Glucagon-like Peptide 1 agonists like Wegovy have become the rage in obesity control in recent years. However, they are not the only weight loss drugs healthcare professionals prescribe. How do they compare to their predecessors, like Phentermine?

Obesity is a significant health concern, and many individuals seek medical treatments to aid in weight loss and a reduction in body mass. Two common prescription drugs for shedding pounds are Wegovy and Phentermine. While both drugs help individuals who have struggled with weight gain slim down, they belong to two very different drug classes. They differ in their mechanisms of action, administration, cost, and overall effectiveness. Understanding these differences can help patients make informed decisions regarding their weight loss journey.

What Are Wegovy Injections?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a revolutionary prescription medication approved for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight status who also have obesity-related medical conditions. It belongs to the class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1 Ras), which mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. This hormone helps regulate appetite and food intake by signaling to the brain that the body is full, thereby reducing hunger and promoting a lower calorie intake. Patients taking Wegovy injections feel full sooner and stay fuller longer. When combined with exercise and a low-calorie diet, people are losing 30 or 40 pounds or more in a relatively short time from Wegovy injections.

Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Weight loss results on Wegovy have been unprecedented in previous weight loss drugs like Phentermine. Wegovy and related medications represent a game-changing option for men and women who have struggled with obesity.

When combined with a healthy diet and increased regular exercise, people taking Wegovy have lost over 15% of their total body weight. In some individuals, that was 40 to 60 pounds!

Wegovy and its class of drugs have other benefits that drugs like Phentermine, which are basically stimulants, do not. For example, Wegovy can help lower blood pressure, decrease your level of “bad” cholesterol, and even lower your risk of developing heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription medicine used to lessen appetite. It can help weight loss by making you less hungry. Or it can help you feel full longer. That may sound similar to Wegovy, but these are two very different drugs with different mechanisms of action.

Phentermine was a popular weight loss drug before the introduction of GLP-1’s like Wegovy (semaglutide); since the introduction of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists, it has been prescribed much less, as it has proven to be nowhere as effective as the newer GLP-1 RAs. However, Phentermine could be good for people who require temporary weight loss or are looking for a weight loss solution that could be considerably less expensive than Wegovy.

There is a version of Phentermine that is combined with another medication known as topiramate, and this combination is sold under the brand name “Qsymia.” But even in this combination, Phentermine offers only modest weight loss compared to Wegovy. In clinical trials, patients on Qsymia usually lose only about 5% to 7% of total body weight. It has the potential for some side effects that are significantly more serious than Wegovy and, therefore, is usually prescribed only for a few weeks, whereas Wegovy and similar drugs can be safely prescribed for years at a time.

The two drugs differ not only in their effectiveness but how long they can be taken. Because of the greatest risk of adverse effects and warnings about addiction, Phentermine can only be prescribed for a few months, whereas Wegovy is meant for long-term use. In clinical trials, the most significant weight reduction occurred after sixty-eight weeks!

What Are the Main Differences Between Wegovy and Phentermine?

While both medications can help reduce body fat, they differ significantly in their mechanisms of action, duration of use, and potential risks:

• Mechanism of Action: Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy mimics a natural hormone that regulates appetite, whereas Phentermine is a stimulant that suppresses hunger through increased neurotransmitter activity.
• Duration of Use: Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management, whereas Phentermine is intended for short-term use.
• Administration: Wegovy is an injectable medication taken once a week, while Phentermine is a daily oral medication.
• Regulatory Status: Phentermine is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance due to its potential for abuse, whereas Wegovy is not.

Wegovy Vs Phentermine: Dosage and Administration

How these two drugs are taken is one of the major differences between the two.

• Wegovy: Delivered as a subcutaneous injection once a week, with a gradually increasing dosage schedule to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
• Phentermine: Take it orally once daily in tablet or oral capsule form, with the dosage depending on individual patient needs.

While much less effective for weight loss and with some greater potential for abuse and adverse events, Phentermine could be a good Wegovy alternative for people with a fear of needles.

Wegovy Vs. Phentermine: Cost

The relative cost of Wegovy versus Phentermine is another big variant between the two drugs.

• Wegovy: Typically costs between $1,300 and $1,500 per month without insurance.
• Phentermine: Generally much more affordable, costing between $10 and $50 per month.

Wegovy Vs Phentermine: Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage for Wegovy and other weight loss drugs is constantly evolving. As of this writing:

• Wegovy: This may be covered by insurance for patients meeting specific criteria related to obesity and weight-related health conditions, though prior authorization is often required.
• Phentermine: Often covered by insurance, but coverage may be limited due to its classification as a short-term weight loss drug.

Wegovy Vs. Phentermine: Weight Loss Results

Now for the million-dollar question, “Which one is more effective for weight loss, Wegovy or Phentermine?” There really is no comparison; hands down, Wegovy is far more effective for sustainable weight loss than Phentermine, even in its combo form, Qsymia.

• Wegovy: Clinical trials show an average weight loss of as much as 16% of body weight over 68 weeks after reaching the maximum dose.
• Phentermine: Studies indicate an average weight loss of only about 5-10% over a few months.

Wegovy Vs. Phentermine: Side Effects, Risks, Warnings and Adverse Effects

Another large variance between the two anti-obesity medications is their safety profile. Wegovy, generally speaking, is a much safer option than Phentermine.

• Wegovy: Common side effects of semaglutide in adults include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and potential pancreatitis or gallbladder issues.
• Phentermine: Side effects include increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, insomnia, nervousness, and the potential for dependence, especially in persons with a history of drug abuse.

How Do I Know Which Is Right for Me?

On almost every count, Wegovy is a better choice for safe, sustainable weight loss and chronic weight management than Phentermine. Wegovy has fewer potential side effects and also can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and help control blood sugar. Phentermine does none of that.

Still, those who may be looking for short-term assistance with weight loss and who are not at risk for stimulant-related side effects might consider Phentermine. However, only you and your medical professional can make a decision on which is right for your particular struggle with obesity. Do not use either of these medications without a prescription and proper medical advice.

At Wegovy Weight Loss, we are out on the cutting edge of medical weight loss and have helped hundreds of men and women just like you finally achieve their long-term weight loss goals with a specialized Wegovy treatment plan. Why don’t you Contact Us today to find out more about safe and effective medical weight loss with Wegovy?