The injectable weight loss medication Mounjaro is set to be in demand for those looking to lose weight in 2024. Yet, amidst the buzz, it's important to acknowledge the three significant drawbacks and negatives.
Firstly, users may experience side effects, some quite serious. Secondly, the cost of Mounjaro can make it out of reach for some.
And perhaps most notably, this isn't a one-and-done deal; it demands a lifetime commitment, as the positive effects lessen when you cease use. With these concerns in mind, we're turning the spotlight on natural Mounjaro alternatives that can be obtained over the counter - OTC Tirzepatide substitutes that might just offer safer, cheaper and more sustainable path to weight loss.
Let's delve into what these alternatives are and how they could potentially help you achieve your weight loss targets without the expense and safety issues.
Top 3 Natural Alternatives to Mounjaro - A Quick Snapshot
Based on the strength of their formulations and the quality of customer reviews, here are the three dietary supplements that will be making waves as Mounjaro alternatives in 2024:
- PhenQ - Best Mounjaro Alternative Overall
- Berbaprime - Best Alternative to Mounjaro for Cholesterol Control
- Phen24 - Best OTC Tirzepatide Substitute for Nighttime Fat Burning
In addition to being less risky natural OTC options than Mounjaro, all three of the above oral supplements are much cheaper to use, available without a prescription, and have lengthy money-back guarantees.
What Is Mounjaro?
Monjaro is a brand name for Tirzepatide. It has FDA approval for treating type 2 diabetes but not weight loss. However, due to its ability to suppress appetite and support reductions in weight, doctors often prescribe Mounjaro as an "off-label" anti-obesity treatment.
The term off-label refers to the practice of using prescription medications in roles other than the ones for which they are approved. Doctors who do this are not breaking the law. The FDA permits medical professionals to use their professional knowledge and experience to decide on the most appropriate treatments for their patients.
What are the Side Effects and Health Risks of Mounjaro?
Moujnaro treatments are associated with a number of side effects:
Common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
These side effects may be temporary and only last a few days to weeks.
In addition to the common side effects, there are some more serious health risks associated with Mounjaro that users should be aware of:
- Severe digestive problems: Mounjaro can rarely cause severe digestive problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. These problems can lead to dehydration, which may result in acute kidney injury (AKI). Symptoms of AKI include weakness, less frequent urination, and confusion.
- Gallbladder problems: Some users may develop gallbladder problems during treatment with Mounjaro, including bile duct blockage and gallstones. Symptoms of gallbladder problems can include abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Pancreatitis: Although rare, Mounjaro can cause pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and back pain.
- Risk of thyroid cancer: Mounjaro carries a boxed warning from the FDA regarding a potential risk of thyroid cancer. Animal studies have shown an increased risk of certain thyroid cancers, but it is not yet known if this risk applies to humans.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of side effects or health risks associated with Mounjaro. However, it does provide a good insight into some of the medication's possible adverse effects.
Best Natural Alternatives to Mounjaro Reviewed and Compared
Here are the safest weight loss products that can be used instead of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
#1 - PhenQ - Best Mounjaro Alternative Overall
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If losing weight is your primary goal, PhenQ is easily the best natural supplement to use instead of Mounjaro.
Since its launch in 2014, PhenQ has helped more than 190,000 dieters worldwide to make their weight loss dreams come true. It's a powerful product that gets the job done and the manufacturer provides a 60-day money-back guarantee.
To offer a guarantee like that, you need to have a lot of confidence in a product. Once you know about some of the PhenQ ingredients and the things they can do, it becomes easier to understand why the manufacturer has such a lot of faith in its product.
PhenQ Ingredient Highlights
The PhenQ formula harnesses the abilities of several of the most powerful natural weight-loss ingredients in the world. All of them have been subjected to rigorous research and proven to be safe and effective in several areas of weight loss.
Its unique blend of ingredients includes Capsimax powder, chromium picolinate, caffeine, nopal, and L-carnitine.
Working in synergy, these and the other PhenQ ingredients not only speed up the weight loss process but make it much easier by removing all the common obstacles that can hold dieters back, such as hunger, sugar cravings, and fatigue.
Capsimax Powder
Capsimax is a branded ingredient that largely consists of capsicum extract. It uses a special delivery technology that delivers the active component directly to the gut instead of the stomach. This enhances absorption while also protecting against stomach upsets.
The key component in capsicum is capsaicin. It used to get a lot of attention due to its prowess as a thermogenic fat burner and appetite suppressant.
However, a roundup of several of data from several of the top clinical trials reveals capsaicin also supports weight loss in additional ways including enhancing lipolysis (the breakdown of body fat for energy) and producing favorable changes within the gut microbiome. [2]
Data from the same evaluation shows capsaicin can even inhibit adipogenesis. This is a notable benefit because adipogenesis is the process the body uses to create fresh fat cells.
Chromium Picolinate
Chromium is a mineral the body requires for good health. It's also a popular diet pill ingredient and not without good reason. It's best known for its ability to support healthy blood sugar levels and prevent sugar cravings. However, it also has good credentials as an appetite suppressant. [3]
Caffeine
Caffeine is a popular stimulant that good at boosting energy levels and fighting fatigue.
