The rise in the use of Ozempic for reasons beyond treating diabetes has led to a national shortage. Now, attention has shifted to a dietary supplement called berberine, which is being touted on social media as "nature's Ozempic." Similar to Ozempic, berberine decreases blood sugar and can lead to weight reduction, says Giordano who is also co-founder of Rebesana, a company that researches healthspan and lifespan. "It doesn't slow down how the stomach empties, which is one of the main ways that Ozempic and Mounjaro work." But Giordano says berberine appears to have great health benefits that far exceed weight loss: "I don't know why doctors don't recommend this regularly."

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Persons: Elon Musk, Dr, Carl Giordano, Giordano, Neil Paulvin, berberine Organizations: CNBC, Rite Aid, Walgreens Locations: New Jersey, goldenseal, Oregon, NY