The 5 Best GLP-1 Alternatives for Weight Loss in 2025

If GLP-1 injections are giving you side effects or you’re worried about long-term costs, your next question likely is: what’s the best GLP-1 alternative?

The answer: there are five effective options that can help with weight loss, energy, and metabolic health, including Metformin, Sermorelin, MIC B12, NAD+, and Glutathione.

In this guide, we’ll compare these treatments, share real-world results, and explain how to safely switch, so you can finally be in charge of your weight loss journey without relying only on GLP-1s. 

What Are GLP-1s?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 is an incretin hormone your intestinal cells release after eating. It tells your pancreas to produce insulin when your blood pressure rises and signals your brain that you're full.

How Do GLP-1’s Work?

GLP-1 agonists act directly on pancreatic cells to boost insulin release while suppressing glucagon secretion. This dual action helps control blood sugar and reduces food cravings by promoting feelings of satiety in your brain.

Just before we get provide alternative treatment options, if the long-term costs of GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) is the main concern for looking at alternatives, you can look into personalized GLP-1 injections. 

Ivy offers personalized GLP-1 injections at a more cost-effective price, starting from $197 monthly.

5 Effective Alternatives To GLP-1

These weight loss medications work through different pathways than traditional GLP-1 drugs, offering unique benefits for managing body weight and improving overall health.

Metformin

Metformin reduces liver glucose production by activating AMP-activated protein kinase, a key enzyme that regulates cellular energy. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, it's now widely used off-label for weight management.

Pros

• Improved insulin sensitivity: Metformin helps your cells respond better to insulin, reducing insulin resistance and supporting healthy glucose metabolism
• Heart protection: Studies show reduced risk of heart events in overweight patients, making it ideal for those with high blood pressure concerns
• Weight neutral or loss: Most users maintain their current weight or experience modest weight reduction
• Affordable option: At less than $100 for a three-month supply through Metformin prescription services, it's one of the most budget-friendly alternatives

Cons

• Digestive issues: Nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset are common, especially during the first few weeks of treatment
• Vitamin B12 depletion: Long-term use can reduce B12 absorption, requiring regular monitoring and potential supplementation
• Kidney restrictions: People with severe kidney problems cannot use metformin due to lactic acidosis risk

User Results and Reviews

One Facebook user reported losing 40 pounds since starting metformin in February, noting significant improvements in energy, focus, and sleep quality alongside the weight loss.

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Who This Alternative Is Best For

• Pre-diabetic individuals: Those with elevated blood sugar who want to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes
• PCOS patients: Women seeking hormonal balance and metabolic improvements alongside weight management
• Budget-conscious users: People wanting effective treatment and metformin's additional skin benefits without high monthly costs, 

Sermorelin

Sermorelin is a synthetic version of growth hormone-releasing hormone that stimulates your pituitary gland to produce natural growth hormone. This approach supports metabolic rate improvements and healthy body weight management.

Pros

• Natural hormone stimulation: Unlike direct growth hormone injections, sermorelin works with your body's existing systems to boost production safely
• Improved body composition: Users often see increased lean muscle mass and reduced fat storage, particularly around the midsection
• Minimal side effects: The endogenous stimulation mechanism creates fewer adverse reactions compared to synthetic growth hormone
• Better sleep quality: Many users report deeper, more restorative sleep patterns within weeks of starting treatment

Cons

• Daily injection requirement: The need for subcutaneous injections every day can reduce long-term adherence for some users
• Limited weight loss data: While body composition improves, direct weight loss effects remain variable and modest
• Higher cost: At over $200 per month, it's more expensive than oral alternatives but still cheaper than brand-name GLP-1s

User Results and Reviews

After six months of sermorelin therapy, one YouTube user shared that they loved how they looked and felt, crediting the treatment with improved fat loss, skin, energy levels and better sleep.

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Who This Alternative Is Best For

• Active individuals: People who want to maintain muscle mass while losing fat, especially those combining treatment with regular exercise
• Sleep improvement seekers: Those struggling with poor sleep quality alongside weight management goals
• Body recomposition focused: Users prioritizing muscle gain and fat loss over pure weight reduction, particularly when considering Sermorelin's cost-effectiveness compared to other growth hormone therapies

Get your Sermorelin injections with a consultation today – safe, natural, and personalized to your goals.

MIC B12

MIC B12 injections combine methionine, inositol, choline, and vitamin B12 to support fat metabolism and energy production. These compounds help your liver process fats more efficiently while boosting cellular energy.

Pros

• Enhanced fat metabolism: The compounds help break down fat deposits, particularly targeting stubborn areas like the abdomen and thighs
• Increased energy levels: B12 supplementation combats fatigue and supports healthy metabolic rate function throughout the day
• Liver health support: Choline and inositol help prevent fatty liver accumulation while supporting detoxification processes
• Quick administration: Weekly injections take just minutes and can be self-administered at home with proper training

Cons

• Injection site reactions: Some users experience mild pain, redness, or swelling at injection sites
• Variable results: Weight loss outcomes vary significantly between individuals, with some seeing minimal changes

User Results and Reviews

One TikTok user documented losing 19 pounds total since April, crediting the energy boost with helping them stay motivated and stick with their healthy eating plan.

