Supplements with Berberine vs. Ozempic for Weight Loss
- The effectiveness and safety of berberine for weight loss lack substantial evidence from large, peer-reviewed studies.
- A 2020 review of the literature, including 12 studies on berberine, found it resulted in a 1-pound weight loss. In contrast, the average weight loss of The STEP 5 trial reported that semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly resulted in average placebo-subtracted weight losses of 12.4% and 10.3% in participants without diabetes at week 68. For instance, if a person weighed 200 pounds at the start of the trial, a 12.4% weight loss would equate to approximately 24.8 pounds.
- Berberine can’t be compared to Ozempic as a weight loss agent, and the term “nature’s Ozempic” should be stopped.
Introduction
Berberine, a compound extracted from plants like goldenseal and barberry, has been gaining attention on social media platforms as a natural alternative to Ozempic for lowering blood glucose and weight loss. Ozempic, on the other hand, is a medication commonly prescribed for weight management.
According to NutraIngredinets USA, social media influencers have promoted berberine as a weight loss supplement. This has led to a surge in supplement sales of Berberine, with a 26.2% increase in year-over-year sales. However, it is crucial to note that the available scientific data do not support the claims made on social media. This article aims to provide a comprehensive, research-based evaluation of the scientific literature on the subject, focusing on the comparison between berberine and Ozempic in terms of their effectiveness for weight loss.
First, we’ll explore the benefits of Berberine and understand how it contributes to weight loss. Then, we’ll shift our focus to Ozempic, an FDA-approved medication known for its effectiveness in weight management. We’ll examine the science behind both supplements, unraveling their mechanisms and exploring potential side effects and precautions. We’ll also talk about interactions you should be aware of when you take these supplements. By the end of this blog, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of Berberine and Ozempic, empowering you to make an informed decision for your weight loss journey.
What Does Berberine Do? A Brief Overview
Berberine is a bioactive compound in various plants, including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various ailments. Recently, berberine has been promoted as a weight loss supplement, with some referring to it as “nature’s Ozempic.”
Berberine, a natural compound found in certain plants and extensively used in traditional medicine, has caught the attention of researchers due to its potential health benefits. Studies suggest that berberine may aid in weight loss and improve blood sugar control by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy production (Fan 2015).
Berberine has been studied for its effects on various conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and inflammation. Berberine has been shown to have potential anti-obesity effects by reducing body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.(Asbaghi et al., 2020; Hu et al., 2014; Kermani et al., 2020)
Berberine has also been shown to improve glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, which may indirectly contribute to weight loss. Improved glucose control can lead to weight loss in individuals with diabetes or insulin resistance. Furthermore, berberine has been shown to modulate the gut microbiota, which may play a role in its effects on weight loss. (Zhang et al., 2012)
An Overview of Ozempic and Its Effectiveness
Ozempic is a prescription medication that is commonly used for weight management. It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Compared to supplements with Berberine, Ozempic offers several potential benefits for weight loss.
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help to lower blood sugar levels. (Johansen et al., 2020)
Ozempic exerts its effects on weight loss through various mechanisms. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it increases satiety, reduces appetite, and delays gastric emptying, reducing food intake. (Bergmann et al., 2023) Additionally, Ozempic improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control, which can contribute to weight loss in individuals with insulin resistance. (Aroda et al., 2019)
However, knowing the potential side effects and precautions associated with using Ozempic is important. Some common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. In rare cases, Ozempic may cause more severe side effects, such as pancreatitis or kidney problems. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Ozempic to discuss potential risks and benefits.
Berberine vs. Ozempic: Mechanisms of Action
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. It belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which help to lower blood sugar levels. (Johansen et al., 2020)
Ozempic exerts its effects on weight loss through various mechanisms. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it increases satiety, reduces appetite, and delays gastric emptying, reducing food intake. (Bergmann et al., 2023) Additionally, Ozempic improves insulin sensitivity and glucose control, which can contribute to weight loss in individuals with insulin resistance. (Aroda et al., 2019)
Uses of Ozempic for Weight Loss: The Scientific Evidence
Ozempic, a prescription medication containing semaglutide, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists stimulate insulin secretion, reduce appetite, and slow gastric emptying, resulting in weight loss. Clinical studies have demonstrated significant weight loss in individuals with obesity or overweight who took Ozempic.
