Berberine vs. Ozempic® for Weight Loss — Which Is Better?

Berberine and Ozempic® are currently on everyone's lips, but which one is truly better? Dive into our comprehensive comparison that promises to shed light on these powerful longevity tools – because it's time to conquer stubborn fat and reign triumphant, once and for all. 

While research on berberine's effect on weight loss is limited, studies strongly suggest that it can be effective in reducing body weight and BMI. Berberine works by activating the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase, which helps lower blood sugar levels and reduce the formation of fat cells. It also increases the activity of hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. Ozempic® is a prescription drug that mimics GLP-1 and activates its receptors to manage blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss. However, berberine is a significantly cheaper, over-the-counter, plant-based alternative to Ozempic®.

Transparency note: Studies are linked within the article and citations can be found at the end.

Berberine and Ozempic®: Key Differences

Berberine and Ozempic® are two weight loss aids that have been increasing in popularity as our waistlines have been increasing collectively. Both of these substances claim to aid weight loss, but they have some major differences.

One of the key differences between the two is their source. Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in certain plants such as goldenseal and barberry, which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to address a range of ailments. On the other hand, Ozempic®, which is the brand name for the generic drug semaglutide and also sold under the brand names Wegovy and Rybelsus, is a prescription drug that mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar levels. For this reason it’s called a GLP-1 agonist.

Another difference between the two is its availability. Since berberine is a dietary supplement, it can easily be purchased over the counter at health food stores or online. However, Ozempic® is only available with the prescription of a healthcare provider.

Some people argue that this exclusivity makes Ozempic® more reliable since it requires medical supervision to obtain. Others believe that accessibility makes berberine a better option for those who want to take control of their own health and wellness, and suggest that compounds derived from nature are safer.

Source and Availability

Berberine can be found naturally in certain plants and can be purchased as an over-the-counter dietary supplement. Meanwhile, Ozempic® is synthesized to mimic the hormone GLP-1 and requires a prescription to purchase.

Since Ozempic® is only available through a healthcare provider, it is important to note that they will have to consider your medical history and current medications before prescribing. This also means that if you are considering Ozempic® for weight loss, you will need to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider which could result in added time and expenses. Further complicating the issue is physician outlook on weight loss drugs. Some doctors see it as a beneficial means to an end, where others prefer to restrict use to only the most extreme cases.

In some cases, insurance will cover some of the cost of Ozempic®, and there may be discounts available for those who qualify. However, for those who aren’t eligible for discounts or who can’t get their insurance to help cover the cost, Ozempic® could cost them thousands of dollars per month.

Berberine is much easier to obtain thanks to its over-the-counter availability. You can purchase it at health food stores or online, and you won’t have to worry about scheduling appointments or obtaining prescriptions. It’s also a great deal more wallet-friendly, with the highest quality and purity brands still under $50 a bottle at the time of publishing, which is typically a month’s supply.

Some argue that the prescription nature of Ozempic® makes it a more reliable option since healthcare providers must weigh the pros and cons before prescribing it. While others believe that berberine’s accessibility makes it a safer and more convenient alternative especially for those who cannot afford medical consultations.

To help you as you seek out the right compound for your personal weight and health goals, here are some highlights of the studies that have been done on both berberine and Ozempic®.

• A 2012 study found that participants taking berberine experienced an average weight loss of 5 pounds, a reduction of BMI by 0.9 points, and a 1.9-inch decrease in waist circumference over a three-month period.
• In a study published in 2020, berberine was found to significantly improve blood sugar levels and induce weight loss in participants with blood sugar regulation disorders when compared to a placebo group.
• An additional review looked at all published data on the use of berberine in multiple models for weight loss and found that not only is it an effective way to help lose excess weight, specifically excess fat, but that it can also improve biomarkers related to gut health and cardiovascular health.
• Ozempic®, an injectable prescription drug used for blood sugar regulation in patients with blood sugar regulation disorders, has been shown in clinical trials to help participants lose an average of up to 6.7% of their body weight after one year of treatment.
• A growing body of anecdotal evidence suggests that after stopping Ozempic®, patients are prone to rebound weight gain, sometimes even greater than the pounds lost while taking the drug.
• Berberine is easier to obtain and does not require a prescription, while Ozempic® requires a healthcare provider's prescription and consideration of medical history and current medications to avoid interactions.

Mechanism of Action

Berberine and Ozempic® work in completely different ways to promote weight loss.

Berberine activates the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays a central role in regulating metabolism. By doing so, it helps to lower blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance, and suppress the formation of new fat cells. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with insulin resistance or chronically elevated blood glucose, as they tend to have impaired AMPK activity.

In addition to activating AMPK, berberine also increases the activity of GLP-1 receptors, which regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. By stimulating these receptors, berberine can reduce food intake and improve glucose tolerance. As a result, it has been shown to induce significant weight loss in overweight or obese individuals.

On the other hand, Ozempic® works by directly mimicking GLP-1, a hormone produced by the gut in response to food intake. When GLP-1 binds to its receptors in the brain, it signals feelings of satiety or fullness after a meal. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach and reduces food intake overall.

Ozempic® can help individuals with chronically elevated blood glucose who struggle with weight gain due to insulin resistance. By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood glucose levels, it indirectly promotes weight loss. However, its effects are not limited to individuals with chronically elevated blood glucose. In clinical trials, Ozempic® has been shown to significantly reduce body weight and BMI in overweight or obese individuals without chronically elevated blood glucose.

For some people, berberine may be more appealing than Ozempic® as it is a natural supplement with fewer potential side effects. AMPK activation is a natural process that occurs in the body, and berberine simply enhances its activity. Ozempic®, on the other hand, is an injectable drug that can have several side effects such as nausea, constipation, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. A statistically significant subset of patients taking Ozempic® must discontinue use due to stomach upset.

Now let's dive deeper into the effectiveness of Berberine vs Ozempic® in promoting weight loss.

Effectiveness in Weight Loss

Both Berberine and Ozempic® have positive effects when it comes to weight loss. However, since they work through different mechanisms of action to achieve their respective results, it would be unfair to compare their effectiveness based solely on weight loss results.

Clinical studies have shown that berberine can lead to significant reductions in body weight, BMI, and waist circumference. In one study, 37 obese participants were given either a placebo or 500mg of berberine three times a day for 12 weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in body weight (5lbs) and waist circumference (1.5 inches) in the berberine group compared to the placebo group.

Similarly, Ozempic® has also been shown to be effective in promoting weight loss in both people with blood sugar regulation disorders and those without. In a clinical trial that involved over 2,000 individuals with blood sugar regulation disorders, it was shown that Ozempic® was more effective than other GLP-1 receptor agonists in inducing weight loss. Participants who took Ozempic® lost an average of 12 pounds over a year, while those taking a placebo only lost 4 pounds.

Some physicians and researchers are concerned that the weight lost with Ozempic® is not all excess fat, but is instead also lean muscle mass. Preservation and growth of lean muscle is one of the foundational ways to delay the effects of aging, and more muscle mass generally equates to better overall health, especially as we age. The loss of muscle mass with or instead of fat loss could be a serious concern for older individuals or those who have less than optimal muscle mass to begin with. Dr. Peter Attia, a longevity expert, researcher, and practicing physician, has discussed this effect and avoids prescribing Ozempic® to his patients for this reason.

Anecdotal evidence shows that some people are able to achieve better weight loss results with Berberine than Ozempic® due to fewer side effects. This is supported by some online reviews from users who claim to have lost between 5-10lbs within months of starting berberine supplementation. Dr. River D’Almeida is one of multiple researchers who have noted this phenomenon.

A recent meta-analysis reviewed nine studies on humans assessing the effects of berberine on body weight and metabolic risk factors such as lipid profiles and blood glucose levels. The results suggested that Berberine supplementation had beneficial effects on metabolic parameters such as HbA1c levels (a measure of long-term blood sugar control), fasting glucose, body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.

In comparison, Ozempic® has been tested more extensively through large-scale clinical trials and has received FDA approval for weight management in people with blood sugar regulation disorders. In one phase III clinical trial which involved over 3,700 participants over 64 weeks, those who received Ozempic® lost an average of 14.9 lbs compared to 2.6 lbs in the placebo group.

Now that we know about the differences in mechanism of action and effectiveness between berberine and Ozempic® let's look at their side effects and safety concerns.

Side Effects and Safety Concerns

Overall, berberine has a good safety profile when taken at recommended doses. The most common side effects reported include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. However, some people may experience more severe side effects such as low blood pressure, arrhythmias, and allergic reactions in those with underlying conditions. It is particularly important for individuals with liver or kidney conditions to exercise caution when taking berberine as it can potentially worsen these conditions.

Another concern with using berberine is its potential to interact with other medications. Berberine can increase the effects of certain drugs such as beta-blockers, antihypertensives, and statins, which may result in dangerous drops in blood pressure or heart rate. Individuals taking prescription medications should speak with their healthcare provider before adding berberine supplements to their regimen.

