Can it be? Is there really a supplement that is natural, cheap, available on Amazon AND as effective as Ozempic for weight loss?! 

Let’s find out. 

Unveiling Berberine: A Natural Extract with Ancient Roots

Berberine is indeed natural. It is derived or extracted from a group of shrubs from the genus Berberis. It has been in use for eons with a long history in Chinese Medicine being used for a variety of ailments. Further, there have been a number of studies looking at the safety and efficacy of berberine in everything from diabetes to cancer. There is even some OK evidence showing that berberine does have benefits! 

Do these benefits include weight loss? Weight loss that is comparable to Ozempic?! 

Before I answer that question, let’s review what kind of results we got with Ozempic or semaglutide. At the top dose of semaglutide, which was 2.4mg once weekly, we saw an average weight loss of ~12-15% from baseline or ~35 lbs lost by the individuals in the STEP 1 trial. 

So the short answer on berberine is no. Like not even close. 

Beyond Weight Loss: Exploring Berberine’s Potential Benefits

This meta-analysis from 2020 examined 12 studies with berberine and showed individuals that used berberine lost, on average ~4lbs. For some of us, that can be the difference of a good poop. In fact, the weight loss seen with c is speculated to be exactly that. Don’t get me wrong, a good poop can make or break my day, but if I haven’t lost any fat, then I wouldn’t classify berberine as a weight-loss agent. If we compare it to Ozempic, it isn’t even a competition. 

So while I would not use berberine for weight loss what about for other things?

I’d argue the main benefits we have seen with berberine are in the realm of blood sugar control and cholesterol or lipid management. A systematic review and meta-analysis from 2021 showed significant reductions in A1C and cholesterol levels when compared to placebo. 

Berberine vs western (revised)

Further, berberine, in some instances, even showed comparable effectiveness to Western medications in managing blood sugar levels. 

And there is some evidence to show benefits around inflammation or at least inflammatory markers. To give you my clinical experience, I have also had a patient or two that has been able to discontinue some of their regular medications for blood sugars by using berberine. So not too shabby. 

Caveats to Consider: Quality, Regulation, and Drug Interactions

So, berberine does seem to be a viable agent for things other than weight loss, BUT there are a few caveats I would like to point out. For the ‘woke’ individuals – before you say I am paid by big pharma, or whatever trope you decide to comment about below, please know, as I have said before, I would happily take a payout from big pharma. I got student loans to pay off! Unfortunately, everything I am about to say is for free because I actually want to help people. 

Anywho, back to my BUT. A number of the studies with berberine have not been of the greatest quality; they have been small and, in some cases, inconsistent. All of this brings down the reliability of the results seen with berberine. This does not say it has no effect, but the effects are likely not as significant as some individuals might state. Now this isn’t berberine’s fault per se – it is a natural supplement, so no one can patent it and sell it exclusively; therefore, there it’s not going to get as much funding for research purposes because #capitalism. 

My next caveat has to deal with pretty much all supplement-type products. That is, they are not regulated anywhere near the same standards as pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the manufacturing processes can, at times, be lacking. This can lead to things getting in there that shouldn’t be there and differences in the concentration of active ingredients between capsules and batches, ultimately affecting the benefit you receive. 

Finally, as the good pharmacist I try to be, there are concerns with berberine interacting with your other pharmaceutical medications leading to a no-bueno outcome. As always, check with your pharmacist and physician before starting new medications or supplements. 

Navigating the Supplement Landscape: Research, Reputable Sources, and Care Providers’ Guidance

Listen, I get it. There is a mad rush to want to lose weight. Especially when it seems like everyone and their dog is jumping on Ozempic. However, it is important to recognize that there have been and will continue to be many individuals looking to take advantage of you and your loved ones. And they don’t care much about you or your health. So if you want to use berberine, by all means, but ensure you are doing your research and finding reputable sources. Not the friend you went to high school with who is now trying to sell you their latest pyramid scheme over Facebook. Again please double-check with your care providers, and don’t sue me if it goes south. Please keep in mind that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Until next time my friends. Always remember small tweaks lead to massive peaks. 

Dr. Dan

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References:

The Guardian.  (June 11, 2023).TikTok users are calling berberine ‘nature’s Ozempic’ – but is it a fad?  Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jun/11/berberine-weight-loss-supplement-tiktok-ozempic 

National Library of Medicine (August 2020). The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32690176/

Guo, Jing & Chen, Hongdong & Zhang, Xueqin & Lou, Wenjiao & Zhang, Pingna & Qiu, Yuheng & Zhang, Chao & Wang, Yaoxian & Liu, Wei. (December 2021). The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Retrieved from:  https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Meta-analysis-of-the-effect-of-berberine-on-fasting-plasma-glucose-FPG_fig4_357064577 

Novo Medlink. (n.d.). Once-weekly Wegovy semaguitde injection.  With Wegovy®, patients achieved 5%–20% or greater weight loss that started early.  Retrieved from: https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/efficacy-safety/clinical-trial-1-results.html