Ozempic has become a hot topic in the health community, with thousands of people swearing by this weight loss pill. Over the past few months, a slew of Ozempic alternatives—whether it’s another GLP-1 like Wegovy or a fad diet like Oatzempic—have emerged.
One of the latest copycat remedies on TikTok is called “Nature’s Ozempic,” which includes supplements and other natural substances that claim to be as effective as popular drugs. But despite these claims, are they healthy? We asked Danielle Belardo, MD, a cardiologist and MyFitnessPal scientific advisor, for her thoughts on this trend.
What is “nature’s ozone”?
Berberine is a leading supplement touted as “natural ozone” or a natural alternative to ozone. It is a plant compound commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. Some studies show it can lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and improve insulin resistance.
Are natural alternatives to Ozempic effective?
Despite what you may see on social media, there’s little evidence that berberine has any weight-loss benefits, says Dr. Berardo. Unlike semaglutide (like Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs), which has been well studied and thoroughly tested in multiple large-scale controlled trials, berberine has not been subjected to any rigorous testing.and small-scale studies have Completed, no meaningful results have yet been demonstrated.
“There is absolutely no reliable data to suggest that berberine has a clinically significant effect on weight loss or glycemic control that is even comparable to the FDA-approved GLP-1 drugs,” Dr. Belardo explained.
She added that comparing berberine to ozone is not only scientifically inaccurate, but also potentially dangerous because people may seek questionable treatments.
Additionally, berberine (and any supplement for that matter) is not subject to the same strict FDA regulations as prescription drugs. “The lack of regulation affects the standardization and quality control of supplements, resulting in differences in the purity and concentration of active ingredients in different products,” Dr. Berardo warned.
How to Choose (and Use) Natural Weight Loss Alternatives
Dr. Belardo strongly advises against using supplements as a weight loss strategy. “No supplement, including those marketed as weight loss supplements, has been proven to be more effective or safer than what health professionals endorse based on rigorous scientific evidence,” she warned.
MyFitnessPal is one of the best weight loss apps and fitness apps, helping nearly 1 million members achieve their nutrition and fitness goals every year.
Instead, she recommends consulting a trusted health care provider, such as your primary care doctor or a registered dietitian. They can analyze your personal health and medical history to come up with an evidence-based approach tailored to your specific health needs.
“They can help develop a sustainable weight management plan that combines a balanced diet with regular physical activity,” she explains, noting that this is a safer and potentially more effective route.