Lastly, it is important to note that the FDA does not regulate dietary supplements like berberine. This means that supplement manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of their products, which may vary widely between brands. Consumers should always choose reputable brands that have undergone third-party testing for purity and potency. Rest assured that ProHealth is rigorous with third-party testing, and certificates of analysis are on file.

Making the Best Choice for Weight Loss

Berberine and Ozempic® are both effective in promoting weight loss, but they work through different mechanisms. While Ozempic® mimics GLP-1 hormone's effect and reduces appetite, berberine works on several pathways like AMPK activation, GLUT-4 upregulation, and PPAR-α activation to improve glucose metabolism and reduce body weight.

A randomized clinical trial conducted by Liang et al., demonstrated that berberine supplementation significantly reduced body weight compared to placebo groups in overweight patients with blood sugar regulation disorders. Additionally, berberine improved insulin sensitivity, HbA1c levels, and cholesterol profiles.

Several studies have also compared Ozempic®'s efficacy in weight loss compared to other drugs like metformin. A 2019 study showed that 70% of patients who received semaglutide treatment lost more than 10% of their body weight in six months. Similarly, a meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials concluded that metformin was associated with modest weight loss compared to placebo.

While Ozempic® and other GLP-1 agonists have shown significant weight loss benefits, their long-term safety and efficacy are yet to be established. A systematic review conducted by Smits and Raalte showed that GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide or semaglutide have a potential risk of pancreatic conditions, thyroid conditions, or gastrointestinal disorders.

On the other hand, berberine has a long history of safe use in traditional medicine, and its side effects are generally mild and self-limiting. Berberine may also have additional health benefits like antimicrobial properties, anti-inflammaging effects, and neuroprotective effects in age-related cognitive decline.

It has been traditionally used in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammaging, and glucose-lowering effects. The safety profile of berberine is well-established in the context of its historical use; side effects, when they occur, are typically mild and self-limiting. They may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or stomach cramps.

In addition to these properties, recent scientific investigations have highlighted several other potential health benefits of berberine. For instance, it is found to possess strong antimicrobial activity, which can be effective against a wide range of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This makes berberine a potential tool in the fight against drug-resistant microbial strains.

Moreover, berberine exhibits notable anti-inflammaging effects, which can be beneficial in managing chronic inflammaging conditions. Its capacity to inhibit the production of pro-inflammaging molecules and its modulatory effect on immune cells highlight its potential as a therapeutic agent in the conditions associated with aging.

Perhaps one of the most exciting areas of berberine research lies in its neuroprotective potential. Evidence suggests that berberine may hold promise in the avoidance of age-related neurodegenerative conditions. It is thought to exert these effects through various mechanisms, including reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammaging, and modulating cellular signaling pathways involved in neuron survival and death.

The Final Word

The competition to reduce one's weight is ongoing, and both Berberine and Ozempic® have benefits that should be considered. Yet, often disregarded is the availability of these treatments and the overall influence they can have on a person's lifestyle. Using Ozempic® involves scheduling regular medical visits, a financial burden, as well as the risks of experiencing adverse reactions.

Berberine, a substance which has existed since antiquity, presents a desirable possibility. Accessible without prescription and praised for its wellness benefits, Berberine provides an all-encompassing and achievable approach to slimming down for several people. Tales and quantitative data have both shown its proficiency in decreasing weight, as well as overseeing blood sugar levels, which is an essential contributory factor in controlling weight.

Apart from weight loss, berberine is known to have various health benefits such as its anti-inflammaging and neuroprotective properties, providing a comprehensive solution that goes beyond treating obesity. Its accessibility and lack of severe side effects in comparison to artificial medications like Ozempic® make it an attractive choice for those who want to be the captain of their own health trajectory, resulting in better overall well-being and protection from sickness.

The path to a healthier you is an individual one and berberine, an economical natural supplement, makes a strong case for itself. Ultimately, the best option is the one that suits your particular needs. It may take a while to achieve your desired weight loss since neither of these provide overnight weight loss and work best in the presence of healthy activity levels and a nutrient dense diet of whole foods, but being consistent and patient can help you get there. If you are ready to make the commitment, choose a high-quality berberine supplement that has been tested for purity and backed by a brand you trust.

