Berberine, the “natural Ozempic” that is sweeping TikTok

It’s no secret that TikTok has turn out to be considered one of the leading sources of knowledge with regards to lifestyle and health suggestions. Nevertheless, lots of its trends have been filled with controversy. On this occasion, we’re going to speak about berberine, labeled by some Web users because the “natural Ozempic”. But does it really work?

To begin with, let’s keep in mind that Ozempic is a drug used for the treatment of diabetes. It became popular a while ago, as each celebrities and influencers testified on social networks about its effectiveness for weight reduction.

Such was its impact, that some called it “the Hollywood drug” and there was a shortage that considerably raised its cost. Now, users are spreading the concept of another with similar effects, but at a more accessible price: berberine. We let you know more about its effects and possible risks.

Berberine: nature’s Ozempic?

Berberine is a botanical compound present in plants of the Berberis family, reminiscent of Berberis vulgaris L., Berberis aristata L., Berberis croatica L., amongst others. To be more precise, it’s obtained from the roots, rhizomes, stems, and bark of those plants.

Similar to Ozempic, the plant is used against disorders that fall under the category of metabolic syndrome. A review shared within the journal Molecules details that it has scientifically determined mechanisms for the prevention of atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

The truth is, it has shown positive effects against inflammatory disorders and alterations of the microbiota. Hence, it’s also linked to the prevention of other chronic diseases, reminiscent of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. But is it nature’s Ozempic?

In response to its promoters, this herbal complement helps fight insulin resistance and is good for exciting metabolism and weight reduction. What’s more interesting for some is that it’s available with out a prescription and its price is significantly lower in comparison with the drug mentioned above.

Even so, doctors warn that neither Ozempic nor berberine are the most effective options with regards to weight reduction. They don’t have the almost-miraculous effects that some claim and are usually not exempt from causing uncomfortable side effects.

Ozempic is simply approved to be used in patients with type 2 diabetes. For these cases, it has shown potential as an adjuvant against insulin resistance and weight reduction. In healthy people, it should never be used as a weight reduction complement.

How is berberine different from Ozempic?

Although berberine was dubbed by Web users because the “natural Ozempic”, in reference to its effects on weight reduction, the reality is that each have different mechanisms of motion.

Ozempic is categorized as a GLP-1 agonist that mimics the motion of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This targets the areas of the brain that regulate appetite and, in turn, helps to delay gastric emptying. Thus, individuals who eat it feel less hungry and are inclined to eat less.

Meanwhile, the burden loss effects of berberine are related to the activation of a metabolic pathway generally known as AMPK (Adenine Monophosphate Activated Protein Kinase ) and the optimization of insulin sensitivity. Activation of the AMPK pathway results in a rise within the production of mitochondria in cells, that are involved in energy and fat metabolism.

As well as, berberine is related to a rise in insulin release and a decrease in glucagon release. This balance can be reflected in positive effects on weight control.

Nevertheless, the usage of berberine for weight reduction just isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It’s cautioned that its intake is contraindicated in some cases and that it’s not freed from antagonistic effects.

Ozempic and berberine can have the potential for weight reduction

As detailed above, each the results of Ozempic and berberine have been studied. Thus, it has been determined that they might have a potential for weight reduction, particularly in individuals with obesity and sort 2 diabetes.

A clinical trial reported in the educational journal JAMA Network reported that obese and obese patients who received a dose of two.4 milligrams of semaglutide (the energetic compound in Ozempic) experienced weight reduction of as much as 6% in 12 weeks and as much as 12% after 28 weeks.

Berberine, meanwhile, has been studied as an adjuvant against metabolic syndrome. A review shared within the American Journal of Translational Research states that this substance is a possible therapeutic agent against insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and obesity.

Likewise, a review in Clinical Nutrition ESPEN found that berberine supplementation helped in decreasing body weight, body mass index, and abdominal fat. Hence, it’s linked to an improvement in clinical symptoms of metabolic diseases.

So which is healthier for weight reduction?

At this point, it’s very essential to make it clear that neither Ozempic nor berberine are miracle weight reduction products. The way in which they’ve been promoted through social networks has led many consumers to consider that they’re the perfect complement to shed some pounds and maintain a healthy weight.

The reality is that this concept is much from reality. It have to be considered that the prevailing studies have been done in animals and in small-scale human trials. Due to this fact, there may be a necessity for more extensive research to corroborate their effects.

Moreover, each substances have been evaluated mainly in conditions of metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia). Due to this fact, there is no such thing as a certainty that they cause the identical effects in individuals who are usually not on this population group.

Ozempic is simply authorized to be used in patients with type 2 diabetes and berberine has not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any prescription use. Thus, it’s not advisable to make use of them without medical supervision.

The risks of berberine consumption

One other of the arguments of those that defend the consumption of berberine as a weight reduction complement is that, being of natural origin, it could not cause the uncomfortable side effects that Ozempic may cause. But while it’s true that its antagonistic reactions are different, this complement just isn’t risk-free.

Its consumption may cause the next unwanted symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Flatulence
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps

Often, these symptoms disappear as soon because the body gets used to the dose. The latter is generally as much as 1.5 grams or 1500 milligrams per day, divided into 3 doses.

It isn’t beneficial to increase its intake for greater than 8 consecutive weeks.

The explanation is that its antimicrobial effects can result in negative alterations of the intestinal microbiota. The imbalance increases the chance of other digestive problems.

Other contraindications of this complement are the next:

• Pregnancy and lactation
• Concomitant consumption of medicines (oral contraceptives, immunosuppressants, beta-blockers, or antidepressants)

Neither berberine nor Ozempic are panaceas for weight reduction

The therapeutic potential of berberine and Ozempic in weight reduction continues to be being documented. In each cases, advantages have been observed when utilized in patients affected by type 2 diabetes, obese, or obesity. Despite this, their intake needs to be prudent and only with medical authorization.

It’s essential to know that these products – like other supplements – are usually not panaceas when the goal is to shed some pounds. On their very own, they don’t compensate for the results of lifestyle.

On the whole, weight reduction requires a multidisciplinary and individualized approach, because it’s crucial to correct eating habits, adopt an exercise routine, manage emotions, and address possible underlying diseases.

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