Ozempic vs Phentermine - Compare Weight Loss Medications

Introduction

Losing weight and keeping it off can be a major challenge for many people. While diet and exercise are key components for weight loss, sometimes prescription medications can give that extra boost to your weight loss journey. Two of the most talked about prescription weight loss drugs right now are ozempic and phentermine. But what are these medications and how do they work? Let's take a closer look at ozempic vs phentermine.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, an injectable prescription medication used for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 for blood sugar control and in 2021 for weight loss. Ozempic mimics a hormone called GLP-1 that targets areas of your brain that regulate appetite and food intake. By acting like GLP-1, ozempic slows down digestion and suppresses appetite. This leads to feelings of fullness and reduction in portion sizes.

How Ozempic Promotes Weight Loss

There are a few ways ozempic promotes weight loss:

• Suppresses appetite - By mimicking GLP-1, ozempic reduces hunger and decreases calorie intake
• Increases feelings of fullness - Ozempic slows digestion, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and satiety
• Regulates blood sugar - By improving glycemic control, ozempic can reduce fat storage
• Delays gastric emptying - Ozempic slows down stomach emptying to control portions and reduce calorie intake

In clinical trials, participants lost an average of 12% of their body weight after taking ozempic for 68 weeks. Those who took ozempic were twice as likely to lose 5% of their body weight compared to placebo. For many people, ozempic can be an effective prescription weight loss treatment.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is an oral prescription medication that has been used for weight loss since the 1950s. It is approved for short-term treatment of obesity. Phentermine works by acting on the central nervous system to decrease appetite. It increases neurotransmitters like norepinephrine that signal fullness and satiety. Phentermine is meant for short-term use only, usually a few weeks or up to 12 weeks. It may be prescribed along with diet and exercise for chronic weight management.

How Phentermine Promotes Weight Loss

Here are the main ways phentermine supports weight loss:

• Suppresses appetite - Phentermine reduces hunger and cravings
• Increases feelings of fullness - Signals satiety and satisfaction from smaller portions
• Boosts energy expenditure - Raises metabolism and fat burning
• Increases focus - Allows compliance to diet and exercise regimen

In studies, participants lost around 3-5% more weight with phentermine compared to placebo over a 12 week period. Phentermine is not meant for long-term use, but can help kickstart weight loss through appetite suppression.

Key Differences Between Ozempic and Phentermine

While ozempic and phentermine are both prescription medications used for weight loss, there are some key differences between the two drugs:

Administration

Ozempic is taken as a once weekly injection, while phentermine is an oral capsule or tablet taken daily.

Approval

Ozempic is FDA approved for chronic weight management along with diet and exercise. Phentermine is only approved for short-term use for a few weeks or up to 12 weeks.

Mechanism

Ozempic mimics the hormone GLP-1 to influence appetite and slow digestion. Phentermine is a stimulant that acts on the central nervous system to suppress appetite.

Side Effects

Common side effects of ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. Phentermine's side effects can include dry mouth, insomnia, constipation, headache and elevated heart rate.

Cost

Ozempic is more expensive, with retail prices over $1000/month without insurance. Phentermine is relatively inexpensive at around $30-75/month.

While both medications can promote weight loss through appetite suppression, ozempic targets weight management long-term whereas phentermine is for short-term use.

Is Ozempic or Phentermine Right For You?

Determining if ozempic or phentermine is the most appropriate weight loss medication involves looking at several individual factors:

Type 2 Diabetes

For those with type 2 diabetes, ozempic can help manage blood sugar levels along with promoting weight loss. Since it is approved for this purpose, ozempic may be prescribed preferentially for diabetic patients.

BMI

Your BMI (body mass index) may determine which medication you qualify for. Ozempic is approved for those with a BMI of 30 or higher, while phentermine is usually only prescribed if BMI is 27 with an obesity-related condition.

Cardiovascular Health

Those at increased cardiovascular risk may benefit more from ozempic, as it has been shown in studies to reduce risk of major cardiac events.

Medication Tolerance

If you have difficulty tolerating injectable or oral medications, it can guide choice between ozempic injections or daily phentermine pills.

Costs and Insurance Coverage

If out-of-pocket costs are a concern, phentermine may be the more affordable option for you.

Long-Term vs Short-Term Use

Ozempic is meant for long-term weight management whereas phentermine has a short duration. This can direct choice between the medications.

Speaking with your doctor is the best way to determine if prescription ozempic or phentermine is appropriate for your individual weight loss goals and health status.

Alternative Weight Loss Options

Along with prescription medications like ozempic and phentermine, there are some other options that can stimulate weight loss:

Other Anti-Obesity Medications

Besides phentermine, other weight loss drugs include Qsymia, Contrave, Saxenda, and Wegovy. Speak to your doctor about these alternatives.

Bariatric Surgery

For those with severe obesity, bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, or lap band procedures can be an option for substantial, sustained weight loss.

Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Creating a consistent calorie deficit through diet and increasing physical activity is the cornerstone for weight loss and maintenance. Behavioral therapy may also help.

The Bottom Line

When used alongside diet and exercise, prescription medications like ozempic and phentermine can help treat obesity. Ozempic promotes gradual but sustained weight loss through appetite suppression and blood sugar control. Phentermine provides short-term weight loss support by decreasing hunger. Assessing your health status, goals, medication tolerance, and insurance coverage can help determine if one of these drugs is right for your weight loss journey.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.