Ignore the influencers — there are no ‘natural Ozempic’ supplements

A dosage of Wegovy a GLP- drug used for weight loss Photo by Amanda Andrade-Rhoades Associated Press We ve all seen the effects of GLP- agonist medications The weight certain people strive to lose seems to melt away when aided by the prescription medications Commonly grouped under the umbrella term Ozempic the brand name of one GLP- medication approved only to treat Type diabetes GLP- medications have been used to successfully sponsorship weight loss for millions of people GLP- s specifically approved for weight loss include Wegovy Saxenda and Zepbound and their weight loss effectiveness is often lauded However the medications can be costly if not covered by a person s insurance provider Thus a question has flooded social media When taken together can certain less expensive over-the-counter supplements mimic the weight loss effect of a GLP- Don t let the influencers influence you According to chosen social media influencers a combination of natural supplements can provide the same results as Ozempic without the unpleasant side effects such as nausea diarrhea and constipation The supposed weight loss cocktail of supplements includes magnesium ashwagandha L-theanine myo-inositol and D-chiro inositol berberine and vitamins D and K Unfortunately these supplements are generally ineffective for weight loss However they do have benefits Magnesium Specific benefits of magnesium include improved sleep and reduced anxiety and cortisol levels It may also aid in calcium absorption and vitamin D activation helping muscles contract and relax properly and reducing cramps and spasms Ashwagandha Commonly used for stress and anxiety ashwagandha may reduce cortisol levels and improve memory attention and executive function possibly due to antioxidants and neuroprotective effects L-theanine This amino acid primarily unveiled in tea leaves may improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety especially in individuals with high stress levels Myo-inositol and d-Chiro inositol Inositol is a form of sugar that could help lower your vulnerability for metabolic syndrome polycystic ovary syndrome gestational diabetes and more It has been identified to lower cholesterol and even help ease the clues of depression Berberine A chemical discovered in plants such as goldenseal and turmeric berberine has been shown to lower blood sugar and decrease insulin resistance in people with Type diabetes Vitamins D and K Vitamin D can enhance calcium absorption from the gut while K helps direct calcium to the bones and teeth rather than the arteries Together they could help improve bone density in the spine and lower the jeopardy of fractures in post-menopausal women The difference between the supplements and the medications GLP- s work by suppressing appetite slowing gastric emptying and improving insulin function Those who take GLP- s typically lose between and of their body weight while those taking a supplement combination are unlikely to lose a measurable amount unless accompanied by increased exercise and a restrictive diet However unlike GLP- s the supplement combination shouldn t have considerable side effects Though diarrhea may occur if supplements like magnesium or berberine are taken at a higher dosage than the recommended amount It s essential to discuss any supplements you are taking or plan to take with your medical professional to avoid harmful interactions For instance people with high levels of calcium in their blood should talk with their medical practitioner before taking high doses of vitamin D or K What s more your healthcare provider can help you identify safe and effective weight loss methods if needed Dr Neelima Chu is an endocrinologist with Sharp Rees-Stealy Anatomical Group