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Who This Alternative Is Best For

• Energy-depleted dieters: People experiencing fatigue during weight loss who need metabolic support
• Liver health conscious: Individuals wanting to support healthy fat processing while losing weight
• Injection-comfortable users: Those who don't mind weekly injections and want to maximize absorption rates

Try Get MIC B12 injections to combat low energy during your weight loss journey

NAD+

NAD+ is an essential coenzyme for cellular metabolism and mitochondrial function. Supplementation may improve metabolic health by supporting cellular energy production and recovery.

Pros

• Cellular energy optimization: NAD+ supports mitochondrial function, potentially boosting your body's ability to burn calories efficiently
• Anti-aging benefits: Many users report improved skin quality, mental clarity, and overall vitality alongside weight management
• Metabolic flexibility: Enhanced NAD+ levels may help your body switch between burning glucose and fat more effectively
• Multiple delivery options: Available as injections or nasal spray, allowing you to choose your preferred administration method

Cons

• High cost: At $279 per month, NAD+ represents a significant investment compared to some other alternatives
• Individual variation: Results can vary dramatically between users, with some experiencing minimal changes

User Results and Reviews

One Reddit user reported dropping 4 pounds within just a few days of starting NAD+ treatment, also noting remarkable energy improvement and better sleep quality.

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Who This Alternative Is Best For

• Biohacking enthusiasts: People interested in optimizing cellular function alongside weight loss goals
• Energy and focus seekers: Those wanting cognitive benefits while managing body weight
• Anti-aging focused: Users looking for comprehensive wellness benefits beyond simple weight reduction

Glutathione

Glutathione is your body's master antioxidant, helping reduce oxidative stress that contributes to metabolic dysfunction. By supporting liver health and reducing inflammation, it may indirectly support healthy weight management.

Pros

• Powerful antioxidant protection: Glutathione helps combat cellular damage that can interfere with healthy metabolism
• Liver detoxification support: Enhanced liver function improves your body's ability to process fats and toxins effectively
• Inflammation reduction: Lower inflammation levels may help restore normal metabolic rate and hormone function
• Skin health benefits: Many users notice improved skin clarity and tone as an added bonus

Cons

• Indirect weight loss mechanism: Unlike other alternatives, glutathione doesn't directly target weight loss pathways
• Absorption questions: Oral supplementation may not significantly raise tissue glutathione levels in all individuals

User Results and Reviews

A Reddit user shared how glutathione gave them renewed motivation, energy, and positive feelings, with the mental clarity helping them stick to their diet plan consistently.

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Who This Alternative Is Best For

• Detox-focused individuals: People wanting to support liver health while pursuing weight loss goals
• Inflammation management: Those with chronic inflammation that may be hindering weight loss progress
• Holistic wellness seekers: Users interested in comprehensive health optimization find Glutathione injections helpful.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a GLP-1 Alternative

Selecting the right weight loss medications requires careful evaluation of your individual circumstances, health status, and treatment goals.

Side Effects and Safety Profile

Monitor your body's response carefully when starting any new treatment. Some alternatives cause digestive issues, while others may affect sleep or energy levels. Your healthcare provider should help you weigh potential benefits against risks.

Cost and Accessibility

Budget constraints and insurance coverage play major roles in treatment sustainability. Non-prescription GLP-1 alternatives like metformin offer affordable options, while newer therapies may require higher out-of-pocket costs through telehealth providers.

Administration Preferences

Consider whether you're comfortable with daily pills, weekly injections, or nasal sprays. Your lifestyle and comfort level with different delivery methods will impact long-term adherence and success.

Existing Health Conditions

Your current health status significantly influences which alternatives are appropriate. People with type 2 diabetes may benefit more from metformin, while those with hormone imbalances might prefer sermorelin therapy.

Treatment Goals

Define whether you prioritize rapid weight loss, body composition changes, energy improvements, or overall metabolic health enhancement. Different alternatives excel in different areas of wellness optimization.

Your Guide to Switching From GLP-1 to Alternatives

Transitioning from GLP-1 receptor agonists to alternative medications requires careful planning and medical supervision to prevent weight regain and blood sugar fluctuations.

Switching Between GLP-1 Types

Before moving to alternatives, consider that different GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have varying side effect profiles. 

Some people tolerate tirzepatide better due to its dual hormone action, while others find semaglutide gentler on their digestive system. If cost isn't the primary concern, switching between GLP-1 types might resolve side effects before exploring completely different medication classes.

Gradual Transition Planning

Work with your healthcare provider to create a step-down schedule that slowly reduces your GLP-1 dose while introducing the new alternative. This approach helps prevent rebound weight gain and maintains stability.

Close Monitoring Period

Expect increased hunger and appetite changes during the first few weeks after stopping GLP-1 medications. Your provider should monitor your blood sugar, weight, and overall response to ensure a smooth transition.

Access Affordable GLP-1 Alternatives Through Ivy

You don’t have to choose between expensive GLP-1s and doing nothing. At Ivy, you can access affordable, science-backed glp1 alternatives like Metformin, Sermorelin, MIC B12, NAD+, and Glutathione, all delivered to your door.

IVY RX also offers comprehensive telehealth support for all the alternatives discussed in this guide. This means you never feel alone in your weight loss journey.

See which treatment option aligns with your goals, budget, and lifestyle preferences – Start your free consultation

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