When it comes to weight loss, there’s no shortage of supplements claiming to offer a quick fix. One hot new drug that has gained the attention of countless social media users is berberine, which many are claiming give similar results to Ozempic. According to Google Trends, interest in the supplement has spiked in the last month. But what exactly is berberine, and does it live up to the viral hype? We spoke with top obesity specialists to get the lowdown on this popular supplement.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a compound extracted from various plants, including the barberry plant. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. Lately, it has gained attention for its potential weight-loss benefits. Obesity and lipid specialist Dr. Spencer Nadolsky says that the comparison between berberine and Ozempic is not entirely accurate. He explains, “Semaglutide has been shown to help individuals lose an average of 15 percent total body weight, while berberine’s potential effects on weight loss have been shown to be much smaller, around a couple of kilograms or a percent or two of total body weight loss.”
“Berberine is a supplement, but it does not cause significant weight loss and definitely not comparable with incretins,” adds New York endocrinologist and obesity specialist Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD. “If this were otherwise, we would have a shortage on berberine and not incretins.”
How it Works
According to Dr. Nadolsky, berberine may have a slight appetite-suppressing effect and could potentially influence how the body stores fat. “I wouldn’t call berberine a weight-loss supplement, but a glycemic and lipid-improving supplement,” he explains. “In fact, the potential improvement in sugars and cholesterol some may experience may be similar to what you see with prescription drugs.”
The exact mechanisms by which it can trigger weight loss are not fully understood, but some potential reasons have been identified. The supplement has been shown to activate an enzyme called adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. It has been also found to improve insulin sensitivity, which means it helps the body use insulin more effectively. This can help with insulin resistance as it may control blood sugar levels and reduce the storage of excess fat.
Some studies also suggest that berberine may affect hormones and neuropeptides involved in appetite regulation, such as ghrelin and leptin. By modulating these hormones, it may help reduce food cravings and promote a feeling of fullness—a lot like Ozempic—hence the nickname “nature’s Ozempic.”
However, experts say don’t expect too much. “In regards to weight loss there is no benefit, it does improve glucose and cholesterol in some patients,” notes Dr. Salas Whalen.
Side Effects and Risks
As far as uncomfortable side effects, many social media users are finding quickly that berberine may cause mild gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea, constipation, flatulence or stomach pain. Some may also experience nausea or vomiting. It has also been shown to lower blood sugar levels, which can be helpful for diabetes or insulin resistance. However, blood sugar levels that are too low can lead to symptoms like dizziness and weakness.
Dr. Nadolsky notes that berberine has not undergone the same rigorous testing as prescription medications, which are regulated and approved by the FDA. “For this reason, I do not recommend it over prescription medicines for use in weight loss,” he says. “It may improve sugars and cholesterol in some, but more importantly, it could harm individuals long-term. Again, it has not been properly studied.”