References:

1. Sun A, Yang H, Li T, et al. How Does Berberine Regulate Metabolism through Target Cells? Preprints; 2023. doi:10.22541/au.168138767.79461299/v1
2. Cornell S. A review of GLP‐1 receptor agonists in [DM]: A focus on the mechanism of action of once‐weekly agents. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020;45(S1):17-27. doi:10.1111/jcpt.13230
3. Neag MA, Mocan A, Echeverría J, et al. Berberine: botanical occurrence, traditional uses, extraction methods, and relevance in cardiovascular, metabolic, hepatic, and renal disorders. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9. Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00557
4. Liu X, Zhang N, Gu X, et al. Total synthesis of semaglutide based on a soluble hydrophobic-support-assisted liquid-phase synthetic method. ACS Comb Sci. 2020;22(12):821-825. doi:10.1021/acscombsci.0c00134
5. Xiong P, Niu L, Talaei S, et al. The effect of berberine supplementation on [obese] indices: A dose- response meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2020;39:101113. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2020.101113
6. Ilyas Z, Perna S, Al-thawadi S, et al. The effect of Berberine on weight loss in order to prevent [obese]: A systematic review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2020;127:110137. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137
7. Ozempic rebound: most people regain weight after stopping semaglutide. Healthline. Published January 11, 2023. Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health-news/weight-regain-after-stopping-ozempic
8. Villela R, Correa R. Semaglutide 2.4 mg: the latest GLP-1RA approved for [obese]. Journal of Investigative Medicine. 2022;70(1):3-4. doi:10.1136/jim-2021-002227
9. Heiser T. Wegovy vs. Ozempic. Norton Healthcare. Published August 16, 2022. Accessed June 11, 2023. https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/wegovy-vs-ozempic/
10. Tariq MA, Amin H, Shurjeel Q, Gang A, Mohiuddin A. Gastrointestinal adverse events of semaglutide in [overweight or obese patients]. European Journal of Internal Medicine. 2022;106:138-139. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2022.08.015
11. Hu Y, Ehli EA, Kittelsrud J, et al. Lipid-lowering effect of berberine in human subjects and rats. Phytomedicine. 2012;19(10):861-867. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2012.05.009
12. Mahapatra MK, Karuppasamy M, Sahoo BM. Semaglutide, a glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist with cardiovascular benefits for management of  [DM]. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2022;23(3):521-539. doi:10.1007/s11154-021-09699-1
13. Ph.D RD. Natural alternatives to Ozempic. Medium. Published March 7, 2023. Accessed June 11, 2023. https://22river.medium.com/natural-alternatives-to-ozempic-87b5a0327241
14. Cannillo M, Frea S, Fornengo C, et al. Berberine behind the thriller of marked symptomatic bradycardia. World J Cardiol. 2013;5(7):261-264. doi:10.4330/wjc.v5.i7.261
15. Liang Y, Xu X, Yin M, et al. Effects of berberine on blood glucose in patients with [DM]: a systematic literature review and a meta-analysis. Endocrine Journal. 2019;66(1):51-63. doi:10.1507/endocrj.EJ18-0109
16. Lingvay I, Catarig AM, Frias JP, et al. Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide versus daily canagliflozin as add-on to metformin in patients with [DM] (SUSTAIN 8): a double-blind, phase 3b, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet D&E. 2019;7(11):834-844. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(19)30311-0
17. Praharaj SK, Jana AK, Goyal N, Sinha VK. Metformin for olanzapine-induced weight gain: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Metformin for olanzapine-induced weight gain. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2011;71(3):377-382. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2010.03783.x
18. Smits MM, Van Raalte DH. Safety of semaglutide. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 2021;12. Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563
19. Vuddanda PR, Chakraborty S, Singh S. Berberine: a potential phytochemical with multispectrum therapeutic activities. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 2010;19(10):1297-1307. doi:10.1517/13543784.2010.517745
20. Čerňáková M, Košťálová D. Antimicrobial activity of berberine—a constituent of Mahonia aquifolium. Folia Microbiol. 2002;47(4):375-378. doi:10.1007/BF02818693
21. Ma X, Chen Z, Wang L, et al. The pathogenesis of [DM] by oxidative stress and inflammation: its inhibition by berberine. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9. Accessed June 11, 2023. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00782
22. Lin L, Li C, Zhang D, Yuan M, Chen C hai, Li M. Synergic effects of berberine and curcumin on improving cognitive function. Neurochem Res. 2020;45(5):1130-1141. doi:10.1007/s11064-020-02992-6
23. Attia P. Lean mass loss on GLP-1 receptor agonists: a downside of the “miracle drugs.” Peter Attia. Published February 18, 2023. Accessed June 11, 2023. https://peterattiamd.com/the-downside-of-glp-1-receptor-agonists/