Berberine and Weight Loss: The Facts and Myths

Berberine is a bioactive compound commonly found in plants like barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape, which have a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Some studies suggest that berberine may help to reduce body mass index, earning this alkaloid the nickname nature’s Ozempic.

Berberine is often considered to be a natural alternative to several remedies prescribed for the treatment of diabetes. In a nutshell, it triggers an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is vital for the proper metabolism of fats. 

Debunking Myths About Berberine and Weight Loss

Over the years, berberine has gained popularity for its potential health benefits in aiding weight loss and supporting metabolism. However, this has given rise to several misconceptions about how exactly this compound affects fat loss. 

Let’s explore some of the most popular myths in more detail.

Berberine is the Same as Ozempic

Although some people refer to berberine as nature's Ozempic, these two compounds work in different ways. Also known as semaglutide, Ozempic slows down gastric emptying. When your stomach is full, your appetite and food intake decrease. This leads to lower sugar levels and insulin production, giving the pancreas more time to regenerate thanks to the lower functional load.

Berberine, on the other hand, activates the AMPK enzyme that supports the healthy metabolism of fats and carbohydrates in the body.

Berberine is a Miracle Weight Loss Supplement

A common myth about berberine is that it makes people lose weight quickly. Although some studies suggest that berberine may balance and improve the metabolism of body fat, it’s not the same as being a magic pill for dramatic and effortless weight loss.

Berberine alone is not enough to trigger fast and significant burning of body fat. However, it may improve the effectiveness of other strategies for controlling body weight, like a balanced diet or regular exercise. Overall, the studies conducted on the effects of berberine on weight management are still somewhat limited, even though the preliminary results are promising.

Berberine is Safe for Everyone

Another misconception about berberine is that it’s safe for everyone to use, especially since it’s all-natural. In reality, studies have found several potential health risks.

For example, berberine should never be taken by pregnant or lactating women because it can worsen the accumulation of bilirubin, a pigment produced in the liver. In some cases, this may lead to kernicterus in the fetus or newborn child. Kernicterus is the medical term for bilirubin-induced damage to the nervous system. 

Additionally, just like any other natural supplement, berberine may interact with medications like metformin and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. The specifics of this effect may vary depending on the medication and the individual's health condition. 

It’s always wise to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any natural supplements, especially if you are already taking any medications. Berberine is no exception. Although most of the side effects of taking it alongside most prescription medications are relatively mild, it’s better to be on the safe side and discuss the matter with your doctor.

Berberine is Safe to Take at Any Dosage

No compound in the world is safe to take in an unlimited dosage. Toxicologists often refer to this as the core principle of their science: “The dose makes the poison.” 

This applies to berberine as well. Although studies have defined an average safe dose for humans, ultimately it also depends on the berberine manufacturer, the concentration of the supplement, your overall health, and the specific medications you are already taking.

As always, it’s better to consult with a doctor to make sure the standard dose of berberine supplementation on your manufacturer’s label would be safe to take in your specific case.

Berberine Melts Away Fat

Some people take berberine because of the general misconception that it works as a weight loss pill that quickly melts away body fat. Unfortunately, some berberine supplement manufacturers reinforce this myth to increase their sales. 

Although studies show that berberine may improve fat metabolism by activating enzymes like AMPK, this effect is slow and mild. Moreover, the effectiveness of berberine in reducing fat accumulation varies depending on factors like your diet, genetics, and physical activity levels.

Studies on the Impact of Berberine on Weight Loss

According to research, Berberine can activate brown fat in mice, leading to higher energy expenditure. It can also stop the mice's livers from producing glucose while reducing the body's absorption of carbohydrates. Together, these effects may help to tip the balance between “calories in, calories out” in favor of a caloric deficit (you burn more calories than you absorb), leading to weight loss.

One meta-analysis reported that people taking berberine as a treatment for obesity lost an average of 4.5 pounds and 1 cm of waist circumference. Although these results are promising, the average speed of these changes is unclear.

