Written by Kyle Ustach | BScEcon
Fact checked by Andrew Lenau, ISSA CPT & Sports Nutritionist
FACT CHECKED
With so many gimmicks and false promises in advertisements, finding an effective weight loss medication or fat loss supplement can be difficult. One of the most popular and effective weight loss medications is semaglutide, commonly known for its popular brand name, Ozempic. While semaglutide medications like Ozempic have been proven effective for weight loss and lowering blood sugar, attention online has recently shifted to berberine, a compound that users call "nature's Ozempic." In this article, we will dive into the research to break down and compare berberine vs. semaglutide to determine which compound is best for your goals.
Table of Contents
- What Is Berberine?
- How Does Berberine Work?
- What Is Semaglutide?
- How Does Semaglutide Work?
- Is Berberine "Nature's Ozempic"?
- What Is The Best Weight Loss Supplement?
- FAQs
- Which Is Better: Berberine Or Semaglutide?
What Is Berberine?
Berberine is a natural compound found in plants that has been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for various health benefits. Berberine is found in plants such as European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, phellodendron, and tree turmeric. Unlike semaglutide, berberine does not belong to a class of medication but is known as an alkaloid. Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds that contain nitrogen, such as caffeine and nicotine.
People use berberine to promote weight loss, improve glycemic control, improve cholesterol management, improve digestive health, and for antimicrobial properties, among others. Several top supplement manufacturers produce berberine products that can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Some of the top brands that produce quality berberine products include Thorne Research, Life Extension, and Nature's Way.
How Does Berberine Work?
The primary way berberine promotes weight loss is through improving insulin resistance, which leads to greater glycemic control and, indirectly, weight loss. Berberine has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity because it can increase glucose uptake by cells, reducing blood glucose levels.
Barberine also activates the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is beneficial for weight loss. This helps promote weight loss because an increase in AMPK causes an increase in energy expenditure, meaning you burn more calories and increase fat burning. Excess amounts of insulin can lead to fat storage, so improving insulin sensitivity prevents this. Healthy blood sugar levels can reduce cravings and reduce appetite, which is helpful when trying to lose weight. Berberine also helps slow gastric emptying and the rate at which carbohydrates break down in our gut.
A recent study also found that berberine increases brown adipose tissue (BAT), which helps increase fat loss by burning calories at a faster rate. (1) This is also known as thermogenesis, the process by which our body burns calories to produce heat to elevate our body temperature. This also improves your base metabolic rate (BMR), so you burn more calories at rest.
Perhaps the most attractive feature of berberine is that it has been shown to prevent the storage of fat. Studies show that berberine can cause a process known as adipogenesis that can inhibit the differentiation of preadipocytes (immature fat cells) into mature fat cells. In other words, berberine can prevent the creation of new fat cells, lowering the body's ability to store fat. (2)
Lastly, berberine has also been shown to positively affect gut health by altering bacterial physiology and increasing the growth of protecting bacteria. Improving gut microbiota plays an important factor in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting fat loss. The antimicrobial action also helps improve overall gut and digestion health.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a compound referred to as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which helps improve blood sugar levels by lowering blood glucose. Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone in response to eating, which triggers insulin production to lower blood sugar levels. In higher doses, semaglutide can trick the brain to reduce appetite and increase satiety, helping you feel full longer. Semaglutide is used to help control glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and to help lose weight.
Three semaglutide medication brands are FDA-approved: Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy. All three prescription drugs are produced by Novo Nordisk, a Danish-based pharmaceutical company that specializes in diabetes medications. Ozempic and Wegovy are similar in dosage and administration because they are both once-weekly subcutaneous injections. Rybelsus, however, is unique in that it is the only oral GLP-1 receptor agonist available. Although Rybelsus and Ozempic are only approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, they are commonly prescribed off-label for weight loss.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide mimics the actions of GLP-1 glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the hormone released in response to eating. First, the pancreas releases insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and break down fat for energy. An increase in insulin causes a decrease in blood sugar levels, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. It also helps promote weight loss because it helps glucose enter cells to be used for energy.
Semaglutide also causes a reduction in glucagon, a hormone that helps prevent glucose from entering the bloodstream. Glucagon causes blood sugar levels to rise, so decreasing it further helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Semaglutide also helps slow gastric emptying, or the rate at which food leaves the stomach. This causes nutrients to be absorbed slower, further helping to control blood sugar levels and improve satiety. In higher doses, semaglutide triggers the brain to suppress appetite and increase satiety. (3) Semaglutide increases insulin levels, decreases glucagon, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite to stabilize blood sugar levels and induce weight loss.
Is Berberine "Natures Ozempic"?
There has been tons of misinformation spreading on social media, particularly Tik-Tok, where people commonly refer to berberine as "nature's Ozempic." Berberine lowers blood sugar and may exhibit weight loss properties, but it is NOT nature's Ozempic. In this section, we will break down the differences in semaglutide vs. berberine.
Difference Between Berberine and Ozempic
While berberine exhibits several properties similar to semaglutide, there are key differences. In this section, we will compare the differences between berberine and Ozempic. The first major difference is that berberine is a naturally occurring alkaloid, whereas Ozempic is a synthetic version of semaglutide created in a lab. Therefore, berberine is considered a natural supplement, while Ozempic is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Ozempic and semaglutide are used exclusively for improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic weight management in overweight or obese patients.
On the other hand, Berberine has a wide range of uses dating back to the ancient Ayurvedic and Chinese people who used it for various ailments and conditions. Today, berberine is commonly used to improve blood sugar levels, lose weight and cholesterol management, and improve the digestive system. Ozempic and other semaglutide medications require a prescription, whereas berberine is available over the counter. The exact mechanism of action in berberine is unclear, but it appears to affect metabolic pathways, whereas Ozempic mimics the actions of the GLP-1 hormone. So, while there are some similarities in the way they attack weight loss, there are several significant differences in berberine vs. Ozempic.
Benefits of Berberine
Berberine has several health benefits, many similar to that of Ozempic and semaglutide. Below are the main health benefits of berberine:
- Improve blood sugar control: As we mentioned, one of the primary actions of berberine is improving insulin resistance, which helps stabilize blood sugar levels. Glucose is able to enter the cells more efficiently and, therefore, reduce blood glucose levels.
- Cholesterol management: One of the top benefits of berberine is its ability to help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve our overall lipid profile. A review of studies on berberine showed that it led to increases in HDL (good) cholesterol and led to decreases in total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and blood triglycerides (fats). (3)
- Reduce body weight: We will dive into this deeper, but the primary reason people are turning to berberine is for weight loss. In one 12-week study, obese participants were given 500 mg of berberine orally three times a day. After the twelve weeks, there was an average weight loss of 5 lbs and a significant reduction in blood lipid levels, which measures the amount of fats and cholesterol in the blood. (4)
- Improve digestive health: Studies show that berberine has a positive effect on the immune cells of the digestive system and affects the expression of several intestinal immune factors. In other words, it promotes healthy gut bacteria that improve digestion and can help protect the gut lining. (5)
- Antimicrobial: An extension of improving digestive health, berberine has antimicrobial properties that can help fight various bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Studies show that berberine has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. It can help fight oxidative stress, which is crucial to help fight chronic diseases and severe health conditions. (6)
Risks Of Berberine
Overall, berberine supplementation is relatively safe and has a small risk of negative side effects. The main risks of berberine are associated with gastrointestinal issues. Since berberine affects the gut, it can cause various stomach issues, including constipation, cramping, diarrhea, and gas. Since berberine lowers blood glucose levels, there is also a risk for hypoglycemia. There are also potential risks to the liver and kidney, including rare cases of liver toxicity. Most people will experience minor side effects that only last a few days. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice severe side effects or health issues.
Berberine vs. Semaglutide for weight loss
While there haven't been studies that compare the two compounds head to head, based on individual studies, it is clear that semaglutide is far more effective for weight loss. Referring to the study from above, users only lost an average of 5 lbs over 12 weeks on 1,500 mg of berberine daily. (4) Comparatively, a separate study showed an average weight loss of 14.7 lbs after 12 weeks of semaglutide injections. (7) Comparing these studies, semaglutide users lost nearly 10 lbs more on average in only 12 weeks. This shows that while berberine may be effective for minor weight loss, it is no comparison to semaglutide.
Berberine vs Semaglutide: Dosage And Administration
Most experts recommend a dosage between 500-1,500 mg of berberine orally daily. The most common dosing protocol is 1,500 mg daily, divided into three 500 mg doses. Berberine should be taken roughly 30 minutes prior to eating. Experts recommend taking berberine for no longer than six months in a row. Ideally, it should be cycled for eight weeks, followed by two to four weeks off. The vast majority of berberine supplements come in oral capsules, although it is also available as a powder.
Semaglutide is available as a once-weekly injection (Ozempic and Wegovy) or a daily tablet (Rybelsus). Injectable versions can be taken with or without food at any time, as long as it is the same day of the week. Ozemic and Wegovy users start with 0.25 mg for the first four weeks, followed by 0.5 mg for at least four weeks, before increasing to 1 mg. Users can increase the dose as needed, and if the side effects are manageable, up to a maximum dose of 2 mg on Ozempic or 2.4 mg on Wegovy.
Semaglutide tablets have a much stricter dosing protocol, requiring users to take a daily tablet immediately upon waking, 30-60 minutes before eating. Rybelsus comes in 3 mg for the first four weeks before increasing to 7 mg. The maximum dosage for Rybelsus is 14 mg. Semaglutide medications have been proven safe for long-term use, with studies showing success after two years.
