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Many women experience weight gain during menopause due to hormonal changes, specifically a decrease in estrogen levels and a slower metabolism. This can make it harder to shed excess pounds. To combat this, some individuals are turning to Berberine, a supplement extracted from various plants like barberry plants.
Berberine has gained popularity as a more natural and cost-effective alternative to Ozempic, earning it the nickname “Nature’s Ozempic” among social media users. A bottle of Berberine can be purchased for $15 or less, a stark contrast to the hefty price tag of $968.52 for a one-month supply of Ozempic without insurance, as reported by Weight Watchers.
The buzz surrounding Berberine prompted Eat This, Not That! to seek insight from Dr. Diala Alatassi, MD, Chief Medical Officer and Obesity Medicine specialist at TeleSlim Clinic. Dr. Alatassi sheds light on the trend, offering an expert perspective on Berberine and whether it lives up to the hype.
As always, it’s important to consult a physician before taking a supplement.
What Studies Show About Berberine
More research is being conducted on Berberine, but it’s vital to keep in mind that most studies have been done on mice, not humans.
According to Dr. Alatassi, the current evidence for Berberine in promoting weight loss is based on preclinical studies.
“A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials indicates that berberine supplementation is associated with a modest but statistically significant reduction in BMI compared to placebo,” she explains. “These studies, however, are small, short duration, and limited by other factors.”
How Berberine Causes Weight Loss
There’s still much to be learned about Berberine when it comes to weight loss and Dr. Alatassi says, “Berberine causes weight loss in several mechanisms that are still not fully understood. Some of the pathways can include modulation of the gut bacteria, which may influence better metabolism supporting weight reduction.”
She explains, “It can also activate AMP- activated protein kinase (AMPK); that leads to increased energy expenditure, and inhibition of lipogenesis (creating more fat tissue storage) in the fat tissue and liver. It can indirectly stimulate endogenous GLP-1 from intestinal L cells. VS GLP1 medications that directly stimulate the secretion of GLP1.”
How Taking Berberine Compares to GLP-1 in Terms of Weight Loss
For anyone looking to drop a significant amount of weight, Berberine might not be for you.
“The average weight loss with GLP1 Wegovy 10-15%, Zepbound (GLP1/GIP) 20-25%. compared to very modest weight loss about 2-5 lbs with Berberine,” says Dr. Alatassi.
The Benefits of Taking Berberine Instead of Ozempic
While there doesn’t appear to be a dramatic weight loss with Berberine, there are benefits to taking it.
“Compared to GLP1, Berberine is considered a natural herbal supplement, can be purchased over the counter without prescription, and is considerably cheap especially when compared to the GLP1 injections,” Dr. Alatassi points out.
Potential Side Effects
Another factor to consider are the potential side effects. While everyone reacts differently, you could experience unpleasant symptoms.
“Most side effects with berberine are gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain,” says Dr. Alatassi. “Less common side effects are bitter taste, headache, allergic reaction etc. they are generally mild-moderate and tend to occur early in treatment and resolve spontaneously usually.it is considered safe and well tolerated in small clinical studies. Serious adverse events are considered rare.”
Heather Newgen
