Ozempic alternatives for weight loss

No. Ozempic is only licensed in the UK by the MHRA for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is not approved by the NHS or MHRA for weight loss management. This means that you cannot request it for weight loss on the NHS or via private health services.

Currently, some doctors prescribe Ozempic ‘off-label’ for weight loss (outside of licensed requirements) but trusted providers advise against this. The specific brand name ‘Ozempic’ will not be available for weight loss any time soon in the UK for weight loss.

Ozempic is not licensed for weight management and therefore is not recommended as a safe weight loss treatment. You should instead consider safe, regulated treatments that are clinically proven and doctor‑prescribed.

Alternatives that have been clinically trialled and are safe to use when prescribed by a doctor include injections like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Nevolat, and oral weight loss medications like Wegovy pill, Foundayo, and Orlistat. You can request these from trusted and regulated online doctor services or private health clinics.

Can I get alternatives to Ozempic on the NHS?

Yes, some, but you would first need to meet their specific eligibility criteria. You can also request treatments like Wegovy, Mounjaro, Nevolat and Orlistat on the NHS. GLP-1 tablets are not currently available on the NHS.

There are a range of safe and effective alternative treatments to Ozempic that are available to request in the UK. Some weight loss treatments are available in the form of an injection, like Ozempic, and others in the form of a tablet. The one most suitable for you will depend on your personal needs.

View each treatment and compare:

Weight loss injections

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro was approved in November 2023 for weight management. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide which is a dual GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulintropic) receptor agonist. It works slightly differently to semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy). Not only does it suppress your appetite and make you feel fuller for longer, it works with your metabolism to improve how your body stores fat.

The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed that Mounjaro can help you lose an average of 22.5% body weight loss at 15 mg over 72 weeks. Main side effects of Mounjaro are nausea, diarrhoea and constipation.

Difference vs Ozempic: Like Ozempic, Mounjaro is injected once weekly and works to make you feel fuller for longer. Though, Mounjaro is licensed for weight loss in the UK and it is more effective because of dual receptor (GIP and GLP-1) action.

Wegovy (semaglutide)

Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, semaglutide. So, it works in exactly the same way. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist which works to make you feel fuller for longer by reducing your appetite and slowing down your digestion. It was approved by the MHRA in April 2023.

The STEP‑UP trials found that Wegovy can help you lose an average of 21% of your starting weight after 72 weeks on the maximum maintenance dose, 7.2mg.

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, which means they are both taken the same way (injected once weekly) and they both work the same way. However, Wegovy is licensed for weight loss in the UK, and its maximum dose (7.2 mg) is higher than the maximum dose of Ozempic (2 mg).

Liraglutide (Nevolat or Saxenda)

Liraglutide has been licensed for weight loss in the UK since 2015. It has been sold under the brand name Saxenda, and more recently Nevolat, since. Like Ozempic, it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist meaning that it works to lower your appetite and make you feel fuller for longer. Liraglutide is injected daily, not weekly.

The SCALE trial showed that liraglutide can help you lose 8.0% of your starting weight in 56 weeks. Main side effects of liraglutide include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Liraglutide vs Ozempic: You inject liraglutide daily instead of weekly and it is licensed in the UK for weight loss.

Weight loss tablets

Wegovy pill (oral semaglutide)

Wegovy pill is the oral tablet form of Wegovy injection. It was approved in the UK for weight management in June 2026. It contains the GLP-1 receptor agonist semaglutide and works in the same way as Wegovy injection by lowering your appetite and making you feel fuller for longer. It is taken once daily, after at least 8 hours of fasting (as soon as you wake up) with a maximum of 120ml and 30 minutes before food and drink.

The OASIS 4 trial found that patients lost an average of 17% of their starting weight in 64 weeks. Main side effects of the Wegovy pill are stomach pain, nausea, and constipation.

Wegovy pill vs Ozempic: Wegovy pill and Ozempic both contain semaglutide. Wegovy pill in comparison is taken daily in the form of a tablet, making it easier if you do not want to inject. The Wegovy pill, unlike Ozempic, is licensed in the UK for weight loss.

Orlistat (Xenical/Alli)

Orlistat is a fat absorption blocker which means it works to help you lose weight by blocking the fat from the food you eat from absorbing into your body. Orlistat is available in the branded versions in different doses, Xenical and alli. Xenical (under the name Orlistat) was approved for weight management in 1998, with the lower dose equivalent, alli being approved in 2009.

