Ozempic vs. Phentermine: What’s the Difference?

The FDA has currently approved six weight loss medications for public use, which means there are several options for those looking for help with losing weight. However, more options for weight loss means it can be overwhelming when it comes to choosing the right drug for your goals. In many cases, the top two choices often come down to Ozempic vs. Phentermine. 

Ozempic (also known as Semaglutide/GLP-1) is a recent entrant in the field of weight loss drugs. Phentermine has existed for some time as an inexpensive but effective short-term weight loss solution. It is important to assess the benefits of Ozempic and Phentermine, and understand how each drug works. In the following article, we’d like to look at the key differences between the two drugs and evaluate their weight-loss effects.

Ozempic vs. Phentermine: How the Two Drugs Stack Up

Ozempic is a diabetes medication and is not currently approved by the FDA for weight loss in overweight or obese adults. But Semaglutide/GLP-1 was approved for generic weight loss under the brand name of Wegovy.

Phentermine is often a simpler option to assist people in their quest to lose weight. For one thing, it’s been around for much longer than Ozempic, and its effects are fairly well-known. The drug also functions differently in the human body, helping you to consume fewer calories and control your appetite. But keep in mind that Phentermine should only be used for a short period of time.

Ozempic: An Overview

Ozempic works as a weekly injection to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

It may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and studies have demonstrated that people taking Ozempic for diabetes may lose weight. This prompted Novo Nordisk (the drug’s manufacturer) to conduct clinical trials to assess whether people without diabetes would experience similar results.

The outcome was the creation of Wegovy, and this drug was approved by the FDA in 2021. The excessive demand for this weight-loss wonder drug triggered a shortage of Wegovy, prompting some to turn to off-label uses of Ozempic.

Suggested: Ozempic vs Wegovy: What are the Differences?

How Ozempic Helps With Weight Loss

Ozempic operates by imitating the GLP-1 hormone, which has an essential role in regulating appetite. This bait-and-switch means that people feel fuller and consequently eat fewer calories, resulting in a reduction in body weight. After eating, Ozempic also prompts the pancreas to release insulin and prevents the liver from releasing sugar. Additionally, it slows the stomach’s activities allowing you to feel full for much longer.

The proper Ozempic dosage can be tricky. To achieve the greatest amount of weight reduction with Ozempic, it’s crucial to slowly increase the dosage until you reach about 2.4 mg each week. It’s also possible to see some degree of weight reduction before reaching the proper dosage.

Phentermine: Uses and Benefits

Phentermine is a short-term weight-loss stimulant, but it has similar results to Ozempic. Essentially, it aids in weight loss by decreasing one’s appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness. This drug can be taken in combination with diet and exercise for those who are overweight or have other health issues, including hypertension or high cholesterol.

Chemically, Phentermine is nearest to the amphetamine family. It’s been around since 1959 and has proven to be safe and addiction-free. Nevertheless, it’s still considered to be a controlled substance and isn’t recommended for children under the age of 17.

Related: Wegovy vs. Phentermine: What’s the Difference?

How Phentermine Works

The chemical operation of Ozempic vs. Phentermine is noticeably different, even if it achieves similar results.

Phentermine is a stimulant, so it acts on the central nervous system, causing it to produce chemicals and trick the brain into believing the stomach is full and the appetite sated. The medication is taken about an hour or two after breakfast, and it controls the appetite for the rest of the day.

A course of Phentermine treatment lasts no longer than twelve weeks. Most people lose at least five percent of their starting body weight during this period. Some may develop a tolerance for the drug after a few weeks. The effectiveness of the drug at this point diminishes greatly. If that happens, your physician will likely have you discontinue its use.

Which Drug Is Most Beneficial For Weight Loss?

As far as a direct Phentermine vs. Ozempic comparison in head-to-head clinical studies, the two drugs have yet to be assessed. However, we can still draw a few conclusions about their individual effectiveness.

As noted above, Ozempic has not been authorized by the FDA for weight loss in people without diabetes. However, it was studied and approved for weight loss in diabetes patients, and these trials indicated a significant weight reduction in overweight or obese adults.

The uses for Phentermine are more limited, given its three-month period, but it’s also a proven drug that’s been around for decades. Studies of Phentermine have shown that people lose around fourteen pounds after completing, on average, a thirteen-week course of the drug.

Let Lowcountry Male Help You in Your Weight-Loss Journey

If you would like professional assistance on your weight loss journey, Lowcountry Male can help. Our men’s health clinic offer Semaglutide/GLP-1 as a treatment option when looking to shed the extra pounds. We can provide a personal consultation and tailored programs to suit your weight-loss goals.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a location near you.