Posted by Aloni Benau
on September 29, 2025
Why Look for GLP-1 Alternatives?
GLP-1 alternatives are in high demand. These drugs have changed how people approach weight management and blood sugar control, but staying on them is not always possible.
Many people stop because of cost. Monthly prices can reach over $1,000, and insurance coverage is often denied. In the U.S., Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced it will drop coverage for Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda starting in 2025 (source: Rising Costs Lead Insurers to Drop Weight Loss Drug Coverage – AJMC).
In Massachusetts, CVS Caremark decided to remove Zepbound from its formulary to manage rising drug costs, while noting that many employers and insurers have already stopped covering GLP-1s (source: CVS Caremark Decides to Remove Zepbound from Formulary – Mass.gov).
If you cannot continue GLP-1 medication for whatever reason, there are options.
What is GLP-1 and Why Do People Take It?
GLP-1 is a hormone your body makes after a meal. It slows down how fast food leaves your stomach, helps keep blood sugar steady, and tells your brain you’ve had enough to eat. The result is feeling full for longer and having fewer cravings.
GLP-1 medicines copy this effect. People take them to help with weight loss and blood sugar control. Common options include Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Zepbound™, Mounjaro™, and Trulicity®. Some are taken once a week as injections, while others are daily or come as tablets.
Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
These are the most common gastrointestinal side effects of GLP-1 drugs (source: GLP-1 diabetes and weight loss drug side effects – Harvard Health). Because they are frequent and often uncomfortable, many people stop treatment and begin looking for GLP-1 alternatives.
Why You Might Need an Alternative to GLP-1 Drugs
People stop taking GLP-1s for several reasons:
- High cost and lost coverage
- Shortages and supply issues
- Side effects
- Long-term concerns. When you're of the medication there is a big chance to regain the weight
- Preference for natural options
Main Alternative: The Appetite-Suppressant Patch
How Does the Patch Work?
The patch sits on the skin and slowly releases natural ingredients into the bloodstream. Ingredients include glucomannan (a fibre that expands in the stomach), garcinia cambogia, caralluma fimbriata, caffeine, green tea, and B-vitamins. These work together to help reduce cravings, promote a sense of fullness, and support steady energy levels.
Unlike pills, the patch works in a steady flow through the day. This prevents the ups and downs that can come from tablets and helps quiet “food noise,” the constant urge to eat.
It’s also painless. No needles, no tablets, and nothing bulky to carry around. Because the ingredients enter the body in small amounts, side effects like nausea or constipation are less common than with GLP-1 drugs. The patch also avoids issues such as muscle loss or gallstone risk.
Why Choose the Appetite-Suppressant Patch First?
The patch appeals to many people because it combines accessibility with lifestyle support.
- Affordable and accessible: Sold over the counter, without the need for insurance or approval.
- Supports daily habits: Makes it easier to stick with protein- and fibre-rich meals and regular exercise.
- Preserves muscle: Encourages gradual changes, which helps protect lean mass.
- Flexible to use: Wear time and placement can be adjusted, and it’s easy to pause or restart.
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Other Prescription GLP-1 Alternatives
Older GLP-1 Agonists
Drugs like liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, and oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®) act in a similar way to Ozempic®. They are taken daily or weekly depending on the brand. Weight loss results are usually smaller than with newer drugs, but they may be cheaper or easier to access.
Non-GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs
There are also prescription options outside the GLP-1 class:
- Orlistat: reduces fat absorption. Available over the counter but often causes gastrointestinal side effects.
- Naltrexone-bupropion: works on brain reward pathways to reduce cravings.
- Phentermine: a stimulant that suppresses appetite.
- Phentermine-topiramate: combines two drugs for stronger effect.
All of these require medical supervision.
Metformin
Metformin is usually prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but it can improve insulin resistance and may lead to modest weight loss. Some people use it when GLP-1 drugs are not available.
