If you have been struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise but have not seen much weight loss progress, you are not by yourself. Diet and exercise are often not effective for many people because they have underlying issues, which they may not even know about but affect their ability to achieve sustainable weight loss.
Underlying issues can be complex and may be medical, biological, hormonal, or even mental. The good news is that Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions offers prescription medication that can help overcome many underlying issues that are preventing you from losing weight.
Today we are going to compare phentermine vs Ozempic (semaglutide), which are two weight loss medications that are available, and compare the two, how they are administered, how they work, their side effects, and how much weight you can expect to lose using them.
How Do Phentermine and Ozempic Compare?
Both phentermine and Ozempic are medications that require a prescription and can help you lose weight, but they are significantly different. Following is an overview of each one and how they work.
Phentermine
This prescription medication helps curb your appetite and gives you an energy boost. The FDA approved it for use for short-term weight loss in 1959, and it works best when used simultaneously with a healthy diet and daily physical activity. It is to be used while under careful supervision by a qualified doctor and can be taken using pills, capsules, or tablets that dissolve when placed under your tongue.
Who Is A Candidate For Phentermine
You may be a candidate for Phentermine if:
- You are at least seventeen years old.
- Your BMI (body mass index) is at least 30 or higher, or
- Your BMI is 27 or higher, and you also have weight-related health issues like hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
Phentermine should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or individuals who have health issues like heart disease, glaucoma, or thyroid problems.
How Does Phentermine Work?
Phentermine works by altering the chemicals in your brain that tell you that you are hungry or full. It helps suppress your appetite and keeps you feeling full even when eating much smaller portions. It also increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain, which enhances your mood and helps prevent emotional eating so you can stick to your weight loss plan. Phentermine is only safe to use short-term and should not be used for longer than 12 consecutive weeks.
What Weight Loss Results Can You Expect Using Phentermine?
Individuals using phentermine lose an average of between 5% and 10% of their total starting body weight during a three month period. For example an individual who started their weight loss journey at 200 pounds could lose between 10 and 20 pounds if they combined their prescription weight loss medication with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Ozempic
Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, which have become very well-known weight loss drugs because of all the buzz they have caused on social media platforms. Thousands of people have shared their success stories and posted pictures of their results online, and many media outlets have also helped to spread the word. Semaglutide is easy to use and is taken once a week by subcutaneous injection in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
It was originally developed to help individuals with type 2 diabetes keep their blood sugar levels under control and marketed as Ozempic. It has also been approved by the FDA for weight management under the brand name Wegovy, but sometimes Ozempic is prescribed “off label” and used for weight loss purposes.
Who Is A Candidate For Ozempic
You may be a candidate for Ozempic if:
- You are at least eighteen years old.
- Your BMI (body mass index) is at least 30 or higher, or
- Your BMI is 27 or higher, and you also have weight-related health issues like hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
How Ozempic Works
The active ingredient in Ozempic (semaglutide) mimics a hormone that is naturally made by your body called glucagon peptide-1 (GLP-1). This is automatically released into your digestive tract when you eat to help with blood sugar regulation, appetite suppression, and to keep you feeling satisfied for a longer time. It was created to be used long term and is often a better solution than a limited term option like phentermine.
What Weight Loss Results Can You Expect Using Ozempic?
People who are using semaglutide along with a monitored weight loss program can lose anywhere between 15% and 20% (or more) of their body weight in about 12 months. For example, someone who started their weight loss journey at 200 pounds could lose anywhere between 30 and 40 pounds, or more if they use semaglutide alongside a low-calorie diet and other healthy lifestyle choices.
A Comparison Chart Of Ozempic and Phentermine
to see the entire table
| Phentermine | Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) | |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Type | An appetite suppressant that is stimulant-based. | A hormone-mimicking drug that enhances metabolism efficiency. |
| The Way It Works | Reduces appetite and boosts energy levels. | Mimics GLP-1 to optimize metabolism, slows digestion, increases fullness, curbs cravings, and helps regulate blood sugar. |
| Weight Loss Average | 5%–10% of body weight in 3 months. | 15%–20% of body weight in a year. |
| How Is It Taken? | Once daily by mouth: pill, capsule, or dissolvable tablet. | Weekly injections or daily tablets. |
| Length of Time Safe For Use | Short-term only: up to 3 months. | Long-term (several months or years) under doctor’s supervision. |
| Works Best For | Kickstarting a new weight loss program or overcoming a plateau. | Gradual, steady weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. |
| Normal Expected Side Effects | Dry mouth, trouble sleeping, elevated heart rate. | Temporary nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset while adjusting. |
| Approved By The FDA | Approved in 1959 for up to 3 months for weight loss. | Ozempic: approved in 2017 (type 2 diabetes); Wegovy: approved in 2021 (weight management). |
| Is Medical Supervision Required? | Yes, due to addictive potential and short-term use. | Yes, doctor should monitor blood sugar and lab results for safe dosage adjustments. |
How Do You Decide If Ozempic Phentermine Is Best For You?
When looking at phentermine vs semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy) to help you on your weight loss journey, it is best to allow Dr. Simmons to determine the best choice for you. He will take into consideration your current circumstances, your age, health, lifestyle, and any underlying conditions that could influence your ability to lose weight, and then he and his team can customize a weight loss plan that is tailored specifically for you and your needs.
Dr. Simmons is an expert in weight management, and he and his team understand how complex the process of losing weight really is and that there is no one exact solution that works well for everyone. People are all different, and your body is not likely to respond to a weight loss medication the same as another person’s body does. Something that works great for your friend may be totally ineffective for you.
Are You Ready To Take A Big Step Toward Better Health?
Phentermine can be a quick way to jumpstart your weight loss journey and does not involve injections, so it may offer advantages to some people. Ozempic or Wegovy can help you gradually lose weight and maintain a healthy weight going forward. If you desire to take control of your weight and want to get serious about improving your health, Dr. Okeefe Simmons and his team at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions are here to provide you with the guidance and support you need to successfully reach your goals.
Schedule your consultation today to learn more about weight loss medications and other non-surgical weight loss options we offer that can help you succeed on your weight loss journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take phentermine with Ozempic?
Yes, in some situations your doctor might suggest you take phentermine with Ozempic for better appetite control, which will make it easier for you to lose weight. The two drugs work differently, so when they are appropriately combined, they can enhance your weight loss results. You should not ever try to combine these drugs on your own, and always work with your qualified weight loss doctor to ensure your safety.
Does phentermine burn fat or just suppress appetite?
Phentermine does not directly burn fat and works mainly by curbing your appetite, which helps you eat fewer calories and makes it easier to create a calorie deficit. It can also make you feel a bit more energetic, which helps you stay active and burn more calories.
Which is better, Ozempic or phentermine?
The two drugs work very differently, so it is hard to say if one is better than the other. It would depend on the specific circumstances and each individual person. One individual may do better with phentermine because of its short-term appetite control, and someone else may do better with Ozempic for its blood sugar control and because they can take it for a longer time. The right choice depends on the results you are looking for, your medical history, current health status, and what your doctor thinks is safest and most effective for you.