Researchers don’t fully understand the exact mechanism of action, but they believe it affects multiple pathways in the body. Only use Ozempic under medical supervision. Ozempic shouldn’t replace lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. If you want an effective weight loss solution, consider using Ozempic as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Diving Deeper: The Science Behind Weight Loss with Berberine and Ozempic
Most of the research has shown that berberine can potentially be used as a weight loss ingredient but more controlled studies are needed. A systematic review titled “The effect of Berberine on weight loss to prevent obesity” provided a critical overview of experimental studies evaluating the efficacy of Berberine in managing obesity. The review summarizes the effects of Berberine in different models and its mechanisms of action. In preclinical models, Berberine affects gut microbiota, inhibits α-glycosidase, and reduces adipocyte differentiation. It also inhibits hepatic gluconeogenesis and decreases lipid levels. Human studies confirm the findings, showing Berberine’s ability to modulate gut microbes.(Ilyas et al., 2020) However, more research must be conducted before recommending berberine as a weight loss supplement.
The Skinny on Berberine
While berberine has shown potential in managing obesity and related metabolic consequences, it is not yet suitable for obesity treatment. Most of the studies have shown mild weight loss. For example, a 2015 study reported that 1500 mg of berberine consumption given to patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for four months decreased body weight, BMI, and waist circumference. (Yan et al., 2015) Another study found that three months of berberine consumption at a dosage of 500 mg twice per day decreased body weight and BMI in type II diabetic patients with dyslipidemia. (Zhang et al., 2008)
Studies on Berberine Weight Loss
A 2020 literature review, including 12 studies on berberine, reported that berberine treatment significantly decreased body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and CRP levels. (Asbaghi et al., 2020) The dosages of berberine used in the included studies ranged from 300 mg/day to 1500 mg/day. The average weight loss in the studies included in the meta-analysis was 2.07 kg or 1 pound.
On the other hand, Ozempic has shown promising results in clinical trials for weight loss, but several potential risks and concerns are associated with its use. There must be adequate long-term safety data on its use specifically for weight loss. Growing concerns around Ozempic include its potential misuse without proper medical supervision or its prescription off-label for weight loss leading to prescription shortages.
The STEP 5 trial reported that semaglutide 2.4 mg once weekly resulted in average placebo-subtracted weight losses of 12.4% and 10.3% in participants without diabetes at week 68. (Garvey et al., 2022) For instance, if a person weighed 200 pounds at the start of the trial, a 12.4% weight loss would equate to approximately 24.8 pounds.
Berberine Side Effects
While some studies suggest that berberine may aid weight loss, more research is needed. However, berberine has side effects such as nausea and vomiting and may interact negatively with certain medications. (Panigrahi & Mohanty, 2022)
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Berberine shows promise as a supplement for managing chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and inflammatory diseases, its effectiveness for weight loss is unproven. Ozempic and natural products like berberine are not equivalent.
People can make mistakes when they link natural products to pharmaceuticals without understanding how they work. We must critically evaluate claims that label supplements as “natural.” Just because a supplement comes from natural sources doesn’t mean it will quickly solve health conditions like obesity. We need more high-quality, large-scale clinical trials to determine the safety and effectiveness of berberine for weight loss.
Claims about “natural” supplements deserve scrutiny because they might not be pure or processed correctly. Relying only on a supplement, even if it’s natural, probably won’t quickly solve conditions like obesity. Before starting any new supplement regimen, always consult a healthcare provider.
References
Aroda, V. R., Rosenstock, J., Terauchi, Y., Altuntas, Y., Lalic, N. M., Morales Villegas, E. C., Jeppesen, O. K., Christiansen, E., Hertz, C. L., Haluzík, M., & Investigators, P. (2019). PIONEER 1: Randomized Clinical Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Oral Semaglutide Monotherapy in Comparison With Placebo in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 42(9), 1724-1732. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-0749
Asbaghi, O., Ghanbari, N., Shekari, M., Reiner, Ž., Amirani, E., Hallajzadeh, J., Mirsafaei, L., & Asemi, Z. (2020). The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN, 38, 43-49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.04.010
Bergmann, N. C., Davies, M. J., Lingvay, I., & Knop, F. K. (2023). Semaglutide for the treatment of overweight and obesity: A review. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 25(1), 18-35. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/dom.14863
Fan X, Wang J, Hou J, Lin C, Bensoussan A, Chang D, Liu J, Wang B. Berberine alleviates ox-LDL induced inflammatory factors by up-regulation of autophagy via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. J Transl Med. 2015 Mar 15;13:92. doi: 10.1186/s12967-015-0450-z. PMID: 25884210; PMCID: PMC4365560.
