BALTIMORE — There’s a new weight loss trend on social media that’s gaining popularity for claims of its weight loss abilities.
This natural supplement is called “Nature’s Ozempic”, the latest alternative to the popular diabetes drug used for weight loss.
Some TikTok influencers say that is exactly what the Berberine supplement has done for them.
“I was like what is berberine? And she said, ‘I don’t know, but it’s a supplement,’ so I said I’ll look into it,” said influencer Lyndee. Tik Tok.
Berberine is a natural, yellow-colored chemical found in a wide variety of plants and sold as a supplement.
“I watched it for a while and thought, OK, does it really work for people?” Lyndee said.
A growing list of influencers are posting their progress by showing before and after photos to update their followers on their journey.
“I’m on my 11th week now,” said TikTok influencer Savannah Crosby. “I’ve been at it for over two weeks. I’m going to take three months.”
While this may be new to many, Dr. Maria Kravchenko of Ascension St. Agnes says it’s been around for centuries.
“However, I don’t like the misnomer of ‘Nature’s Ozempic, because in the same way Ozempic can be compared to a diabetes drug that has been around for a long time called ‘Metformin,'” Dr. Kravchenko.
So can berberine help you lose weight?
Maybe, but Dr. Kravchenko says there’s more to it.
“True berberine has been shown to induce an average of five pounds of weight loss, if at all,” Dr. Kravchenko said.
Dr. Kravchenko argues that there is no merit in these Ozempic comparisons.
“The true average weight loss from Ozempic, which I usually see in the clinic, is between 15 and 20 pounds, sometimes even more,” she said.
Crosby says she knows it’s not “Ozempic from nature. It’s a dietary supplement she uses to reduce inflammation and treat many other conditions.
“It’s not as strong and not as potent as what Ozempic can do, but it’s definitely a cheaper alternative that will give you some of the same benefits you would get from Ozempic,” Crosby said.
So what’s the one thing they need to know she’s at risk of taking? »
“My biggest concern is whether you’re really getting what you pay for,” Dr. Kravchenko said.
Dr. Kravchenko says research on berberine is limited but ongoing.
“A lot of these weight loss supplements are actually spiked with things like amphetamines and potent appetite suppressants, so yes, the supplements can work but not in the way you’d hope,” Dr. Kovchenko said.
Ultimately, she added, “Research has consistently shown that the best way to lose weight is through slow, steady weight loss.
These fad diets that cause quick and rapid weight loss, what they don’t tell you is that a month or two later the weight will rebound, maybe even more than you expect. have started.”
Dr. Kravchenko says berberine is not regulated by the FDA and is simply classified as a food.
There are side effects to be aware of, including diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting.