As the demand for Ozempic — the injectable diabetes medication that has become coveted for inducing weight loss — continues to intensify, people across TikTok are posting about alternatives.
Some gush about other diabetes drugs, like Mounjaro; some tout so-called “generic” Ozempic from compounding pharmacies.
And some are trumpeting what they claim is a cheaper option, readily available in pharmacies and online: “nature’s Ozempic,” better known as berberine.
Experts say that while berberine has proven metabolic effects on the body, whether it can actually induce weight loss remains murky.
“Generally, it’s a really good compound that has some good evidence behind it,” said Dr. Melinda Ring, an integrative medicine specialist at Northwestern Medicine.
Persons:
”, berberine, Melinda Ring
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Ozempic, Northwestern Medicine
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Asia