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Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard about injectable GLP-1 agonist drugs like semaglutide and tirzepetide (brand names Ozempic and Mounjaro, respectively) that fall under a class of medications called incretin mimetics. And, if you live in Los Angeles (or any major metropolitan city, honestly), seemingly half of everyone you know has or is currently taking one of these medications for their weight loss-boosting effects—even if they swear their leaner frame is exclusively due to “drinking more water and doing pilates.” Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were initially developed and approved to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity by helping to regulate blood glucose levels, mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone in the body that regulates digestion, appetite, and blood sugar. Of course, any time rapid weight loss is a “side effect” of a drug, interest (and demand) tend to spike—as does speculation about long-term risk factors and supply issues for patients treating chronic disease.
While some may frown upon those using these injectable weight loss drugs for ‘taking the easy way out’ or ‘cheating,’ ongoing studies continue to yield positive findings for not only weight loss and blood sugar control but also disease prevention, making their appeal broader than just a quick-fix jab for shedding excess weight. Early clinical studies show that there’s a laundry list of other potential benefits these compounds may offer, especially for longevity and disease prevention. Preliminary findings suggest that these drugs may have even more unexpected off-label uses, such as helping to reduce alcohol use disorder (AUD), reduce high blood pressure (hypertension), and provide defense against heart disease and even dementia.
“There are a myriad of medical benefits derived from these medications, including improvements in chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and sleep apnea,” says Lauren Turchin-Orent, MD. “Studies indicate that these medications reduce major cardiovascular effects, such as heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, etc., in people with known cardiovascular disease.” Dr. Amanda C. Kahn, a board-certified internist with expertise in preventive care, longevity, and weight management, agrees, adding that GLP-1 agonist drugs may offer neuroprotection and protection of the liver. “Ongoing research hints at benefits for cognitive health, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, as GLP-1 has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties,” Dr. Kahn says. “Early evidence also suggests benefits in reducing liver fat and inflammation, which can help those with conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).”
Clearly, the multifaceted benefits of GLP-1 agonist drugs greatly transcend just aiding in weight loss, but their ability to quickly slim the waistline while reducing mental ‘food noise’ and decreasing inflammation remain their biggest draw. Naturally, the surge in popularity of these weight loss drugs has prompted the supplement industry to jump on the GLP-1 bandwagon, with brands releasing so-called ‘natural Ozempic’ and ‘faux-zempic’ formulas. The oral supplements are touted for supposedly offering similar metabolic benefits to injectable GLP-1 prescription drugs. But do these ‘all-natural’ alternatives really yield benefits similar to those of their pharmaceutical counterparts? And, more importantly, are they even safe to use?
“Some metabolic supplements, often dubbed ‘faux-zempic,’ are marketed to mimic GLP-1 medications, though their mechanisms and effectiveness differ,” says Dr. Kahn. “For example, berberine, often called ‘nature’s Ozempic,’ has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood sugar levels, and potentially promote mild weight loss by activating an enzyme called AMPK, which regulates metabolism and energy use. However, it does not interact with GLP-1 pathways,” Dr. Kahn explains. “Berberine may help reduce body weight modestly (about two to four pounds over several weeks) and lower HbA1c levels, but it lacks the robust, consistent results seen with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, which can produce 15 to 20 percent body weight reductions in clinical trials.”
Diana Mesa, RDN, LDN, CDCES, founder of En La Mesa Nutrition, agrees, adding that “Berberine does have some similarities [to GLP-1 RA medications] in that it can trigger the pancreas to release insulin and helps make cells more sensitive to the effect of insulin, which is a characteristic similar to what Metformin [another prescription medication prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and other off-label conditions] does.” Still, she notes that it’s unclear whether or not Berberine has any appetite-suppressing effects like Ozempic and similar medications.
Taurine, an amino acid you may recognize as a key ingredient in popular energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull, is also a common ingredient in these GLP-1-alternative supplements. Dr. Kahn says that the amino acid can support energy metabolism and glucose regulation but that there is limited data on its effects on weight loss. Green tea extract, another ingredient touted by the supplement industry as a weight loss aid, has also been shown to provide a metabolic boost (aside from being a powerful antioxidant), but, like taurine, its effects on weight loss and inflammation are not clear in clinical studies.
Regardless of the inconclusive scientific findings on GLP-1 alternative supplementation, countless users of these formulas have glowing anecdotal reviews, citing experiences of weight loss, reduced cravings, more energy, and improved digestion. And, while the studies may not be as comprehensive as that of their pharmaceutical counterparts, it’s likely that the touted benefits of some of these supplements are not exclusively the result of a collective placebo effect. However, it goes without saying that anything that offers potential benefits—whether ‘natural’ or pharmaceutical—poses the risk of side effects and serious interactions.
Just like Ozempic, Wegovy, and similar drugs, supplements like berberine may also cause digestive issues, including upset stomach and bloating, as well as serious drug interactions. Dr. Kahn also notes that supplements are not FDA-approved, regulated, or rigorously tested like pharmaceuticals, which raises obvious concerns about purity, dosage, and efficacy.
Still, though technically unregulated, many of the ingredients used in GLP-1-modulating supplements are backed by ample clinical research—as is the case with Veracity’s metabolic supplement line (Metabolism Ignite and Metabolism Cleanse). “Metabolism Ignite is not just another supplement claiming to be a ‘natural GLP-1.’ It was born by years of direct testing of hormones and 20 years of research into synergistic plant compounds,” says Allie Egan, certified hormonal health coach and founder and CEO of Veracity Self-Care, a wellness brand that specializes in at-home hormone testing and supplementation. “Metabolism Ignite and its breakthrough active compound has been tested in 10 published studies. It not only provides almost immediate balancing of hormones including GLP-1, [but] it also addresses long-term metabolic health by activating the same enzyme created by endurance exercise.”
The bottom line? Whether marketed as an all-natural supplement or prescribed by a physician, both supplements and pharmaceuticals present benefits and risks—especially since some of these formulas clearly modulate GLP-1 in a similar manner—albeit to a much lesser extent—than drugs like Ozempic do. “Unlike GLP-1 receptor agonists, these supplements do not carry the same risks of hypoglycemia or more serious effects like pancreatitis or gallbladder issues. However, individuals should consult healthcare providers before use, particularly if they have underlying conditions or take other medications,” Dr. Kahn says.
If your physician has recommended a supplement with any of these ingredients (and/or has given you the green light to use them), you’d prefer to keep side effects on the mild side, or are just terrified of needles like I am, here are some clinically-backed and user-loved formulas to try.
