TikTokkers are claiming berberine is a healthier, more natural alternative to the much-talked-about weight-loss drug semaglutide, or as it's more commonly known, Ozempic, the same drug people with type 2 diabetes use out of necessity.
Berberine has also been found to reduce insulin resistance, which is a secondary effect of semaglutide. But berberine cannot replicate the key mechanism of semaglutide and bond to GLP-1 receptors, making it a poor stand-in for drugs like Ozempic. Berberine can result in some modest weight-loss.
Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs have seen a dramatic swell in popularity in the last few years, as these pharmaceuticals have shown promise for stabilizing blood sugar and reducing body weight. Now a supplement called berberine is trending as a “natural” version of Ozempic.
Possible Ozempic alternatives for type 2 diabetes include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (semaglutide). If you're looking for Ozempic alternatives for weight loss Wegovy (semaglutide) or Saxenda (liraglutide) might be options to ask your healthcare provider about.
Natural supplements like cinnamon, berberine, and bitter melon may also offer some blood sugar-lowering benefits. Overall, GLP-1 receptor agonists are the most effective alternatives to semaglutide and offer similar mechanisms of action.
It's correct that Wegovy and Ozempic are two names for the same drug: semaglutide. Ozempic is the name of the drug as prescribed for people with diabetes.
OZEMPIC (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use, contains semaglutide, a human GLP-1 receptor agonist (or GLP-1 analog). The peptide backbone is produced by yeast fermentation.
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Many people who take Ozempic also experience weight loss, although it is not FDA-approved for this purpose. Other GLP-1 agonists that are alternatives to Ozempic include Byetta, Victoza, Tanzeum, Trulicity, and Mounjaro.
If TikTok and Reddit influencers are to be believed, the plant-based compound called berberine can be a replacement for such popular diabetes and weight loss drugs as Ozempic and Wegovy. Using berberine as a supplement has become so trendy, in fact, that it has been dubbed “Nature's Ozempic” by social media users.
Some patients who had been prescribed Ozempic for its registered use to treat type 2 diabetes were then prescribed alternate medicines, including Trulicity (dulaglutide).
The drug, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, works by suppressing appetite by mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released after eating. It is injected once a week by patients.
Conclusion: Among individuals with obesity without type 2 diabetes, subcutaneous semaglutide is effective for weight loss with an 11.85% reduction from baseline compared to placebo. This supports the use of semaglutide for weight management in obesity.
Semaglutide is one of several drugs that mimics a crucial digestive hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1, or GLP-1.
Instead, the same healthy eating guidelines apply, like prioritizing complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. That said, those taking semaglutide could prevent its associated adverse gastrointestinal symptoms by avoiding fatty foods, eating smaller meals, and staying well-hydrated.
How much does it cost? One of the biggest barriers to semaglutide for weight loss is the cost. Although patients spend less on food while taking it, in 2022 (when it was more easily available in Australia) it cost around $130 a month.
For most people, stopping Ozempic (or any medication that's meant to be taken long term) abruptly without a medical reason is not ideal. Stopping Ozempic is not directly harmful, but you may begin to notice weight gain.
Avoid semaglutide if you have: History of medullary thyroid cancer. History of gallbladder disease. History of pancreatitis.
Other long-term symptoms of semaglutide treatment for weight loss is a rapid heartbeat that doesn't decrease when rested, dehydration, dizziness, rashes, itching, and swelling around the face. Always consult with your doctor to help manage these symptoms and diagnose any developing conditions at an early stage.
Semaglutide has an average rating of 6.1 out of 10 from a total of 1,598 reviews on Drugs.com. 48% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 31% reported a negative experience.
If you stop taking Ozempic, the weight you lost will likely return, fast. People who ceased use of semaglutide gained back, on average, a full two-thirds of the weight they had lost on the drug within one year, according to an August 2022 study, the Wall Street Journal reports.
A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.
Ozempic and its sister medication, Wegovy — approved for weight loss for people who are obese or overweight with weight-related medical conditions — are considered long-term or lifelong treatments.