The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

'Nature's own Ozempic' or berberine is all over social media. But does it really help you lose weight?

  • Written by Tina Hinton, Associate Professor of Pharmacology, University of Sydney
'Nature's own Ozempic' or berberine is all over social media. But does it really help you lose weight?

The latest health trend on TikTok has been dubbed[1] “nature’s own Ozempic”. It’s the herbal preparation berberine.

Influencers have been enthusiastically claiming its success in helping them lose weight, with their posts viewed by millions[2].

But what actually is berberine? How is it related to the drug Ozempic? Does it help people lose weight? And is it safe?

Read more: The WHO says we shouldn't bother with artificial sweeteners for weight loss or health. Is sugar better?[3]

Why berberine? What is it anyway?

Many people who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise turn to medication. That includes the high-profile prescription medicine Ozempic, a diabetes drug that also leads to weight loss.

World-wide supply shortages[4] of the drug and the need to get a prescription for it have likely driven people to look for alternatives available online or in pharmacies, such as berberine.

Berberine is a bitter tasting chemical[5] extracted from the roots of plants, such as goldenseal and barberry.

It belongs to the class of plant chemicals called isoquinoline alkaloids[6]. Other well known chemicals in this class include the pain-relieving medicines morphine and codeine.

Berberine extracts have been used in traditional medicines for disorders of the gut and to treat infections. It is mostly taken orally as a powder, capsule or tablet.

Read more: Weekly dose: Taxol, the anticancer drug discovered in the bark of a tree[7]

Is it the same as Ozempic?

Berberine is not the same as Ozempic. Ozempic is the brand name of the drug semaglutide, which is used to treat people with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic works by imitating a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1[8] (GLP-1). This hormone is important because it helps the body produce insulin to regulate blood sugar levels.

More recently, Ozempic has been shown to be effective for weight loss[9] in people who are overweight or obese. By mimicking GLP-1, Ozempic makes you feel full and less hungry.

Read more: Ozempic helps weight loss by making you feel full. But certain foods can do the same thing – without the side-effects[10]

Does berberine help you lose weight?

In clinical studies, berberine leads to modest weight loss in people who are obese. But the data are not conclusive as most published studies are small and of varying quality.

The strongest evidence we have comes from two meta-analyses, types of studies that pool together and analyse the results of other studies.

These show that taking a 300-3,000mg berberine a day orally is associated with modest reductions[11] in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and body weight (around 3kg). These results were most significant[12] in women with a BMI great than 30, taking at least 1,000mg daily for at least three months.

Studies have only been conducted with people who are overweight or obese. So we don’t know whether berberine leads to weight loss in others.

We also don’t yet have the data to say what happens when people stop taking berberine.

We don’t exactly know how berberine works to help people lose weight. But a recent systematic review[13] (when researchers pool together evidence) gives some clues.

It influences GLP-1 levels like Ozempic, but probably results in weight loss in other ways too. It decreases blood sugar levels, stimulates insulin release, influences how the body absorbs cholesterol, and changes the way fat is processed in the body.

Read more: FatBlaster Max has just been banned. Why? Here’s everything you need to know about diet supplements[14]

Is berberine safe?

Just because berberine is sold over the counter, doesn’t mean it’s safe. It can have side effects and interfere with other drugs you may be taking.

Common side effects[15] include diarrhoea, constipation, gas and an upset stomach. Large quantities may be fatal.

Berberine is not recommended for people who are pregnant as it is thought it can cross the placenta and may harm the fetus. It may also stimulate contractions of the uterus, which can inappropriately trigger birth. Because it can be transferred to breast milk[16] it is not appropriate if breastfeeding.

Berberine can also interact with many other drugs and supplements. These include the immune-system drug ciclosporin, cough suppressants like dextromethorphan, and herbal remedies and medicines used to lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels, reduce blood clotting, and help with relaxation and sleep.

Read more: Science or Snake Oil: do skinny teas boost weight loss?[17]

So what to do?

If you are obese or overweight and are having trouble losing weight through diet and exercise alone then berberine may be of some help.

However, before buying berberine, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist to see if it will be safe for you, or if other medications might be more appropriate.

References

  1. ^ has been dubbed (news.yahoo.com)
  2. ^ viewed by millions (www.tiktok.com)
  3. ^ The WHO says we shouldn't bother with artificial sweeteners for weight loss or health. Is sugar better? (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ supply shortages (www1.racgp.org.au)
  5. ^ chemical (www.webmd.com)
  6. ^ isoquinoline alkaloids (www.sciencedirect.com)
  7. ^ Weekly dose: Taxol, the anticancer drug discovered in the bark of a tree (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ glucagon-like peptide-1 (www.yourhormones.info)
  9. ^ weight loss (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  10. ^ Ozempic helps weight loss by making you feel full. But certain foods can do the same thing – without the side-effects (theconversation.com)
  11. ^ modest reductions (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  12. ^ most significant (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  13. ^ systematic review (www.sciencedirect.com)
  14. ^ FatBlaster Max has just been banned. Why? Here’s everything you need to know about diet supplements (theconversation.com)
  15. ^ Common side effects (health.clevelandclinic.org)
  16. ^ breast milk (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  17. ^ Science or Snake Oil: do skinny teas boost weight loss? (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/natures-own-ozempic-or-berberine-is-all-over-social-media-but-does-it-really-help-you-lose-weight-206855

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping