Is This Supplement Really “Nature’s Ozempic”? Doctors Weigh In

The Ozempic obsession has officially infiltrated TikTok (but truthfully, it was only a matter of time). While the platform has a tendency to spread misinformation about health and nutrition (throwback to “oatzempic” and the sugar pregnancy test), the platform’s latest trend seems a little more dangerous. Lately, berberine supplements have been gaining a lot of attention, but for some questionable reasons. Users have nicknamed the ingredient “nature’s Ozempic,” claiming it can help people lose weight quickly. But is there any truth to these claims? And more importantly — is it safe to use a supplement for rapid weight loss?

In light of companies like Kourtney Kardashian’s Lemme introducing a supplement to support GLP-1 production, discourse about “natural” alternatives to GLP-1 agonists (the class of medication Ozempic belongs to) is at a peak — and definitely worth investigating further. In essence, GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone your body produces after eating, causing insulin to release from the pancreas. For conditions like type 2 diabetes, actual GLP-1 medication can help keep blood sugar levels under control. However, GLP-1 agonists can also delay stomach emptying, making you feel full for longer, and potentially leading to weight loss, per Harvard Medical School.

Although supplements may have their own health benefits, they don’t work the same as Ozempic or other similar medications. Berberine, for example, is a botanical compound thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects, says Michelle Pearlman, MD. Studies have looked into berberine’s ability to lower blood sugar and promote insulin resistance, but calling it nature’s Ozempic is still a pretty big leap. For one, “there’s a lack of data evaluating [berberine’s] role in weight loss and its potential effects on natural satiety signals and reward centers in the brain that regulate appetite and cravings,” Dr. Pearlman says. Plus, it’s problematic to promote anything as a magic pill for weight loss — Ozempic, berberine, or otherwise.

To give you a better understanding of what berberine is and what it can actually do, we asked experts to weigh in on nature’s Ozempic. Read on to see whether berberine is safe (or effective) for weight loss, plus some potential side effects to bear in mind.

Experts Featured in This Article:

Michelle Pearlman, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist.

Christopher Hollingsworth, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon.

What Is Berberine?

Berberine is a nitrogen-containing organic compound called an alkaloid, says Christopher Hollingsworth, MD. It’s typically found in plants of the barberry family, which are common to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Central and North America, he explains. In supplement form, it’s most often seen as pills or capsules, but you can sometimes find berberine tea, Dr. Pearlman notes.

What Is Berberine Used For?

Berberine has historically been associated with various health benefits, ranging from potential anti-cancer properties to improved digestion, cardiovascular health, and positive effects on certain neurological conditions, Dr. Pearlman says. “Research also suggests that berberine, both alone and in combination with anti-diabetic medications, may lead to significant reductions in blood sugar levels, improved insulin resistance, better lipid profiles, and decreased systemic inflammation.” According to Dr. Hollingsworth, berberine has been used for weight loss, metabolic disorder, pre-diabetes, and diabetes as well. But touting berberine as a magic weight-loss pill is an oversimplification at best.

Can Berberine Be Used For Weight Loss?

The jury’s still out. TikTok often points to studies that “prove” berberine can promote weight loss or suppress the appetite. But most of these studies were conducted on mice or in test tubes, Dr. Hollingsworth and Dr. Pearlman say. Animal and clinical trials can tell us that something may be worth studying more, but we can’t say for sure that what works in mice will work in humans. We also don’t know how berberine affects blood sugar (or the body) in the long term, nor do we know what the right dosing would be, Dr. Pearlman says.

In other words, more (human) research is needed before anyone can say for sure that taking berberine supplements is effective for weight loss, Dr. Hollingsworth says. What’s more, berberine is poorly absorbed when taken orally since the intestine prevents the compound from easily passing through, Dr. Hollingsworth says. “Researchers have been trying various nanoparticle formulations to sneak the compound past the intestine, but I don’t know of any product that uses this technology that is currently available,” he says. So whether you’re actually absorbing enough berberine from supplements and teas to have any effect is up in the air.

Berberine Side Effects

The side effects of berberine are generally minimal, according to Dr. Hollingsworth. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation are most common, he says. Still, you should always consult with a doctor before taking berberine supplements, since they can react negatively with certain medications, Dr. Hollingsworth says. Berberine is specifically known to lower blood sugar, and if you’re already taking glucose-lowering medications, this can be dangerous. Berberine may also negatively impact some underlying health conditions, and it’s unclear whether it’s safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Additionally, unlike medications, supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore do not undergo the same rigorous safety and efficacy studies before approval, Dr. Pearlman says. “Consequently, supplements are not adequately regulated, often containing undisclosed ingredients, varying dosages, potential medication interactions, and severe side effects, including cases of liver failure,” she says. That’s another reason why it’s best to work with a healthcare provider. They can let you know if it’s safe for you to take, and even give you specific brand recommendations.

Is Berberine Safe For Weight Loss?

If you and your doctor have agreed to add a berberine supplement to your routine, you may see an effect on your weight. “The physiology of weight loss involves nutrition, hormones, and metabolism, and these systems are connected and interdependent,” Dr. Hollingsworth explains. That said, berberine is not a quick-fix weight-loss pill, and blindly taking a supplement in the hopes of shedding pounds is not a good idea, Dr. Pearlman says. For one, it might not work — or it could even harm your health. But also, having a “lose weight fast” mentality can be downright dangerous, not to mention unsustainable. All told, this is one TikTok trend you might want to sit out.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.

Chandler Plante is an assistant editor for PS Health and Fitness. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group. In her free time, she enjoys finding new ways to rock her 18(!) different eye patches, and making videos about chronic illness, beauty, and disability.

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