In addition to providing invigoration, caffeine also increases thermogenesis and energy expenditure, resulting in weight loss. [4]
Nopal
Nopal is a species of cactus. It has a long-standing reputation as a hunger deterrent. Research shows nopal supplements can also influence gut bacteria in ways that result in increases in metabolism, helping the body to burn extra calories throughout the day. [5]
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine is a non-essential amino acid. Although the body can manufacture it when necessary, there are strong arguments for topping up L-carnitine levels via supplements.
L-carnitine serves many roles in the body. One of the things it does is transport fatty acids into the cells, supporting improvements in vitality.
Research shows supplementing with L-carnitine can also be an effective way to increase weight loss. [6]
PhenQ Vs Mounjaro (How Is PhenQ Better than Mounjaro)
Like Moonjaro, PhenQ helps people to avoid feeling hungry while dieting. However, it also does much more. By boosting metabolism, one of the things it does is help its users to lose weight more quickly. PhenQ is also arguably the best Phentermine alternative over the counter.
PhenQ has no known side effects. Mounjaro does. It also has the potential to cause serious health risks. Much cheaper to buy and with the backing of a money-back guarantee, PhenQ is a great choice for anyone seeking a powerful and safe alternative to Mounjaro or any similar weight loss medication, such as Wegovy.
#2 - Berbaprime - Best Alternative for Combining Weight Loss and Cholesterol Control
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Berbaprime is another natural supplement that makes a great replacement for Mounjaro. The key ingredient is a plant compound called berberine. Berbaprime provides 1500 mg of berberine per day.
Like Mounjaro, berberine enhances insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar levels. It also shares the Moinjaro's ability to suppress appetite and support reductions in body weight.
Although Berbaprime is not as versatile as PhenQ, it still makes a great substitute for Mounjaro or similar injectable weight-loss drugs.
Berbaprime also lowers LDL cholesterol levels. LDL is a dangerous form of cholesterol that poses a risk to the heart.
One of the main ways doctors try to restore healthy cholesterol levels is by prescribing statins. Unfortunately, statins can cause nasty side effects. As with Mounjaro, a lot of people are looking for safer alternatives and Berbaprime is one of the top options.
If you only need to lose weight, PhenQ remains the top option. If you need a supplement that can manage cholesterol too, Berbaprime is a more appropriate choice. It's a high-quality supplement with a 100-day money-back guarantee.
Berbaprime Ingredient Highlights
Berbaprime is a berberine supplement. It does not contain any additional active ingredients.
Research shows berberine can be effective for controlling blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing appetite, and helping people reduce excess weight. [7]
Research is equally supportive of using berberine supplements to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. It's been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 30% and the researchers in charge of one clinical evaluation highlight berberine's value as a supplement for people who are intolerant to statins. [8]
Berbaprime Vs Mounjaro (How is Berabrime Better than Mounjaro)
When it comes to weight management, Mounjaro's main value is as an appetite suppressant. Berbaprime can control appetite too. Like Mounjaro it can also exert a positive influence on insulin secretion and blood sugar levels.
However, people who use Berbaprime do not need to worry about the prospect (however slim) of thyroid cancer, gallbladder problems, or pancreatitis.
Like PhenQ, Berbaprime is also much cheaper than Mounjaro, less unpleasant to use, and has the backing of a long money-back guarantee.
As a bonus, Berbaprime also offers value to people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. It may not be our top choice for weight loss but it's still a damn good alternative to Mounjaro.
#3 - Phen24 - Best Alternative for Nighttime Fat Burning
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Phen24 is a 2-part weight management system. It consists of two different supplements - Phen24 Day and Phen24 Night.
Both supplements suppress appetite and boost metabolism. By taking one supplement in the morning and the other at night, Phen24 users have the benefit of 24-hour weight loss support - without the risk of side effects.
The two supplement formulas are very different. Phen24 Day is designed to increase energy during the day, while Phen24 Night supports better quality sleep.
Even though there are two products involved, Phen24 is very reasonably priced and, like PhenQ, it has a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Phen24 Ingredient Highlights
Both formulas contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that favor improvements in metabolism and may offer additional health benefits.
Cayenne Pepper Extract (Phen24 Day)
Phen24 Day contains cayenne pepper extract. Like capsicum, cayenne is a source of capsaicin. The presence of cayenne in the formula enables the daytime formula to provide multiple benefits including, appetite suppression, accelerated metabolism, and fat loss, along with inhibited fat cell creation. [2]
Caffeine (Phen24 Day)
Phen24 day also contains caffeine. As well as boosting energy and fighting fatigue, the stimulant's presence adds to the overall fat-burning effect. [4]
Phen24 Night does not contain any stimulants. It provides Griffonia seed extract and L-theanine instead and also has some choline to support nighttime fat loss.
Griffonia Seed Extract (Phen24 Night)
Griffonia seeds are rich in 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which supports improvements in serotonin production.
