Social media is buzzing with the weight loss benefits of a dietary supplement named berberine. Some even refer to it as “nature’s Ozempic” in , referring to a popular drug which can help people lose pounds.
Users claim that berberine is found in barberry plants and other plants. It helps to curb appetite, improve blood sugar levels and lead to weight loss. Google search for berberine began increasing at the end March, before peaking in late May.
Berberine’s popularity is increasing as the demand for weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Wegovy increases.
Ozempic, Wegovy and other drugs in the GLP-1 Agonists class mimic a hormone which helps to reduce appetite and food intake. These drugs are very effective but are hard to find in the U.S. These are expensive – around $1,000 out of pocket – and require a prescription from a doctor.
Berberine is widely available on the internet, with prices ranging from $15 to 40 for a monthly supply.
“You won’t need to see a doctor and it will be cheaper,” said Dr. Pieter Cohen who studies supplement use at Cambridge Health Alliance, in Somerville Massachusetts. “So, from an advertising standpoint, it’s ideal.”
Berberine may be effective and safe for weight loss, but that does not mean it is always the best option. What you need to know, including whether or not it is safe and how effective it is.
Does berberine work for weight loss?
Experts say that many of the claims made about berberine are not supported by large peer-reviewed research studies. The majority of the research was conducted on mice and not on humans.
A meta-analysis based on 49 studies , published in Frontiers in Nutrition last year, found that berberine could provide metabolic benefits in humans, with a focus on the heart. However, there may also be some benefits in weight loss.
The studies show that it is “between a quarter of BMI point to one BMI point, which is nowhere near what you see on average with semaglutide,” she said. She said that the studies showed “between a quarter and one BMI-point weight loss, which is not near what is seen on average when using semaglutide, the drug in Ozempic .” Stanford was not involved in the study.
Stanford University said that the optimal dosage for people who participated in these studies appeared to be one gram of a drug per day.
Cohen was cautious when it came to using the compound as a weight-loss aid.
Cohen explained that dietary supplement is not reviewed or approved by FDA, so they can be advertised for any health claim. The label may also list incorrect amounts or other ingredients.
He said that berberine is not something you should take randomly.
Cohen added that it is not known how weight loss supplements work.
Dr. Holly Lofton is the director of NYU Langone Health’s weight management program. She said that people say it is similar to metformin but it isn’t. She was referring to the medication used by diabetics in order to lower blood sugar levels . She says she doesn’t recommend berberine to lose weight.
Is berberine safe?
Cohen stated that plants can be used to make medicines. Plants are the source of many highly effective drugs. These include aspirin, morphine and other powerful painkillers.
Stanford University said that berberine can cause nausea and vomiting in humans. It was found that berberine increased the size of the liver, kidneys, and white blood cells in animal studies. It would take larger studies to determine if there are serious side effects for humans.
Stanford advised that you should consult a doctor prior to taking berberine for weight loss. She added that it may not be safe to use by pregnant women.
She said, “These products don’t have to go through FDA approval or regulations.” You might want to work with a doctor who has knowledge about the subject, such as an MD or naturopathic practitioner.
She said that if there are any side-effects, you should stop taking your medication.
Cohen stated that the weight loss benefits are “not worth the risks.”
He said that if someone does notice weight loss while taking berberine they should immediately stop using it and consult a doctor. He said that if people experience weight loss while taking berberine, they should stop immediately and consult a doctor.
