GLP-1 Probiotics: Expert Review on Supplements & Powders

Ozempic has become incredibly popular in the health community, with many people praising its weight loss benefits. As a result, several Ozempic alternatives have emerged, including other GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and even fad diets like Oatzempic.

One of the latest copycat treatments trending on TikTok is known as “Nature’s Ozempic,” which involves supplements and natural substances claiming to be as effective as the popular drug. However, despite the claims, it's crucial to know if these alternatives are actually healthy and safe. We asked Danielle Belardo, MD, a cardiologist, for her insights on this trend.

Berberine is the primary supplement promoted as “Nature’s Ozempic” or a natural alternative to Ozempic. It's a plant compound commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Some studies have suggested that it might lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and improve insulin resistance.

Despite what you might see on social media, Dr. Belardo states that there is limited evidence of berberine's effectiveness in weight loss. Unlike semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs, which has been well-studied and thoroughly tested in numerous large-scale controlled trials, berberine hasn't undergone rigorous testing. And of the small-scale studies that have been conducted, no significant results have been proven.

“There is absolutely no solid data showing that berberine has a clinically significant impact on weight loss or glucose control that can even come close to the FDA-approved GLP-1 medications,” Dr. Belardo explains.

Dr. Belardo emphasizes that comparing berberine to Ozempic is not only scientifically incorrect but also potentially harmful, as it could lead individuals to seek out unreliable treatments. 

Moreover, berberine (and any supplement, for that matter) doesn't undergo the same rigorous FDA regulations as prescribed medication. “This lack of regulation impacts the standardization and quality control of supplements, resulting in variations in the purity and concentration of active ingredients across different products,” Dr. Belardo warns.

Dr. Belardo strongly advises against using supplements as a weight loss strategy. “No supplement, including those marketed for weight loss, has been proven to be as effective or safe as the methods recommended by healthcare professionals based on solid scientific evidence,” she cautions.

She suggests seeking advice from a healthcare professional, such as your primary care physician or a registered dietitian.

These professionals can examine your individual health information and medical history to create a personalized plan based on scientific evidence.