Exploring Alternatives: What Peptide Acts Like Ozempic?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to one 2024 study, individuals with overweight or obesity treated with tirzepatide achieved significantly greater weight loss compared to those treated with semaglutide. This makes tirzepatide a powerful answer to the question: What peptide acts like Ozempic? and demonstrates that several effective alternatives exist that mimic or even surpass its effects.

Quick Summary

Tirzepatide and liraglutide are peptide medications that mimic Ozempic, addressing blood sugar and weight control. While semaglutide (Ozempic's active ingredient) is a GLP-1 agonist, tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, and liraglutide is an older GLP-1 option.

Key Points

Tirzepatide is a potent alternative: This dual-action peptide, available as Zepbound for weight management, is often more effective for weight loss than semaglutide and may cause fewer severe gastrointestinal side effects.
Dosing schedules vary: Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) are weekly injections, whereas liraglutide (Saxenda) requires a daily injection.
Oral options have lower efficacy: Rybelsus is a daily oral tablet form of semaglutide, but it typically does not produce the same level of weight loss as its injectable counterparts.
GI issues are a common theme: Like Ozempic, many other incretin-based peptides share common gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
Lifestyle changes are essential: These medications are most effective when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They are not a replacement for lifestyle changes.
Future innovations are emerging: Research is ongoing into even more advanced peptides, such as triple agonists like retatrutide and natural compounds like BRP, which may offer even greater benefits.
Medical guidance is critical: Deciding on the appropriate medication requires consultation with a healthcare provider to evaluate individual needs, preferences, and potential side effects.

Ozempic, which uses the peptide semaglutide, is well-known for treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, mimicking the natural hormone GLP-1. This action leads to increased insulin release, reduced glucagon, slowed digestion, and decreased appetite. The success of Ozempic has led to interest in other incretin-based therapies that mimic these effects.

Peptides Acting Like Ozempic: Understanding the Mechanism

Semaglutide's mechanism involves activating GLP-1 receptors throughout the body. Key actions include increasing insulin when blood sugar is high and decreasing glucagon, which helps lower blood sugar. It also slows stomach emptying, promoting fullness, and acts on the brain to reduce hunger.

Key Peptide Alternatives to Ozempic

Beyond semaglutide, several other peptides offer similar or enhanced effects.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)

This peptide activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, providing potentially greater benefits for blood sugar and weight loss than GLP-1 alone. Zepbound is used for weight management and Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest tirzepatide can lead to more significant weight loss than semaglutide and potentially fewer severe gastrointestinal side effects.

Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza)

Liraglutide is an older GLP-1 agonist taken as a daily injection. Victoza is for diabetes, and Saxenda is for weight management. It is effective but generally leads to less weight loss compared to semaglutide.

Oral Semaglutide (Rybelsus)

Rybelsus is a daily oral form of semaglutide. It is an option for type 2 diabetes but is less effective for weight loss than the injectable versions due to lower absorption.

Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

Trulicity is a weekly injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist primarily for type 2 diabetes. It also reduces cardiovascular risks and can aid in weight loss, though it may be less effective for this purpose than semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Other Promising Peptides in Research

Retatrutide: A triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors, showing significant potential for weight loss in trials.
BRP (BRINP2-related peptide): A natural peptide identified in animal studies that suppresses appetite through a different mechanism than GLP-1, showing promise for weight reduction without nausea. It is not yet available for human use.

Comparison of Peptides for Weight Management


Feature	Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)	Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)	Liraglutide (Saxenda/Victoza)
Mechanism	GLP-1 receptor agonist	Dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist	GLP-1 receptor agonist
Dosing Frequency	Weekly injection (oral option available)	Weekly injection	Daily injection
Weight Loss Efficacy	Strong, demonstrated significant weight loss in clinical trials	Often superior to semaglutide, with studies showing greater weight reduction	Less potent than semaglutide for weight loss
FDA-Approved For	Ozempic: Type 2 diabetes; Wegovy: Weight management	Mounjaro: Type 2 diabetes; Zepbound: Weight management, sleep apnea	Victoza: Type 2 diabetes; Saxenda: Weight management
Common Side Effects	Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain	Similar GI side effects, but potentially milder	Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting
Convenience	Weekly injection offers high convenience	Weekly injection offers high convenience	Requires a daily injection

Choosing the Right Treatment and Outbound Link

Selecting the appropriate medication requires considering individual health goals, medical history, potential side effects, and insurance. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) might be preferred for maximum weight loss, while oral semaglutide (Rybelsus) could suit those avoiding injections, though its weight loss efficacy is lower. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for a personalized decision. For further information on obesity management, resources from organizations like the Obesity Medicine Association can be valuable.

Conclusion

While Ozempic (semaglutide) has significantly impacted diabetes and weight management, various peptide alternatives exist. Tirzepatide, a dual-action peptide, shows potential for greater efficacy. Liraglutide is an earlier GLP-1 option, and oral semaglutide offers a needle-free route with less weight loss efficacy. Other GLP-1 agonists like dulaglutide are available, and future peptides, including triple agonists and natural compounds, are being researched. The most effective treatment is determined by a healthcare professional based on individual factors. These medications are most beneficial when combined with healthy eating and exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, clinical trials suggest that tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, can lead to significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide.

Both are GLP-1 agonists, but semaglutide is administered once weekly and is generally more effective for weight loss. Liraglutide is a daily injection and typically results in less weight loss.

Yes, Rybelsus is an oral tablet containing semaglutide, the same active ingredient as Ozempic. However, it is primarily for type 2 diabetes management and is less potent for weight loss than the injectable versions.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These often decrease over time.

No. These peptides are most effective when used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. They are not a replacement for lifestyle changes.

BRP (BRINP2-related peptide) is a natural peptide discovered in animal studies that rivals Ozempic's effects on weight loss without causing nausea. However, it is not yet available for human use.

Studies show that many people regain a significant portion of the weight they lost once they stop taking the medication. These medications are typically intended for long-term use.

A dual-action peptide, like tirzepatide, activates more than one receptor. Tirzepatide targets both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering enhanced effects for glucose control and weight loss.