Serotonin is a hormone that has a key role in mood, appetite, and sleep. Research shows supplements that provide 5-HTP are useful for relieving insomnia and controlling binge eating and depression. [9, 10]
L-Theanine (Phen24 Night)
A perfect partner of Griffonia seed extract, L-theanine is an amino acid that provides a mind-calming effect known as anxiolysis, which helps prepare the body for sleep. [11]
Choline (Phen24 Night)
Choline is a vitamin-like substance. Limited research suggests it may aid sleep but its real value is as a fat burner. Research shows supplements with choline in them can deliver significant improvements in weight loss. [12]
Phen24 Vs Mounjaro (How Phen24 Burns Fat Safer than Mounjaro)
As with the previous two supplements, Phen24 controls hunger like Mounjaro injections and offers additional weight loss benefits as well while also being cheaper and safer to use.
Overall, PhenQ is the better option. However, for people who are overweight and also suffer from Insomnia, Phen24 will be the best supplement to use.
Three Reasons to Use a Natural OTC Alternative to Mounjaro
Safety Profile
- Lower Risk of Side Effects: Natural over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives to Mounjaro typically have fewer and less severe side effects. While Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, is effective, it can come with risks such as gastrointestinal issues, potential thyroid tumors, and hypoglycemia. In contrast, natural supplements are often derived from food-based sources or herbs, which the body may tolerate better.
- No Prescription Required: Natural OTC options do not require a prescription, which means that they have been evaluated and deemed safe for general consumer use without the need for a doctor's supervision.
Cost Considerations
- More Affordable: Prescription medications like Mounjaro can be expensive, especially for those without insurance or with high copayments. Natural alternatives, on the other hand, are generally more affordable and accessible, making them an attractive option for individuals looking for cost-effective weight management solutions.
- No Need for Medical Consultations: The cost-saving benefits also extend to avoiding regular medical consultations and prescription refills, which can add up over time. With OTC supplements, you can manage expenses more predictably.
Long-Term Efficacy and Dependency
- Avoiding Medication Dependency: One of the challenges with medications like Mounjaro is that they can lose their effectiveness when you stop using them, potentially leading to weight regain or the return of high blood sugar levels. This can create a dependency on the medication for ongoing results.
- Encouraging Sustainable Lifestyle Changes: Natural alternatives may encourage users to adopt broader lifestyle changes, which can have more sustainable impacts on weight and health. By integrating supplements with dietary changes and increased physical activity, individuals may achieve long-term health improvements beyond what a medication alone can offer.
- Holistic Health Approach: Using natural OTC alternatives can be part of a holistic approach to health that not only addresses weight but also contributes positively to overall well-being without the risk of becoming reliant on a prescription drug for maintenance.
Natural Alternative to Mounjaro FAQs
Here are the commonly asked questions.
How does Mounjaro Work?
Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, is a drug that works through multiple mechanisms to help manage weight and diabetes. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
The medication Zepbound provides the same active ingredient. Zepbound has FDA approval as a weight loss drug for people with a high body mass index (BMI) but not as a treatment for diabetes.
Like all GLP-1 receptor agonists, Tirzepatide acts by stimulating GLP-1 receptors in the body, which leads to increased insulin secretion, decreased glucagon secretion, and delayed gastric emptying. These actions help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
Furthermore, tirzepatide also activates the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor, which enhances the insulin response to meals and further contributes to blood sugar control. This makes Mounjaro's action unique among diabetes medications.
What is the average weight loss with Mounjaro alternatives?
As with Mounjaro, weight loss results can vary due to a variety of factors including lifestyle choices, and personal genetics. However, it's not unusual for PhenQ users to lose 11 pounds or more during their first four weeks of treatment.
Are natural OTC Tirzepatide weight loss supplements safe?
Although there are plenty of rogue manufacturers who distribute supplements that contain low-grade or dangerous ingredients, high-quality options such as PhenQ, Berbaprime, and Phen24 are safe and effective.
However, if you have concerns about any of the ingredients or how you may respond to them, we suggest you seek expert advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
Can you take natural Mounjaro alternative supplements during pregnancy?
Although it may be possible to take certain options during pregnancy, it would be unwise to do so without checking with a healthcare provider first.
Scientific Sources
By 2030, Nearly Half of All U.S. Adults Will Be Obese, Experts Predict:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/search/research-news/7943/
Dietary Capsaicin and Its Anti-obesity Potency: From Mechanism to Clinical Implications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426284/
Effects of Chromium Picolinate on Food Intake and Satiety: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18715218/
Normal Caffeine Consumption: Influence on Thermogenesis and Daily Energy Expenditure in Lean and Postobese Human Volunteers: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2912010/
Physical and Dietary Intervention with Opuntia ficus-indica (Nopal) in Women with Obesity Improves Health Condition through Gut Microbiota Adjustment: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8912383/
The Effect of (L-)Carnitine on Weight Loss in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27335245/
Berberine for Appetite Suppressant and Prevention of Obesity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7752296/
Efficacy of Berberine Alone and in Combination for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871262/