Experts speak out against 'dangerous' new berberine weight loss trend

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by Anna Munhin Jun 4, 2023 News
Experts speak out against

Content warning: this article contains references to disordered eating.

The new berberine weight-loss trend is causing experts to speak out against it.

The plant-based supplement has been likened to the controversial weight-loss jab after being hailed as 'nature's Ozempic'. Just because you see something online does not mean you should copy it.

After content creators rushed to the platform to rave about the supposed life-changing qualities of berberine capsule, health professionals are warning people about the trend.

Health professionals are warning people against the 'dangerous' health trend. Credit: TikTok/@daphnunez
Health professionals are warning people against the 'dangerous' health trend. Credit: TikTok/@daphnunez

One user claimed that the supplement helped them lose up to 18 lbs.

According to advocates of berberine, the supplements can help with a lot of ailments, including type 2 diabetes.

One TikTok has over 1.9 million views and says Berberine is their favourite supplement.

It's been used for hundreds of years to treat a number of diseases.

If you want to lose weight, this is a great supplement.

The internet is being warned that the viral health trend can be dangerous.

People have flocked to TikTok to rave over the viral health trend. Credit: TikTok/@daphnunez
People have flocked to TikTok to rave over the viral health trend. Credit: TikTok/@daphnunez

There is no evidence for almost any of the claims made in the videos, according to a senior lecturer at the university.

I have only been able to find one trial that used berberine.

There was no significant decrease in body weight observed over six weeks and some patients gained weight during the study, according to the expert.

It is not true to refer to the weight-loss capsule as "nature's Ozempic" since they both work in very different ways according to Cork.

Ozempic and Wegovy are weight-loss jabs that work by reducing appetite.

He said that any lowering effect on body weight will be met with an increase in hunger levels which will act to drive body weight back up.

There are a number of side effects of berberine.

Some people have likened berberine to 'nature's Ozempic' - which experts have said is not true. Credit: TikTok/@joeyzauzig
Some people have likened berberine to 'nature's Ozempic' - which experts have said is not true. Credit: TikTok/@joeyzauzig

A person at the National Centre for Eating Disorders (NCFED) told the MailOnline that the supplement was another quick fix to a complex problem.

"Calling it nature's Ozempic is dangerous marketing," they said. Ozempic has a specific action for weight loss that isn't related to how berberine works.

Alex Jacobs is the CEO of the register of Chinese herbal medicine.

The irresponsible use of a herbal extract as a quick fix and risky weight loss technique goes against the high standards of Chinese herbal medicine.

After a consultation that takes into account the individual safety needs of the patient, RCHM members only give herbal medicines.

It can be harmful to people who struggle with eating disorders.

The director of external affairs at Beat told MailOnline that weight-loss supplements can be attractive to people with eating disorders.

The use of supplements can make people more unwell.

To ensure that those with eating disorders are not able to access weight loss supplements, an eating disorder screening must be carried out.

There needs to be more education about the dangers of using medication to lose weight.

The effects of berberine are still at a very early stage.

People have been warned to be cautious when it comes to following weight-loss advice from social media because they don't get proper medical guidance.

If you're struggling with your weight, it's a good idea to talk to your doctor about ways to lose it.

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and would like to speak with someone in confidence, you can call the BEAT Eating Disorders hotline. The hotlines are open from 9am to 8pm during the week and from 4pm to 8pm on Saturdays and bank holidays. One-to-one webchat is available.