Ever since berberine made headlines final yr for being touted as “nature’s ozempic,” it looks as if all the things that’s a claimed “weight reduction miracle” is being known as such. Most just lately, The New York Occasions printed a chunk titled “Is Inexperienced Tea Actually ‘Nature’s Ozempic’?” which has triggered us to step in earlier than all of us begin pushing this lingo any additional.
I imply, “nature’s Ozempic”… what does that even imply? We’re breaking down the true intention behind this time period, together with a well being lesson on GLP-1. Plus, a dietitian’s ideas on if something could be certified to be touted as a pure GLP-1 remedy.
What Does the Time period “Nature’s Ozempic” Imply?
To assist us perceive this fashionable terminology, we requested EatingWell’s diet editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD to interrupt it down.
“When folks say one thing is ‘nature’s Ozempic,’ what they actually imply is that it comprises vitamins, compounds or chemical compounds that mimic what GLP-1 does within the physique,” Ball explains. “So one thing that’s known as ‘nature’s Ozempic’ is claimed to both improve insulin manufacturing, assist regulate blood sugar or assist suppress urge for food. And I am guessing usually, persons are speaking concerning the latter.”
Whereas a buzzy phrase, should you’re not sure of what GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) even is, the dietitian additional explains its function in our our bodies.
“GLP-1 is a hormone, and our physique truly makes it naturally in our intestines,” she says. “It stimulates the pancreas to supply extra insulin, which permits glucose to go from our blood to our cells, which helps with blood sugar administration and can even impression our urge for food.”
Sure, there’s naturally occurring GLP-1 in our our bodies, and it’s totally different from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and different prescriptions.
“GLP-1 in our physique breaks down shortly—in only a few minutes—whereas the GLP-1 agonist drugs take for much longer to be damaged down, and may have stronger results on our blood sugar and urge for food,” Ball compares.
So whereas GLP-1 drugs are generally written off as weight reduction remedy, they are often important for folks with diabetes and excessive blood sugar. Nonetheless, issues which are referred to as “nature’s Ozempic” singularly seek advice from the remedy’s weight reduction issue.
“I feel since most individuals do not actually perceive what GLP-1 agonist drugs (like Ozempic) do, they is likely to be drawn to the time period [‘nature’s Ozempic’] in hopes it means weight reduction and starvation management,” Ball notes. “Nonetheless, weight reduction is never that easy.” Sure, weight reduction could be an impact of taking GLP-1 agonist remedy, they’re principally prescribed to these with sort 2 diabetes, weight problems, these in want of another blood sugar remedy and different associated well being circumstances.
Is There Something That Can *Actually* Be Known as “Nature’s Ozempic”?
TLDR: no, there’s not a meals, drink, herb, exercise or anyone “factor” that needs to be receiving this nickname.
“Briefly, there’s nothing that may really be referred to as ‘nature’s Ozempic’,” Ball tells us. “Whereas sure vitamins and compounds can stimulate GLP-1 manufacturing, the hormone in our physique is damaged down rather more shortly than GLP-1 agonist drugs and the results wouldn’t be the identical.”
When you suppose you’re the best match for a GLP-1 agonist remedy, we don’t advocate looking for out a proclaimed “pure” resolution. Alternatively, speak to a well being skilled about your choices.
The Backside Line
“Nature’s Ozempic” is one other fashionable time period concentrating on these in search of a fast weight reduction resolution—however there’s nothing that actually qualifies as a pure GLP-1 remedy that may make it easier to drop some weight. As Ball explains, “There are many methods to assist wholesome weight upkeep or weight reduction and wholesome blood sugar administration with out remedy. So these are higher issues to give attention to if these are your objectives.”
As a substitute of choosing a health fad or a trending weight loss plan, EatingWell recommends specializing in vitamins like protein and fiber to assist meet your objectives. However weight reduction is sophisticated and different elements can have an effect on your journey, like exercise stage, psychological well being and underlying well being circumstances. Be sure you speak to a physician or dietitian about any well being issues, or should you’re in search of steering in following a wholesome way of life.