Another review of 13 clinical trials reported that taking berberine supplements may help to decrease the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides. This could have a beneficial impact on cardiovascular health since high LDL and triglycerides are associated with heart risks.

In 2020, a review was conducted on 35 studies from 2006 to 2019 and reported that berberine may be effective for supporting healthy gut microflora and improving metabolism.

How Berberine Promotes Weight Loss

Berberine has several effects that may promote weight loss, directly or indirectly.

AMPK Activation

Berberine activates 5-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that regulates energy metabolism. It also promotes the secretion of insulin in the pancreas, improves the body’s sensitivity to this essential hormone, and supports healthy liver function.

Additionally, berberine enhances the expression of AMPK-dependent adipose (fat) tissue triglyceride lipase (ATGL), an enzyme that promotes lipolysis (breakdown of fats).

Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Some studies reported that berberine is effective in supporting the gut microflora, which is essential for digestive health, proper metabolism, and long-term weight management.

Reduction of Inflammation

One of the metabolic effects of berberine on weight loss is the potential reduction of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a severe health condition often associated with metabolic disorders and obesity. Berberine has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help reduce the production of pro-inflammatory factors in the body.

Berberine's anti-inflammatory action helps to improve fat breakdown and insulin sensitivity, potentially aiding in weight loss and preventing obesity-related health conditions.

Other Benefits of Berberine

Although berberine is most often studied and taken as a supplement for better metabolism and more effective weight management, it has quite a few other potential health benefits as well.

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease. Berberine is effective in treating high blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing other related effects like oxidative stress and inflammation.  

Treatment of High Cholesterol

In one small clinical study, 80 individuals took either 750 mg of berberine or placebo daily for three months. By the end of the trial, people who took berberine had lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels than those who received placebo.

Liver Protection

Berberine impacts liver health by influencing the breakdown of fats, thereby reducing their accumulation in the liver. The anti-inflammatory effect of berberine may also protect the liver from oxidative stress and the damage it causes.

Cancer Treatment and Prevention

Another potential benefit of berberine could be cancer treatment. Some studies reported that berberine may be effective against certain types of tumors like cervical cancer thanks to its ability to interfere with the progression and life cycle of the tumor. 

Potential Interactions with Medications

If you plan to take berberine alongside your medications, please be sure to discuss this with a doctor before buying or taking the supplement. Some of the most important interactions are described below, but consider them to be a general overview. Professional medical advice is still essential to avoid side effects.

Berberine Interactions with Cyclosporine

Taking berberine with an immunosuppressive medication like cyclosporine can slow down the metabolism of this medication. In turn, this may reduce its therapeutic effects and increase the side effects of cyclosporine. 

Berberine Interactions with Anticoagulants

Taking berberine with medications that slow down blood clotting can lead to an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Doctors should closely monitor people taking berberine with medications like Fragmin, Aspirin, Heparin, and Cilostazol, among others.

Berberine Interactions with Antidiabetic Drugs

Berberine can enhance the effects of some antidiabetic medications, such as metformin. Metformin and berberine have similar action, making them suitable for treating type 2 diabetes. 

However, taking berberine with medications used to reduce blood sugar levels can lead to severe hypoglycemia (too low blood sugar levels). People taking both berberine and antidiabetic drugs should closely monitor their blood sugar levels to avoid side effects.

Potential Side Effects of Berberine

Although berberine is a relatively safe dietary supplement, some people may experience mild side effects including:

• Digestive discomfort
• Difficulty breathing
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Bloating

Conclusion

Berberine is a natural supplement that people take to support their weight loss journey. Although it can influence body mass and waist circumference, it’s still not a magic weight loss pill. 

Berberine lowers inflammation and improves metabolism by activating the AMPK enzyme. Other potential benefits include the support of healthy gut microflora, better control of blood pressure, and improvements in cholesterol levels. 

However, berberine should not be treated as a standalone solution for obesity or significant metabolic conditions like diabetes. Instead, it could work as an addition to other strategies like a balanced diet and regular physical exercise.

Individuals with underlying health conditions should seek medical advice before taking berberine, especially if they are taking other supplements or medications.