Semaglutide vs Qsymia: Which Weight-Loss Medication?
An injectable GLP-1 vs an oral phentermine-topiramate pill. The honest comparison.
The short answer
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic) is a weekly GLP-1 injection with large average weight loss. Qsymia is a daily oral capsule combining phentermine (a stimulant appetite suppressant) and topiramate. Both are FDA-approved for weight; they work very differently and have different cautions.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Semaglutide | Qsymia |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Phentermine plus topiramate |
| Drug type | GLP-1, not a stimulant | Stimulant plus topiramate |
| How it is taken | Weekly injection | Daily oral capsule |
| FDA-approved for | Chronic weight management | Chronic weight management |
| Key cautions | Varies, ask your provider | Pregnancy, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism |
| At New Hope Weight Loss | Compounded, from $166 a month | Not offered |
How they differ
Semaglutide reduces appetite and food noise through GLP-1 pathways; brand semaglutide averaged about 14.9% body-weight loss in STEP 1 (PMID 33567185). Qsymia suppresses appetite via a stimulant plus topiramate and in its trials produced solid but generally smaller average loss. Qsymia has notable cautions, including contraindication in pregnancy (risk of birth defects), glaucoma, and hyperthyroidism, and it requires careful use.
Ready to start?
$199 Skeptics' Trial, see if it works for you
One-time $199 trial with physician evaluation and, only if a prescription is approved and the dispensing pharmacy can fulfill it for the patient's location, one month of compounded semaglutide; the pharmacy confirms packaging and shipping details before fulfillment. No long-term commitment. Standard care starts with a $119 physician review; medication is separate, and compounded semaglutide programs start at $166/month.
Start the 30-day trialHow to choose
Injection vs pill, stimulant vs non-stimulant, expected magnitude, side effects, other conditions, and cost all matter. This is a medical decision; a physician reviews your history, including blood pressure, mood, and pregnancy plans, before choosing.
How this relates to what we offer
We do not dispense Qsymia. The dispensing pharmacy label identifies the compounded preparation as semaglutide or tirzepatide. It is a different product from FDA-approved brands, is not FDA-approved or brand-identical, and results vary.
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 not FDA-approved or brand-identical and have not undergone FDA premarket review for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Results vary. Any prescription depends on individualized medical review and lawful pharmacy fulfillment for the patient's location. In person in Orange County and by telehealth for eligible patients in California.
Frequently asked questions
Is semaglutide better than Qsymia?
On average, semaglutide produces larger weight loss in trials. Qsymia is an oral, stimulant-based option that suits some people. The right choice depends on your health and history, which a physician reviews.
What is Qsymia made of?
Qsymia combines phentermine (a stimulant appetite suppressant) and topiramate. It is taken as a daily capsule and is FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
Who should not take Qsymia?
It is contraindicated in pregnancy (birth-defect risk), glaucoma, and hyperthyroidism, among other cautions. A physician screens for these before prescribing.
Is Qsymia a stimulant?
It contains phentermine, a stimulant, which is why blood pressure, heart rate, and mood are considerations. Semaglutide is not a stimulant.
Does New Hope offer Qsymia?
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®.