Berberine is called “nature’s Ozempic” on TikTok.
Here, doctors explain the key differences between berberine vs. Ozempic for weight loss.
The supplement actually doesnt have much in common with the drug.
Still, theres a reason plenty of people are talking it up on social media.
Heres what you gotta know.
Hold on, what is berberine?
assistant professor in the division of endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center
Berberine is aplant-based compoundthat targets a protein involved in insulin resistance and blood sugar.
Its usually taken as a supplement, with plenty of pills and capsules available online.
There is some research to support using berberine for weight loss.
Thats a major way that berberine helps people lose weight.
Berberine hasnt been heavily studied, but there is some research to support its use for weight loss.
Still, there isnt a lot of good, supportive data for berberine.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
(GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone in the body.
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic contain synthetic versions of the hormone.)
assistant professor in the division of endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center
On the other hand: Berberine increases the uptake of glucose by muscles and increases insulin sensitivity.
The limited research done on berberine shows much more modest amounts of weight loss.
Claims and marketing around supplements can be misleading, too (see:Kourtney Kardashians GLP-1 supplement).
Dr. Shah says thats a concern with berberine.
The long-term safety of taking berberine is questionable, too.
Nobody has looked at the long-term effects of taking berberine, Dr. Shah says.
Were not even sure of appropriate dosing.
(But, to be fair, Ozempic comes withsimilar potential side effects.)
They may suggest trying a medication for weight loss or a different treatment plan.
But Dr. Ali says youre likely okay to try berberineifyou can find it from a reputable source.
(Well+Goods advice: Look for a supplement thats been third-party certified by either USP or NSF.)
Overall, berberine seems to be well tolerated with minimal side effects for most people, he says.
Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.
N Engl J Med.
2021 Mar 18;384(11):989-1002. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2032183.
Epub 2021 Feb 10.
2020 Aug;38:43-49. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.04.010.
Epub 2020 May 6.
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