Semaglutide vs Berberine Side effects
Semaglutide common side effects:
- Injection site reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Semaglutide rare side effects:
- Bleeding
- Burning feeling in the chest
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycemia
- Loss/change of taste
Some people who should avoid taking semaglutide include those with the following:
- Thyroid issues or thyroid cancer
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- A history of pancreatitis
- Kidney or liver issues
- Cardiovascular disease or issues
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant
Berberine common side effects:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bloating
Berberine rare side effects:
- Allergic reactions
- Liver toxicity
- Hypoglycemia
- Kidney issues
- Cardiac arrhythmias
People that should avoid berberine include:
- If you take cyclosporine
- Cholesterol medication
- Heart medication
- Diabetes medication
- Children
- Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant
Berberine vs Semaglutide Cost
Berberine is over-the-counter, so it can be purchased without a prescription. Some of the most popular berberine supplements include Thorne Berberine (1,000 mg) for $38 for a one-month supply and Nootropics Depot Berberine Phytosome (550 mg) for $34.
Based on prices from 2023, the average cost of Ozempic is roughly $916 or higher for a monthly supply without insurance. With insurance and savings cards, you can find Ozempic for around $25 a month in the United States.
What is the best weight loss supplement?
If semaglutide and berberine don't seem right for you, plenty of dietary supplements help with weight loss. Aside from berberine, several natural weight loss products have been proven safe and effective. Some of the best natural weight loss supplements include B vitamins, vitamin D, chromium picolinate, green tea extract, and red pepper extract. While you can purchase all of these natural products on their own, they also make fat burner supplements that contain a combination of ingredients. One natural alternative is PhenQ, a product that contains high-quality, all-natural, fat-burning ingredients. For a comprehensive list and breakdown of other top choices, check out our article 8 Best Supplements For Fat Loss.
FAQs
In this section, we will answer some of the most common questions related to berberine vs. semaglutide.
Can you take Ozempic and Berberine together?
Taking Ozempic and berberine together is not recommended because it can increase the risk of side effects, especially stomach discomfort.
Who should not take berberine?
Women who are pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, children, and people who use certain medications, including those with diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, or blood pressure medication.
What time of day should I take berberine?
Berberine is meant to be taken three times a day, thirty minutes before meals.
How long does Berberine take to work?
There is limited research, but most users experience weight loss after a few weeks to a few months.
How long can you take Berberine?
It is not meant to be taken long-term. It should be used for a maximum of six months. Ideally, you should cycle it with eight weeks on, followed by two to four weeks off.
Which is better: Berberine Or Semaglutide?
When it comes to improving insulin resistance and shedding body weight, there is no doubt that semaglutide is more effective. However, it's important to consider that semaglutide is a powerful synthetic medication that requires a prescription, whereas berberine is a naturally occurring compound that can be purchased over the counter. Both compounds improve appetite control and insulin sensitivity, which helps improve blood sugar control and indirectly contribute to weight loss. They also both slow gastric emptying, although semaglutide does it much more efficiently. Semaglutide results in more significant weight loss and better glycemic control than berberine. If you are looking for a natural alternative to semaglutide, berberine may not produce the same results, but it can be effective on a smaller scale. Ultimately, you must determine how much weight you are trying to lose and whether you want to use a natural compound or a prescription drug.
To compare semaglutide to other popular weight-loss medications, check out our articles Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide: Uses, Differences, And Results and Semaglutide vs. Phentermine: Which Is The Better Weight Drug?
References
- Ilyas, Zahra, et al. “The Effect of Berberine on Weight Loss in Order to Prevent Obesity: A Systematic Review.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, vol. 127, July 2020, p. 110137, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137. Accessed 24 Mar. 2021.
- Wang, Can, et al. "Berberine Inhibits Adipocyte Differentiation, Proliferation and Adiposity through Down-Regulating Galectin-3." Scientific Reports, vol. 9, no. 1, 16 Sept. 2019, p. 13415, www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-50103-5#:~:text=The%20excessive%20differentiation%20or%20proliferation, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-50103-5.
- Ju, Jianqing, et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Berberine for Dyslipidaemias: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials." Phytomedicine, vol. 50, Nov. 2018, pp. 25–34, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.212.
- Hu, Yueshan, et al. "Lipid-Lowering Effect of Berberine in Human Subjects and Rats." Phytomedicine, vol. 19, no. 10, July 2012, pp. 861–867, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2012.05.009. Accessed 26 Nov. 2019.
- Zhang, Lichao, et al. "Effects of Berberine on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota." Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, vol. 10, 19 Feb. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7933196/, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2020.588517.
- Li, Zheng, et al. "Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Berberine in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2014, 2014, pp. 1–12, https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/289264.
- Ghusn, Wissam, et al. "Weight Loss Outcomes Associated with Semaglutide Treatment for Patients with Overweight or Obesity." JAMA Network Open, vol. 5, no. 9, 19 Sept. 2022, p. e2231982, jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2796491?resultClick=1, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982.
Kyle Ustach
Author