Since their introduction earlier this year, Ozempic and Wegovy have gained significant attention as effective weight-loss drugs. However, there are now several experimental drugs, as well as a natural remedy, that aim to replicate their success. While berberine, touted as “Nature’s Ozempic,” has sparked curiosity, early-stage clinical trials suggest that new hormonal treatments for obesity may actually be more effective than Ozempic.
Although Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes treatment in Canada, its off-label use as a weight-loss drug has made headlines. This is because Ozempic contains the same medical ingredient, semaglutide, as Wegovy, a drug specifically approved for obesity treatment. However, due to persistent supply problems, no one in Canada has received a Wegovy prescription, leading doctors to prescribe Ozempic for obese patients. This practice has raised concerns that it could prevent diabetics from accessing the drug. Currently, there is a shortage of the 1 mg dose of Ozempic in Canada, which is expected to end in early October. Health Canada is actively working to address this shortage and explore alternative solutions.
Obtaining Ozempic, or semaglutide, is challenging, and it comes with a significant price tag of $200 to $300 per month. Insurance plans typically do not cover Ozempic for weight loss, causing financial burden for patients. In light of these shortages and high prices, some individuals have turned to berberine as a natural alternative for weight loss. However, experts warn that the effectiveness of berberine for weight loss is questionable, and calling it “Nature’s Ozempic” is misleading. Peer-reviewed research does not support many of the claims made about berberine. Studies on berberine have primarily been conducted on mice or have small sample sizes. While a meta-analysis suggested some metabolic benefits and a small effect on weight loss, berberine is not a miracle cure. It has been used in Chinese traditional medicine for centuries to treat gastrointestinal issues without significant side effects. However, concentrated forms of berberine may cause stomach upset if not properly formulated.
In the US, companies making health claims about berberine on their websites have received notices of violation from the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Sean Wharton, an internal medicine physician and weight management specialist, suggests that the Canadian government should take a proactive approach in countering unfounded health claims online to protect the public from misinformation.
Traditionally, obesity has been viewed as a result of lifestyle choices, but medical professionals now recognize it as a chronic condition influenced by various factors such as hormones, physiology, mental health, and environmental circumstances. Processes like processed foods, stress, and lack of sleep can disrupt the body’s hormone regulation system, making weight loss challenging. Obesity drugs like Ozempic target these hormones and have shown success in causing weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. While diet and exercise remain important for weight management, medications can provide additional support. New drugs like Mounjaro and retatrutide have shown promising results in clinical trials, surpassing the weight loss efficacy of Ozempic.
Mounjaro, approved for use in Canada last year, led to an average weight loss of 16% in patients after 72 weeks of treatment. Retatrutide, an experimental drug, resulted in a 24% weight loss in patients over 11 months in a phase 2 trial. Both Mounjaro and retatrutide mimic hormones involved in appetite regulation, similar to Ozempic. However, they may have an advantage by targeting multiple hormones rather than just one. The primary hormone responsible for weight loss benefits is likely GLP-1, but having additional hormone targets can potentially enhance the efficacy of these drugs.
Having more treatment options for obesity is beneficial, as it can lead to lower prices and increased accessibility. However, it’s important to note that these drugs should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, and individual responses may vary. As the field of obesity treatment continues to evolve, it is essential to rely on evidence-based research and consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about weight management.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
