Your Guide to Health, Wellness, and Sustainable Weight Loss

What are the alternatives to Mounjaro?

20th August, 2025

In light of recent news that the manufacturers of Mounjaro will be increasing their prices from 1st September, many people are now considering alternative options for medical weight loss. At Weight Medics, we offer a range of clinically proven treatments that may provide an effective and affordable solution tailored to your needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different types of appetite suppressants, how they work, and what options might be right for you—including Mounjaro, Wegovy, Phentermine, Rybelsus, and Mysimba.

What Are Appetite Suppressants?

Appetite suppressants are medications that help reduce feelings of hunger or increase the feeling of fullness. They can be a powerful tool for individuals struggling with obesity or overweight conditions, particularly when combined with professional guidance, nutrition, and lifestyle support—like the approach we use at Weight Medics.

Phentermine: The Classic Prescription Appetite Suppressant

Phentermine is one of the oldest and most commonly prescribed appetite suppressants. It’s a stimulant that affects the central nervous system to decrease hunger.

How it works: Phentermine increases norepinephrine levels, which can help reduce appetite and boost energy levels.

Who it's for: Typically prescribed for short-term use in individuals with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27+ with weight-related health issues.

Considerations: Side effects may include insomnia, dry mouth, and increased heart rate. It's not suitable for everyone. Phentermine is a class 3 scheduled drug and requires additional monitoring. Its currently prescribed under a specials licence in the UK.

Diethylpropion

Type: Anorectic stimulant

How it works: Similar to Phentermine, Diethylpropion affects the central nervous system to decrease appetite.

Best for: Older demographic patients, patients who have had minor side effects and intolerance with Phentermine.

Common side effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness but less so than Phentermine.

Wegovy (Semaglutide): A Powerful GLP-1 Agonist

Wegovy is a newer, clinically-approved weight loss injection containing semaglutide, originally used to treat type 2 diabetes.

How it works: Wegovy mimics the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite and food intake, making you feel fuller for longer.

Clinical effectiveness: In clinical trials, patients lost an average of 15% of their body weight.

Best for: Those with obesity or overweight individuals with related health conditions.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Dual-Action Weight Loss Support

Mounjaro is another injectable medication, recently gaining attention for its dual action on GLP-1 and GIP receptors.

How it works: It improves insulin sensitivity while also suppressing appetite.

Weight loss results: Clinical studies show even more significant weight loss than semaglutide in some patients, with up to 22% of weight loss after 12 weeks.

Ideal candidate: Patients with a BMI of 27 and above. Mounjaro has recently been found to be more effective that Wegovy in total weight loss. Read more here.

Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide): Not currently licensed for weight loss

Rybelsus is the first oral version of semaglutide, offering an alternative to injectable treatments like Wegovy. Currently, only licensed for Type 2 diabetes (not weight loss)

How it works: Just like its injectable counterparts, Rybelsus helps reduce hunger and delays gastric emptying.

Advantages: Oral administration is more convenient for patients hesitant about injections.

Disadvantages: Fasting and water restrictions. Numerous side effects. Less than 10% of weight loss achieved in a 68 weeks study (inferior to other GLP1 agonists, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro)

Orlistat (Xenical): Blocking Fat Absorption

Unlike other appetite suppressants, Orlistat doesn’t directly act on the brain to reduce hunger.

How it works: It inhibits enzymes that break down dietary fat, so about 25% of fat consumed is excreted undigested.

Side effects: Gastrointestinal issues like oily stools and flatulence may occur.

Mysimba (Naltrexone/Bupropion): Appetite and Craving Control

Mysimba combines two medications—naltrexone and bupropion—that work on brain pathways involved in appetite and addiction.

How it works: Affects dopamine and norepinephrine to reduce cravings and emotional eating.

Suitable for: Patients who struggle with food addiction or emotional eating patterns.

Side effects: May include nausea, insomnia, and anxiety.

The Future of Weight Loss?

Retatrutide (Eli Lilly and company®)

Retatrutide is an investigational weight loss drug currently in clinical trials and showing unprecedented results, with some patients losing over 24% of their body weight. Retatrutide is being hailed as a next-gen weight loss treatment due to its triple action.

How it works: Triple agonist targeting GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors.

Potential: May surpass both Mounjaro and Wegovy in long-term weight loss results.

Availability: Not yet approved but highly anticipated.

Orforglipron (Eli Lilly and company®)

Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist currently in trials and showing promise for those who prefer pills over injections. It offers the convenience of oral administration without the need for fasting or water restrictions.

Action: Mimics GLP-1 to suppress appetite, promote insulin secretion and delay stomach emptying.

Benefits: Strong weight loss potential, no injections required.

Outlook: May become a go-to option once approved.

Choosing the Right Appetite Suppressant at Weight Medics

At Weight Medics, our clinicians will work with you to choose the right appetite suppressant based on:

Your health history
Weight loss goals
Lifestyle preferences
Medical eligibility
Whether it’s the latest GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or a classic like Phentermine, our medically led programmes ensure safe, tailored, and effective results.

Why Choose Weight Medics?

Medically supervised treatments
Personalised weight loss plans
Access to proven appetite suppressants like Mounjaro, Wegovy and Phentermine
Supportive team to guide your transformation

Ready to start your weight loss journey. Contact Weight Medics today.

Written by Dr Debra Marcos | MBBS

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular types of appetite suppressants available in the UK?
People in the UK most often use prescription appetite suppressants like Phentermine and Diethylpropion, as well as GLP-1 and GIP-based drugs like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Your health profile, BMI, and weight-loss goals will determine if you are a good fit.
Where can I buy effective appetite suppressants online in the UK?
You can buy prescription appetite suppressants from UK online clinics, such as Weight Medics, that are certified and offer medical evaluations and treatments that registered clinicians have approved. Always make sure that the provider is registered with the GPhC or CQC and that you need to see a registered clinician before using the service to make sure it is safe.
How do popular appetite suppressant tablets work to reduce hunger?
Different medications work in different ways. Phentermine & Diethylpropion stimulate the central nervous system to reduce hunger signals and increase energy levels. GLP1 Wegovy (semaglutide) and GIP Mounjaro (tirzepatide) lead to slow gastric emptying and regulate appetite hormones to help you feel fuller for longer.
Can I order appetite suppressants with fast delivery in the UK?
Yes. Most online clinics that are regulated, like Weight Medics, will deliver your prescription the next day, provided a clinician approves it. Some medications may not be available right away, but many treatments can be dispatched right away to make sure that you don't have to wait long to start your programme.
What are the safest appetite suppressant brands for long-term use?
Your medical history, how well you handle the medicine, and clinical data all affect how safe it is. Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) are two of the safest options in the UK when they are given under medical supervision.
Which appetite suppressant products are suitable for vegans or vegetarians?
Some weight-loss drugs are okay for vegans and vegetarians, but it depends on the brand and the way the drug is made. Patients should always check the prescriptions with their registered clinicians or pharmacist, even though GLP1 Wegovy (semaglutide) and GIP Mounjaro (tirzepatide) drugs usually don't include any animal-derived chemicals. Weight Medics can help you find the most vegan-friendly medication solutions based on what you need.