Weight loss is a common goal for many individuals, and with advancements in medical treatments, more options are now available than ever. Two of the most well-known medications for weight loss are Contrave and Ozempic.
While effective for many people, these medications work in different ways, offer distinct results, and have varying side effects. Understanding these differences is crucial in deciding which medication might be the best fit for you. In this blog, we will compare Contrave and Ozempic, discuss their effectiveness, side effects, and cost, and explore how they compare to other popular weight loss medications.
At Best Weight Loss Medication, we are committed to helping our patients achieve their health and wellness goals. If you’re considering medication for weight loss, scheduling a consultation with us can help you make the best choice based on your unique health needs. Let’s dive into the details of Contrave vs Ozempic for weight loss and explore which might be the right solution for you.
While both Contrave and Ozempic are used to assist with weight loss, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct mechanisms of action.
Contrave is a combination of two medications: bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion is an antidepressant that also helps with weight loss by affecting the brain’s reward system, while naltrexone is typically used to treat addiction. Together, these two drugs work to reduce hunger and cravings, which can help people eat less and manage their weight more effectively.
Contrave primarily works by targeting the brain’s appetite control mechanisms. The bupropion component affects the hypothalamus, which controls hunger and satiety, while naltrexone helps curb cravings. This dual-action approach makes Contrave a valuable option for those struggling with emotional eating and constant cravings.
Ozempic, on the other hand, is a medication that contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has also been shown to help with weight loss. It works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that your body produces naturally. This hormone helps regulate your appetite, slows digestion, and increases insulin production, lowering blood sugar levels.
When it comes to weight loss, Ozempic helps reduce appetite and promotes feelings of fullness, making it easier for individuals to consume fewer calories throughout the day. Unlike Contrave, Ozempic doesn’t directly target cravings but works through a hormonal response to help control hunger and satiety.
In a 56-week study, people taking the full dose of Contrave and healthy lifestyle changes lost about 8.1% of their body weight. Those on a placebo lost 4.9%. For those who stayed on Contrave for the full 56 weeks, the average weight loss was higher at 11.5%.
Ozempic is mainly for people with type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy (with the same ingredient) is approved for weight loss in people without diabetes. In a 68-week study, people taking Wegovy 2.4 mg weekly lost 14.9% of their body weight with lifestyle changes, compared to 2.5% for the placebo group [1].
A follow-up showed this weight loss lasted for 2 years, with a 15.4% weight loss for those continuing Wegovy, compared to 2.6% for those on placebo [2]. People with type 2 diabetes usually lose less weight than those without diabetes. In a study, Ozempic 2 mg weekly led to an average 14.1-pound weight loss over 40 weeks for people with type 2 diabetes [3].
While both Contrave and Ozempic are generally well-tolerated by most individuals, they have some potential side effects. It’s important to understand the side effects of each medication to determine which one may be right for you.
The side effects of Contrave can include:
In some cases, Contrave can also cause mood changes or worsen depression, as bupropion (one of its components) affects the brain’s neurotransmitters. As a result, Contrave may not be suitable for people with certain mental health conditions, especially those with a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.
The side effects of Ozempic are generally mild but may include:
While Ozempic is typically well-tolerated, some individuals may experience digestive discomfort, especially when starting the medication. For most people, these side effects diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
The cost of Contrave and Ozempic can be a significant consideration when choosing between these two medications. The cost will depend on your insurance coverage, location, and whether you are using a brand name or a generic version.
Contrave is typically more affordable than Ozempic, especially when you consider that there is a generic version of bupropion available. On average, the cost of Contrave without insurance can range from $625 to $746 for a one-month supply. Many insurance plans cover Contrave, but you should always check with your provider to confirm coverage details.
Ozempic is generally more expensive than Contrave, with a monthly cost ranging from $950 to $1,029 without insurance. Like Contrave, the medication is often covered by insurance, but co-pays can still be quite high, depending on your plan. Some individuals may also be eligible for manufacturer discounts or savings programs that can help lower out-of-pocket costs.
While both Contrave and Ozempic can be effective for weight loss, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before combining them. Both medications work in different ways, and combining them could increase the risk of side effects. Additionally, combining weight loss medications may not necessarily produce better results, and it could lead to complications.
In most cases, healthcare providers recommend starting with one medication and monitoring its effectiveness before considering additional treatments. If you are considering combining Contrave and Ozempic, a consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to ensure safety and the best possible outcome.
When choosing between Contrave and Ozempic for weight loss, you must consider your health needs, lifestyle, and goals. Contrave may be a good option for those who struggle with emotional eating and cravings. At the same time, Ozempic may be a better fit for those looking for more significant weight loss, especially those with type 2 diabetes.
At Best Weight Loss Medication, we understand that weight loss is a highly personal journey, and finding the right treatment is key to your success. We encourage you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options further and determine the best action to achieve your weight loss goals. Our team is here to provide personalized care and help you make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you!
1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989-1002. doi:https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032183
2. Garvey WT, Batterham RL, Bhatta M, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nat Med. 2022;28(10):2083-2091. doi:10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4
3. Frías JP, Auerbach P, Bajaj HS, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2·0 mg versus 1·0 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN FORTE): a double-blind, randomised, phase 3B trial. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2021;9(9):563-574. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(21)00174-1
4. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
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