, or swimming) and strength training exercises (like weightlifting or bodyweight exercises).
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises two to three times a week.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps keep you hydrated, promotes feelings of fullness, and can help with weight management.
Be sure to avoid sugary beverages that will provide your body with extra calories. If you don’t like the taste of plain water, opt for herbal teas, or infused water instead.
Mindful Eating
Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your eating habits and the sensations of hunger and fullness. Avoid distractions such as eating in front of screens and take the time to savor and enjoy your meals. This can help prevent overeating and promote a healthier relationship with food.
Get Adequate Sleep
Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night. Sufficient sleep is essential for weight management, as it helps regulate appetite hormones and supports overall well-being.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can contribute to weight gain and hinder weight loss efforts. Employ stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or engaging in hobbies and activities that help you relax.
Seek Support
Consider joining a weight loss support group, working with a registered dietitian, or seeking guidance from a healthcare professional who specializes in weight management. They can provide personalized advice, monitor your progress, and help you stay motivated.
Ozempic Alternatives Concluding Thoughts
Ozempic is an effective drug for glycemic control and weight loss but not without downsides of cost, and potential side effects. The natural supplements PhenQ, Berbaprime, and Keto Charge are excellent substitutes that work through multiple metabolic pathways to achieve similar weight loss outcomes without presenting the serious health risks that are attributed to Ozempic.
For most people who need to burn fat and lose weight, PhenQ is likely to be the best option. Its ability to suppress appetite, speed up metabolism, and provide support in other key areas that relate to weight loss gives it an advantage over Ozempic, Berbaprime, and Keto Charge.
Nevertheless, depending on your personal requirements, Berbaprime or Keto Charge could be more appealing.
Regardless of your choice, you will save money by using either of the three alternatives and won’t have to contend with worries about dangerous adverse effects such as thyroid tumors or pancreatitis.
FAQs
What are natural OTC weight loss supplements?
Natural over the counter weight loss supplements are products that are derived from natural sources, such as plants, herbs, or other natural ingredients. These supplements are formulated to support weight loss efforts by enhancing metabolism, suppressing appetite, increasing energy levels, or promoting fat burning.
As with Ozempic and similar prescription medications, natural supplements are designed to work alongside appropriate efforts with diet and exercise.
How quickly will I see results using natural supplements?
The timeline for seeing weight loss results when using natural supplements depends on various factors such as the specific supplement, individual physiology, and lifestyle factors. The same is true when you use a prescription drug like Ozempic.
However, with adherence to a suitable diet and exercise regimen, people using powerful options, such as PhenQ, often reduce their body weight by 10 pounds or more during their first month.
How safe are natural alternatives to Ozempic?
Due to their 100% natural ingredient profiles, options such as PhenQ Berberprime, and Keto Charge are very safe. However, before using these or any other supplement, it’s best to check the formulations that do not contain any ingredients you are allergic to.
What is a Cheaper Ozempic Alternative that Actually Works?
PhenQ is often positioned as a cheaper substitute for Ozempic and many other weight loss injection and ideal people who don’t like needles. PhenQ has many scientifically documented ingredients and has a large number of positive reviews spanning over a decade.
Scientific Sources
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article-abstract/46/2/384/147888/GLP-1-Receptor-Agonists-and-the-Risk-of-Thyroid?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- Normal Caffeine Consumption: Influence on Thermogenesis and Daily Energy Expenditure in Lean and Postobese Human Volunteers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2912010/
- Dietary Capsaicin and Its Anti-obesity Potency: From Mechanism to Clinical Implications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426284/
- Physical and Dietary Intervention with Opuntia ficus-indica (Nopal) in Women with Obesity Improves Health Condition through Gut Microbiota Adjustment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8912383/
- Effects of Cactus Fiber on the Excretion of Dietary Fat in Healthy Subjects: A Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Clinical Investigation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109417/
- Efficacy of Berberine Alone and in Combination for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871262/