Berberine is an herb that has been around for centuries.
As a result, berberine is having its moment.
ThisTikTok trendhas gone viral, generating tens of millions of views.
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But, what does the research say?
Is berberine safe and effective, and does it yield weight loss?
What is Berberine?
It has a yellow color and is often used as a dye.
In a 2018 review published inFrontiers in Pharmacology,researchers describe its many ancient uses.
Today, consumers can purchase berberine in capsules, tablets, liquid extracts or powders.
It is sometimes used in eye drops and gels.
Doses range from 500 milligrams to 1,200 milligrams.
What Does the Research Say?
Compared to Ozempic, berberine has a different mechanism of action.
Therefore, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison in regard to weight loss.
The research on berberine for weight loss is scarce.
Berberine supplementation also modestly reduced waist circumference and body mass index (BMI).
They obsevered 1,961 adults with a BMI of 30 or greater for 68 weeks.
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.
What Are the Side Effects?
For most healthy individuals, taking berberine is likely to be safe.
Potential side effects include diarrhea, constipation, gas and upset stomach.
Long-term studies are needed to determine if there are other side effects associated with long-term use in humans.
Is Berberine for Weight Loss a Fleeting Trend?
Nutrition trends come and go, and this one is likely no exception.
In addition, food supplements like berberine are not regulated by the FDA.
And always talk to your health care team before trying something new.
And remember that just because you see it on TikTok doesn’t mean there’s science to support it.