Clinical trials have found that patients can lose at least 5% of their starting weight when taking Orlistat within 12 weeks of treatment. Main side effects of Orlistat include oily and/or loose stools, diarrhoea, wind, stomach pain, headache, and oily discharge.

Orlistat vs Ozempic: Orlistat works in the gut and not on appetite hormones, it is also licensed for weight loss in the UK, unlike Ozempic.

Foundayo (orforglipron)

Foundayo which contains orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 tablet that is taken daily for weight loss. It was approved for weight management by the MHRA in August 2026. It works to help you lose weight by lowering your appetite and making you feel fuller for longer. It can be swallowed whole at any time of day without fasting requirements, this is because it is a small molecule GLP-1 which means the way that it is absorbed is not affected by what you eat or drink.

The ATTAIN-1 trial found that patients lost an average of 12.4% of their starting weight in 72 weeks on the highest maintenance dose. Main side effects of Foundayo include nausea, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

Foundayo vs Ozempic: Foundayo is taken as a tablet with flexible dosing and no fasting required. Unlike Ozempic, it is licensed for weight loss in the UK.

You must always speak to your doctor if you are thinking about switching weight loss medications.

Switching from Ozempic to UK approved weight loss injections

You can switch to alternative weight loss injections from Ozempic. Current treatments available at Asda Online Doctor for the management of weight loss and type 2 diabetes include:

• Mounjaro
• Wegovy
• Nevolat (liraglutide)

To request a switch, start a consultation and one of our doctors will recommend you start from the lowest dose after stopping Ozempic for 7 days. This also applies to switching from Ozempic to Wegovy because although they both contain semaglutide, they have different dosage schedules.

A doctor should always review your current personal health history and requirements before safely prescribing the medication you are requesting to switch to.

Switching from Ozempic to UK approved weight loss tablets

Oral weight loss treatments approved in the UK and available at Asda Online Doctor, include:

• Wegovy pill
• Orlistat (Xenical, alli)
• Foundayo

Like with weight loss injections, to request treatment, for example with Asda Online Doctor, you will need to start a consultation. One of our doctors will assess your personal health history and requirements before prescribing Wegovy pill, Orlistat, Xenical, alli or Foundayo. You will need to stop Ozempic for 7 days before starting your oral weight loss treatment.

Similar to switching between Wegovy injection and Ozempic, although the Wegovy pill also contains semaglutide you will need to stop taking Ozempic for a period of time before starting the Wegovy pill. This is because the Wegovy pill and Ozempic follow different dosage schedules and amounts.

It is important that you switch treatments under doctor supervision and guidance.

No, there are no natural alternatives that work in the same way as Ozempic.

You may have seen supplements such as berberine, chia seeds, and green tea promoted online as natural alternatives to Ozempic. While some studies suggest these products may have a small effect on appetite, blood sugar levels, or weight loss, evidence remains limited and the results are often inconsistent.

For example, berberine has been linked to modest improvements in weight and blood sugar control in some studies. Other studies have noted that green tea may support a small reduction in body weight. However, while chia seeds are often promoted as a weight loss aid, research shows that they do not produce significant weight loss results.

Researchers have not found evidence that these supplements produce results similar to licensed weight loss medications.

If you're looking for a natural approach to weight loss, focusing on long-term lifestyle changes is likely to be more effective than relying on supplements alone. Eating a balanced diet, being physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can all support healthy weight loss and improve your overall health.

If lifestyle changes alone are not helping you reach your goals, a licensed weight loss treatment may be a suitable option alongside healthy habits.

Is Wegovy exactly the same as Ozempic?

No. Although Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), Wegovy is licensed for weight loss, and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes.

Which Ozempic alternative is most effective for weight loss?

Mounjaro shows the strongest trial results, with an average of 22.5% weight loss in 72 weeks on the highest maintenance dose. Wegovy is also highly effective, helping patients lose an average of 21% of their starting weight in 72 weeks on the highest maintenance dose.

Are there oral pill alternatives to Ozempic?

Yes, Wegovy pill, Orlistat, and Foundayo can be taken in the form of a pill.

Wegovy pill and Foundayo, like Ozempic, are GLP-1 receptor agonists. The main difference is that they are licensed for weight loss, helping patients lose weight by suppressing their appetite.Wegovy pill is taken daily after fasting and 30 minutes before food and drink, Foundayo is taken daily but is more flexible, with no fasting food or drink restrictions.

Orlistat, on the other hand, is a fat absorption blocker. It comes as Xenical, or as the lower-dose brands alli and Orlos. These tablets help patients lose weight by preventing fat from being absorbed from food you eat. They are taken three times daily with meals that contain fat.