In our last issue, we waxed nerdy about all things GLP-1. Today, we’re diving into fads that claim to boost the un-hunger hormone—or achieve similar results—while debunking the term “nature’s Ozempic®.” Let’s dive in.
Berberine Buzz
Found in plants like goldenseal and Oregon grape, berberine supplements saw a 75% spike in annual sales in 2023 as droves of TikTokers dubbed it the natural alternative to the weight loss drug, claiming it decreases belly fat and reduces bloating.
In reality, berberine may have some benefits for blood sugar and insulin response, but its weight loss mechanism doesn’t mimic Ozempic® and may even do the opposite of boosting GLP-1. According to one doctor, berberine is a natural antibiotic that “interferes with the growth of different [good] bacteria in the intestines and not something you’re supposed to take on a long-term basis.”
Sh*t Happens
Who had national laxative shortage on their 2023 bingo card? Yep, this really happened.
More of a budget Ozempic® than a natural one, advocates on social media started promoting laxatives to shed pounds and feel skinny. Only problem? Not only is it dangerous to use them for weight loss, it’s also unlikely to work because you aren’t really losing fat but rather fluids—often with some pretty uncomfortable side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.
Prebiotics for the Win?
Prebiotics have been shown to produce GLP-1 precursors like butyrate and fiber is well-known for improving satiety. However, the reality is that nothing in nature works quite like Ozempic® and other semaglutides, and that’s because the potency of these drugs relative to the hormone they mimic is inherently unnatural.
Benefits of Synthetic GLP-1
Downsides of Synthetic GLP-1
Going Au Naturel
Bottom line, while a diet high in prebiotic fiber and protein won’t produce the extreme results as a synthetic drug like Ozempic®, they will tap into the same weight loss mechanism by naturally boosting your body’s GLP-1.
As our CEO Marc Washington says, “Supergut isn’t Ozempic®-like in terms of the magnitude because nothing is—no foods, no other medications. But we provide the same type of mechanism in a healthy, natural, steady way.”
Final Word
If you’re dubious about spices and laxatives for weight loss or you’re on the fence about a pharmaceutical intervention, then you might want to consider a natural approach to boost GLP-1 and use code GUTCHECK for 20% off.
