Natural Alternatives to Ozempic: Are They a Safer Replacement?

Ozempic is an FDA-approved drug to improve blood glucose levels in diabetes patients alongside proper diet and exercise. However, social media promotes its off-label use as a weight loss drug. While the FDA is warning people about off-label use, its popularity is skyrocketing, and so is the search for safe, natural alternatives. Read more to find out if there are any that could replace Ozempic.

Is there a natural alternative to Ozempic?

There are no natural alternatives to Ozempic. Ozempic is a drug containing semaglutide that mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is naturally released by small intestine cells as a response to meal. It triggers insulin synthesis while inhibiting glucagon synthesis, a hormone regulating blood glucose levels. GLP-1 also slows gastric emptying and increases satiety. Thus, the drug improves blood glucose control in diabetes patients alongside diet and exercise.

While some dietary supplements have been shown to boost GLP-1, they have not been proven to be as effective as Ozempic.

Can natural Ozempic alternatives help with weight loss?

There are no natural alternatives to Ozempic, as proven by science. Ozempic mimics a hormone, GLP-1, which increases insulin synthesis (helps lower blood glucose levels) and enhances satiety.

Remember, Ozempic is not approved by the FDA for weight loss. However, people use Ozempic off-label for weight loss because unauthorized sources advise it.

A study investigated Ozempic use for weight loss. Among 368 participants, almost 30% reported personal use of medication. Among those, more than 70% said they use it for weight loss.

Since people seek a natural alternative, some dietary supplements are gaining attention as nature's Ozempic. Let's dive into their effects:

Berberine

Berberine is extracted from the herb Rhizoma coptidis, used in Chinese medicine. It's associated with anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-hyperlipidemic effects, possibly contributing to blood glucose management and weight loss.

A meta-analysis of 46 randomized controlled trials showed that berberine supplementation significantly reduces HbA1c levels (a biomarker used to assess long-term blood glucose levels) compared to the control group in diabetes patients. However, more evidence is needed to draw conclusions on its use in blood glucose regulation and weight loss.

Berberine may also cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation, and toxic side effects may occur in high doses.

Psyllium husk

Psyllium husk is a fiber supplement with associated health benefits, including lowering blood glucose and lipids.

A meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials showed that psyllium husk supplementation significantly improved blood glucose and HbA1c levels in diabetes patients. However, there were no significant changes in glucose levels in pre-diabetes and people with healthy blood glucose levels.

Although psyllium husk supplementation may help blood glucose regulation alongside a healthy and balanced diet, more evidence is needed for a recommendation.

Psyllium husk supplementation may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as bloating, flatulence, and abdominal cramps.

Magnesium

Supplementation of some vitamins and minerals (such as magnesium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D) has been associated with improvement in diabetes.

Magnesium is a mineral naturally found in foods, including nuts, seeds, beans, legumes, and green leafy vegetables. Besides being a cofactor of more than 600 enzymes, it's involved in insulin secretion. That's why the role of magnesium deficiencies in obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes has been explored.

A meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials showed that magnesium supplementation significantly reduced body mass index (BMI), especially in patients with magnesium deficiency, obesity, and insulin resistance-related disorders. However, further evidence is needed to prove efficiency, beneficial doses, and duration of use.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a widely used spice. Most people believe cinnamon can lower blood glucose and aid weight loss. Although some studies showed the beneficial effects of cinnamon, they mostly used supplements providing higher doses of cinnamon.

A meta-analysis showed that cinnamon supplementation can significantly reduce body weight and BMI compared to the control group; however, the weight loss difference was less than two pounds (one kilogram), far less than what personalized weight loss programs can achieve.

Although some dietary supplements or 'natural products' are marketed as magical solutions for weight loss, the evidence on the subject is limited. Therefore, you should consult your doctor before taking any products to lose weight.

Are natural Ozempic alternatives the same as Ozempic?

No, they're not the same. Ozempic is an FDA-approved drug proven to help with blood glucose levels in diabetes patients alongside diet and exercise. On the other hand, while some dietary supplements containing natural ingredients have been shown to assist with blood glucose regulation and weight loss, strong evidence supporting their effectiveness is lacking.

Can I take natural Ozempic alternatives and Ozempic together?

Ozempic is used for lowering blood glucose levels. Taking Ozempic with 'natural alternatives' that may lower blood glucose levels can cause too low blood glucose levels. It's best to contact your doctor before taking any prescribed or over-the-counter drug and dietary supplements with Ozempic.

The importance of improving your diet and lifestyle

Although some dietary supplements have been shown to help with blood glucose regulation and weight loss, evidence is limited. Since there are many fraudulent sellers, using products without medical supervision can be dangerous and provide little to no benefit, at best.

If you need weight-loss drugs, your doctor can prescribe an FDA-approved one after a medical assessment. However, lifestyle changes such as a more balanced diet and exercise regimen could offer additional health benefits than weight loss drugs alone.