Risks and Limits
These medicines can cause side effects and typically do not match the weight-loss results of semaglutide or tirzepatide. A healthcare provider should always guide treatment choice.
Natural Ways to Control Hunger and Manage Weight
Increase Protein Intake
Protein helps you stay satisfied for longer. Aim to include it in every meal. Eggs at breakfast, chicken or tuna at lunch, and beans or lentils at dinner are simple examples. Snacks like Greek yoghurt or a handful of nuts also work well. Aiming for 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal is a realistic goal.
Boost Dietary Fibre
Fibre works in a similar way to GLP-1 by slowing digestion. Vegetables, oats, beans, chia seeds, and fruit are easy ways to reach a daily target of 25 to 35 grams. Adding chia to breakfast or swapping white bread for wholegrain can make a big difference in appetite control.
Exercise and Build Muscle
Movement does more than burn energy. It also helps regulate hunger hormones. Cardio like brisk walking or cycling keeps appetite in check, while resistance training builds muscle that raises your metabolic rate. Two or three strength sessions per week, even with bodyweight exercises, can help preserve lean mass.
Manage Stress and Sleep
Stress often drives cravings for sweet or fatty foods. Simple steps like short walks, deep breathing, or quick mindfulness breaks can help lower cortisol. Sleep is just as important. Getting 7 to 9 hours each night keeps hunger hormones balanced. A regular bedtime and avoiding screens before sleep makes this easier.
Balanced Eating Patterns
Crash diets may cause fast results but often lead to binge eating. A steady routine of three meals per day with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs keeps blood sugar stable. This reduces “food noise” and helps you focus without constant thoughts about eating.
Making the Most of Your Choice
| Option | What It Offers | Limits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLP-1 Drugs (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Zepbound™) | Strong results for weight loss. Improves blood sugar and may reduce heart risk. | Expensive (over $1,000/month). Coverage often denied. Frequent side effects like nausea and constipation. | People with insurance coverage and medical supervision. |
| Appetite-Suppressant Patch | Steady release of natural ingredients that cut cravings. Affordable, needle-free, discreet, and fewer stomach problems. | Gradual results. Works best with diet and exercise. | People wanting a practical, accessible alternative without prescriptions. |
| Other Prescriptions (liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, metformin, orlistat, naltrexone-bupropion, phentermine combos) | Range of tools for appetite control and modest weight loss under medical care. | Side effects vary. Less weight loss than newer GLP-1s. Prescription required. | People needing medical options when GLP-1s are not suitable. |
Frequently Asked Questions about The Suppressant Patch as GLP-1 Alternative
How can appetite patches help with weight loss?
Appetite patches can reduce cravings and make you feel satisfied for longer.
They release small amounts of natural ingredients through the skin in a steady flow. Ingredients like glucomannan (a fibre that expands in the stomach), garcinia cambogia, caralluma fimbriata, green tea, caffeine, and B-vitamins all play a role.
This steady delivery helps calm constant food thoughts. With fewer cravings, it becomes easier to stick to balanced meals, avoid snacking, and keep a steady routine for weight control.
Who should consider using a patch?
Patches are best for people who want an affordable, non-invasive, and natural way to manage appetite.
They are a good fit for people who:
- Cannot afford the high monthly cost of GLP-1 drugs.
- Prefer a simple method without injections or daily tablets.
- Want a natural option that uses ingredients like fibre and plant extracts.
- Like the flexibility of being able to start or stop use without medical supervision.
Do you still need to change diet and exercise when using the patch?
Yes. The patch helps control cravings, but lasting results come from pairing it with healthy habits.
Eating enough protein and fibre makes the patch more effective, since both nutrients keep you full for longer. Regular exercise, such as walking and strength training, supports muscle and metabolism. Sleep and stress management also matter, because poor sleep and high stress can increase hunger hormones. With these habits in place, the patch can make it easier to stay consistent and avoid overeating.