References
Garvey, W. T., Batterham, R. L., Bhatta, M., Buscemi, S., Christensen, L. N., Frias, J. P., Jódar, E., Kandler, K., Rigas, G., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., & the, S. S. G. (2022). Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial. Nature medicine, 28(10), 2083-2091. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-022-02026-4
Hu, Y., Young, A. J., Ehli, E. A., Nowotny, D., Davies, P. S., Droke, E., Soundy, T. J., & Davies, G. (2014). Metformin and Berberine Prevent Olanzapine-Induced Weight Gain in Rats. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0093310
Ilyas, Z., Perna, S., Al-Thawadi, S., Alalwan, T. A., Riva, A., Petrangolini, G., Gasparri, C., Infantino, V., Peroni, G., & Rondanelli, M. (2020). The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent obesity: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother, 127, 110137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137
Johansen, P., Sandberg, A., & Capehorn, M. (2020). A Relative Cost of Control Analysis of Once-Weekly Semaglutide Versus Exenatide Extended-Release, Dulaglutide and Liraglutide in the UK. Advances in Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-020-01242-z
Kermani, T., Kazemi, T., Molki, S., Ilkhani, K., & Sharifzadeh, G. (2020). The Effect of Berberis vulgaris (Barberry Fruit) on a Component of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial [Research Article]. Mod Care J, 17(2), e93955. https://doi.org/10.5812/modernc.93955
References
Panigrahi, A., & Mohanty, S. (2022). Efficacy and Safety Of Berberine Hydrochloride for Glycemic Control in Prediabetic Individuals: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, and Randomized Trial. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2302156/v1
Yan, H. M., Xia, M. F., Wang, Y., Chang, X. X., Yao, X. Z., Rao, S. X., Zeng, M. S., Tu, Y. F., Feng, R., Jia, W. P., Liu, J., Deng, W., Jiang, J. D., & Gao, X. (2015). Efficacy of Berberine in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. PLoS One, 10(8), e0134172. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0134172
Zhang, X., Zhao, Y., Zhang, M., Pang, X., Xu, J., Kang, C., Liu, L., Zhang, C., Zhang, Z., Zhang, Y., Li, X., Ning, G., & Zhao, L. (2012). Structural Changes of Gut Microbiota During Berberine-Mediated Prevention of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats. PLoS One. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0042529
Zhang, Y., Li, X., Zou, D., Liu, W., Yang, J., Zhu, N., Huo, L., Wang, M., Hong, J., Wu, P., Ren, G., & Ning, G. (2008). Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia with the Natural Plant Alkaloid Berberine. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93(7), 2559-2565. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2007-2404
Additional Information
In the quest for heart health, the role of nutrition cannot be overstated. A heart-healthy diet is crucial for preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. The overall pattern of dietary choices matters significantly, and simple steps can lead to improved health and heart function.
A heart-healthy diet emphasizes whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and unprocessed foods. It benefits everyone, including those at risk or diagnosed with heart disease. The new Dietary Guidelines highlight the importance of adopting a healthy eating pattern for a lifetime, focusing on a mostly plant-based diet.
Cholesterol
Managing blood cholesterol levels is crucial for heart health. Individuals should keep their total blood cholesterol below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Depending on their risk factors, individuals should also control their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. LDL, the “bad cholesterol,” causes plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
People are turning to supplements like berberine, in addition to diet, for health benefits. Plants like barberry and turmeric contain the plant-based compound berberine. Traditional Chinese medicine has used berberine for centuries. Recently, berberine has attracted attention for its potential to manage Type 2 diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
While some evidence suggests berberine can help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels, its weight loss benefits remain unproven. Berberine can cause side effects, such as an upset stomach. Before considering berberine, individuals should consult a healthcare provider.
Berberine and Ozempic
Berberine and Ozempic have recently gained attention in weight loss, with Berberine being touted as “nature’s Ozempic.” However, it’s crucial to understand that while these substances may have potential benefits, they are not magical solutions for obesity or other health conditions.
Various plants, such as barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, and Oregon grape, contain the plant-based compound berberine, known for its yellow color and use as a dye. Traditional Chinese medicine has used berberine for centuries, and it has recently attracted attention for its potential to manage Type 2 diabetes.Some small studies indicate that berberine aids diabetes management by playing a role in sugar metabolism.
Doctors prescribe Ozempic (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist, for type 2 diabetes, and it has recently attracted attention for its off-label use in weight loss. Ozempic mimics the hormone GLP-1, which actively regulates blood sugar levels and appetite.
Berberine is believed to help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and some users believe it aids in weight loss. This could potentially help in managing blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing obesity, supporting cardiovascular health, and reducing inflammation. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness and safety of berberine for weight loss lack substantial evidence from large, peer-reviewed studies.
Berberine Side Effects
Berberine may also have side effects like nausea and vomiting and can interact negatively with certain medications. It can interact with liver-metabolized medications, potentially leading to adverse reactions.
In conclusion, while berberine and Ozempic may have potential benefits for weight loss and managing conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, they are not quick fixes for these health issues. It’s crucial to approach these substances cautiously and consult a healthcare provider before use.
It’s crucial to balance calorie intake and expenditure, increase physical activity, and follow a healthy dietary pattern. These habits can help with weight maintenance, cardiovascular fitness, and long-term health benefits. It’s also important to regularly monitor blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and manage conditions like hypertension and diabetes with the guidance of a healthcare provider.
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