Natural ozempic alternatives that might help lower blood sugar levels include berberine, magnesium, and aloe vera.
(NewsNation) — A plant-derived supplement called berberine is going viral on social media for being a cheaper, natural alternative to Ozempic for those wanting to lose weight. Posts calling it “nature's Ozempic” have racked up millions of views on TikTok as users claim it can help with weight loss.
PhenQ – This all-natural weight loss supplement offers almost the same benefits as Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs. It's also more versatile than Ozempic because aside from suppressing appetite, it also boosts metabolism to help patients burn more calories throughout the day.
Popular Ozempic alternatives for blood sugar control include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Trulicity (dulaglutide), and Rybelsus (semaglutide). If you're looking for Ozempic alternatives with the goal of losing weight, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) might be an option for you.
Mounjaro is a more effective drug than Ozempic. As demonstrated above, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) leads to more clinically significant weight loss and blood sugar reductions than semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic).
If you stop taking Ozempic, the weight you lost will likely return, fast. People who ceased use of semaglutide gained back, on average, a full two-thirds of the weight they had lost on the drug within one year, according to an August 2022 study, the Wall Street Journal reports.
A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.
For most people, stopping Ozempic (or any medication that's meant to be taken long term) abruptly without a medical reason is not ideal. Stopping Ozempic is not directly harmful, but you may begin to notice weight gain.
Based on the literature, Ozempic induces higher levels of weight loss than berberine. However, treatment was still used as an addition to diet and exercise.
It says there are no approved generic versions of these drug. However, an off-brand version of the drug has been seen at compounding pharmacies across the U.S. The FDA received reports of adverse events after patients used "generic" versions of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.
As a weight loss method, Berberine also isn't nearly as effective as Ozempic, says Velazquez. “This isn't a substitute or replacement for an anti-obesity medication,” she tells Rolling Stone. “It maybe be considered as an add-on if your provider thinks it's appropriate for you.
Berberine is a chemical found in some plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric.
Berberine can result in some modest weight-loss. A 2020 meta-analysis found that when people took about 500 mg of berberine daily, they lost just about four pounds on average, even when sticking with the regimen for months.
Berberine, a bioactive compound hailing from various plants, is fast making a name for itself as a health-promoting supplement in Australia. With a rich spectrum of benefits encompassing blood glucose regulation and cardiovascular health improvement, Berberine stands tall in the landscape of wellness.
Trending as 'nature's Ozempic,” berberine is a supplement that may aid in reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy weight, but it is understudied.
(Note: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children should not take berberine.) Although berberine has only recently been in the spotlight, it has a long history of medicinal use.
“GLP-1 medications [like Ozempic] are designed to be taken long-term,” explains Dr. McGowan. “They are chronic medications for the treatment of chronic conditions (both diabetes and obesity).”
Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar. It is recommended that you take Ozempic before meals, rather than after, to minimise any potential side effects from eating high-fat or high-sugar foods.
Stopping Ozempic
Meanwhile, these are “not medications that our body becomes addicted to, there are no significant withdrawals and no significant major rebound effects,” emphasized Dr. Warriner. In her patients with diabetes, Warriner has also observed a return of increased appetite over time.
The most common side effect with Ozempic is nausea and occurs in about 15% to 20% of people. Others include vomiting (5% to 9%), diarrhea (8%), stomach-area pain (6% to 7%), and constipation (3% to 7%).
Missing a dose of Ozempic
If you've missed a dose of Ozempic, inject your missed dose as soon as you remember within five days of the date you were supposed to take it. Continue your dosing schedule as usual. If it's been more than five days, skip that dose and inject your next dose per your regular schedule.
If you miss a dose of Ozempic®, use it as soon as possible within 5 days after your missed dose. If you miss a dose for more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of Wegovy™, and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, use it as soon as possible.