Why We Don't Prescribe Ozempic (And What We Recommend Instead)
Learn why MetabolixPH doesn't offer Semaglutide (Ozempic) and why we believe Tirzepatide and Retatrutide are better options for weight loss.
Ozempic has become synonymous with weight loss, thanks to celebrity endorsements and social media buzz. So why doesn’t MetabolixPH offer it? The answer isn’t about availability—it’s about offering you the best possible results.
The Short Answer
We don’t offer Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) because newer medications—Tirzepatide and Retatrutide—are simply more effective. When you’re investing in weight loss treatment, we believe you deserve the best outcomes science can offer.
Understanding Semaglutide (Ozempic)
What It Is
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist developed by Novo Nordisk. It’s sold under two main brand names:
- Ozempic — Approved for Type 2 diabetes
- Wegovy — Same drug, higher dose, approved for weight loss
How It Works
Semaglutide activates one receptor:
- GLP-1 — Reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves blood sugar control
Its Track Record
Semaglutide was groundbreaking when it launched. The STEP clinical trials showed:
- Average weight loss of 12-15% body weight
- Significant improvements in metabolic health
- Generally well-tolerated
For years, it was the most effective weight loss medication available. But science moves forward.
Why We Chose Tirzepatide and Retatrutide Instead
Tirzepatide: The Upgrade
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) came after Semaglutide with an important improvement—it activates TWO receptors instead of one:
- GLP-1 — Same as Semaglutide
- GIP — Additional pathway for insulin sensitivity and fat metabolism
The result: 15-21% average weight loss vs. 12-15% for Semaglutide
Retatrutide: The Next Level
Retatrutide goes even further with THREE receptors:
- GLP-1 — Appetite suppression
- GIP — Metabolic enhancement
- Glucagon — Increased energy expenditure
The result: 17-24% average weight loss
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | Semaglutide | Tirzepatide | Retatrutide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Receptors | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Avg. Weight Loss | 12-15% | 15-21% | 17-24% |
| Generation | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
| Mechanism | Single | Dual | Triple |
What This Means in Real Numbers
For someone weighing 90kg:
| Medication | Expected Loss | Final Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide | ~12kg | ~78kg |
| Tirzepatide | ~17kg | ~73kg |
| Retatrutide | ~20kg | ~70kg |
That’s an 8kg difference between Semaglutide and Retatrutide—a significant amount that could mean reaching your goal weight versus falling short.
The “Ozempic Face” Problem
You may have heard of “Ozempic face”—the gaunt, aged appearance some people develop after significant weight loss on GLP-1 medications. This happens because:
- Rapid weight loss can cause facial fat loss
- Single-mechanism drugs like Semaglutide don’t protect muscle mass as well
- The weight lost includes both fat and lean tissue
Why Retatrutide may be better: The glucagon component helps preserve lean muscle mass while promoting fat loss. Early data suggests better body composition outcomes—meaning you lose fat, not muscle.
But Ozempic Is So Popular…
Popularity doesn’t equal effectiveness. Ozempic’s fame comes from:
Marketing Momentum
Novo Nordisk has spent billions marketing Ozempic. It was first to market with massive clinical trials, creating strong brand recognition.
Celebrity Endorsements
When celebrities and influencers mention weight loss injections, they usually say “Ozempic” even if they’re using something else. It’s become a generic term like “Xerox” for photocopies.
Name Recognition
Doctors who aren’t specialists in weight loss often prescribe what they know—and they know Ozempic.
Insurance Coverage
In some countries, Ozempic has better insurance coverage because it’s been around longer. This isn’t a factor in the Philippines where most patients pay out-of-pocket anyway.
What About Cost?
Some might argue Semaglutide is cheaper. Let’s examine:
Raw Price Comparison
| Medication | MetabolixPH Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Semaglutide | Not offered |
| Tirzepatide | ₱4,500/month |
| Retatrutide | ₱6,500/month |
Cost Per Kilogram Lost
Here’s where it gets interesting. If we calculate cost-effectiveness:
Tirzepatide:
- Cost: ₱4,500/month × 6 months = ₱27,000
- Weight loss: ~17kg
- Cost per kg: ~₱1,588
Comparable Semaglutide (if offered):
- Would cost: ~₱4,000/month × 6 months = ₱24,000
- Weight loss: ~12kg
- Cost per kg: ~₱2,000
Even though Semaglutide has a lower monthly cost, you’d pay MORE per kilogram lost because it’s less effective.
When Semaglutide Might Make Sense
To be fair, there are scenarios where Semaglutide could be appropriate:
- You can’t tolerate Tirzepatide — Some patients do better on single-agonist medications
- Your doctor specifically recommends it — For diabetes management, not weight loss
- You’ve had success with it before — If it worked, why change?
- It’s covered by your insurance — Relevant for international patients
But for most people seeking weight loss in the Philippines? Tirzepatide and Retatrutide are better options.
Our Philosophy: Better Results, Fair Prices
At MetabolixPH, our goal isn’t to offer every medication on the market. It’s to offer the most effective treatments at accessible prices.
Adding Semaglutide would:
- Dilute our focus
- Give patients an inferior option
- Require us to explain why it’s not the best choice
Instead, we’d rather:
- Specialize in the best available treatments
- Help patients achieve better results
- Be honest about what works best
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m already on Ozempic. Should I switch?
If you’re happy with your results, there’s no urgent need to switch. However, if you’ve plateaued or want to accelerate your weight loss, Tirzepatide or Retatrutide could help you reach the next level.
My doctor prescribed Ozempic. Is that wrong?
Not necessarily. For diabetes management, Ozempic is excellent. For weight loss, there are now better options. You might ask your doctor about Tirzepatide if weight loss is your primary goal.
Is Ozempic dangerous?
No. Ozempic is FDA-approved and has an excellent safety record. Our point isn’t that Ozempic is bad—it’s that newer options are better for weight loss.
Will you ever offer Semaglutide?
Unlikely, unless clinical evidence changes significantly. We prefer to focus on the most effective treatments rather than offering every option.
What if Tirzepatide/Retatrutide don’t work for me?
Individual responses vary. If our recommended treatments don’t work well for you, we’d help you explore why and potentially refer you to a specialist for alternative approaches.
The Bottom Line
Ozempic was revolutionary when it launched. It proved that GLP-1 medications could achieve meaningful weight loss. But science has progressed, and we now have more effective options.
At MetabolixPH, we offer:
Tirzepatide — For those seeking a proven, cost-effective dual-agonist treatment
Retatrutide — For those wanting maximum results with the most advanced triple-agonist technology
Both outperform Semaglutide in clinical trials. Both are available at fair prices. And both represent our commitment to offering the best, not just the most popular.
Ready to try a more effective approach? Take our quiz to see which treatment is right for you.
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Find Your Treatment →MetabolixPH Team
The MetabolixPH team includes healthcare professionals and medical writers dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information about weight loss treatments.