Semaglutide vs Contrave: Which Weight-Loss Medication Wins?
An injectable GLP-1 vs an oral appetite-and-craving pill. The honest comparison.
The short answer
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) is a weekly GLP-1 injection that produces large average weight loss. Contrave is a daily oral pill combining naltrexone and bupropion that targets appetite and cravings, with generally more modest average results. They work by different mechanisms and suit different people.
How they differ
Semaglutide reduces appetite and "food noise" through GLP-1 pathways and slowed gastric emptying; brand semaglutide averaged about 14.9% body-weight loss in STEP 1 (PMID 33567185). Contrave acts on brain reward and appetite circuits and in its trials averaged a smaller percentage. Contrave is a pill, which some prefer over injections, but it has its own cautions (for example, around seizure risk and certain medications).
Ready to start?
$199 Skeptics’ Trial, see if it works for you
One month of medical-grade compounded semaglutide, the $119 doctor review, and a free B-12/lipotropic injection. No long-term commitment.
Start the 30-day trialHow to choose
Injection vs pill, magnitude of expected loss, side-effect profiles, other conditions, and cost all factor in. This is a medical decision, not a one-size answer, which is why a physician evaluates your history first.
How this relates to what we offer
We do not dispense Contrave. We offer physician-supervised compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide (same active ingredients as their brand versions, not FDA-approved or brand-identical) after a $119 review.
What you can start today at New Hope Weight Loss
After a one-time $119 medical review with Dr. Sharma, eligible patients begin physician-supervised compounded semaglutide from $166 a month or compounded tirzepatide from $233 a month, with a $199 one-month Skeptics' Trial. Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved, not brand-identical, and not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. In person in Orange County and by telehealth across California and additional states.
Frequently asked questions
Is semaglutide more effective than Contrave?
On average, semaglutide produces larger weight loss than Contrave in clinical trials. Contrave is a pill targeting cravings and may suit people who prefer oral medication; a physician helps you choose.
What is Contrave made of?
Contrave combines naltrexone and bupropion, which act on appetite and reward pathways in the brain. It is taken as a daily pill.
Can I take Contrave if I take antidepressants?
Bupropion in Contrave interacts with several medications and conditions. Tell your physician about every medication; they will check for interactions and contraindications.
Is one safer than the other?
Each has its own cautions: GLP-1s are mostly gastrointestinal; Contrave has cautions around seizure risk and certain drugs. A physician matches the option to your history.
Does New Hope offer Contrave?
No. We offer physician-supervised compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide (not FDA-approved or brand-identical) after a $119 review with Dr. Sharma.
This article is informational only and not medical advice. Speak with a licensed physician before starting or changing any GLP-1 therapy. Individual results vary. New Hope Weight Loss is a physician-supervised medical weight loss clinic in Costa Mesa, CA. Eligibility for treatment is determined during the medical consultation. Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not the same products as Wegovy®, Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, or Zepbound®.