Have you heard? The weight loss benefits of Ozempic have been gaining more and more attention, with a ton of celebrities nabbing the drug as a quick weight loss solution.
Its amazing ability to help individuals with type 2 diabetes stabilize blood sugar levels and achieve weight loss has made it a game-changer.
But did you know – many people who lose weight on Ozempic tend to gain the weight back once they’ve stopped using the drug and who wants that? And not everyone is a good candidate for Ozempic use or hate the side effects it brings.
If taking Ozempic is not on your bucket list, there are natural Ozempic alternatives available that can also promote blood sugar control and weight management.
In this blog post, I’ll be explaining how Ozempic works while exploring natural supplements that work as alternatives (along with healthy diet and exercise) for anyone looking to get similar results in their diabetes management or weight loss journey.
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Disclaimer: the information provided in this article does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a doctor before taking any supplements.
What Is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a brand name for the medication semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Ozempic is mainly used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, butalso helps with weight loss. Here’s how Ozempic works:
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonist: Ozempic works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body. GLP-1 is naturally produced in the intestines when we eat. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, limiting glucagon release (a hormone that raises blood sugar levels) and slowing down the emptying of the stomach.
- Blood Sugar Control: By acting as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. It triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas when blood sugar levels are high, which helps to lower glucose in the bloodstream.
- Reduced Glucagon Release: Ozempic also suppresses the release of glucagon from the pancreas. Glucagon typically raises blood sugar levels by triggering the liver to produce and release glucose. By lowering glucagon levels, Ozempic helps to prevent too much glucose production by the liver.
- Delayed Gastric Emptying: Another effect of Ozempic is to slow down the emptying of the stomach, which can lead to increased satiety and a reduced appetite. This effect can help with weight loss in individuals using Ozempic.
Ozempic is usually taken as a once-weekly injection.
It’s important to remember that the information provided here is a general overview and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for more detailed and personalized information about Ozempic, its usage and any potential side effects.
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Negative Side Effects Of Ozempic
Ozempic is usually well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can have side effects. It’s important to understand that not everyone experiences these side effects and how intense they are can vary from person to person, because no two people are alike. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized information and guidance.
Here are some potential negative side effects that have been reported with the use of Ozempic:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: The most common side effects of Ozempic are related to the gastrointestinal system. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These symptoms are usually mild to moderate and tend to reduce over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
- Hypoglycemia: Ozempic, when used in combination with other diabetes medications that lower blood sugar levels, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include sweating, dizziness, confusion, shakiness, and hunger.
- Injection Site Reactions: Some individuals may experience redness, itching, or irritation at the injection site. It’s important to follow proper injection techniques and rotate injection sites to reduce these reactions.
- Gallbladder Issues: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of gallbladder-related problems such as gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Seek medical attention if you experience severe abdominal pain or symptoms suggestive of gallbladder issues.
- Pancreatitis: While rare, there have been reports of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) with the use of Ozempic. Symptoms can include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience persistent or severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention.
- Ozempic Face: Ozempic is so effective as a weight loss aid that it can cause rapid weight loss that is quickly noticed in the loss of facial fat. As with any weight loss, there are skin changes and shrinking that can occur, because the fat that stretches and supports the skin is no longer in place. The skin of the face also loses its ability to retract after an episode of rapid weight loss due to lower levels of elastin and collagen, which are essential for structural integrity.
As a result, people taking Ozempic may report the following facial symptoms:
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- more visible lines and wrinkles
- loose, saggy skin due to fat loss on the face
- a hollowed-out appearance
- lipodystrophy, which affects how the body accumulates and stores fat
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Natural Supplements To Ozempic For Blood Sugar Control & Weight Management
While these natural Ozempic alternatives may offer some benefits for managing blood sugar levels, they are not meant to replace prescription medications or medical advice and you can’t expect to get the same results from supplements that you would with Ozempic. It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have diabetes or any other medical condition.
These supplements do not work in the same way that Ozempic does either, but can provide other benefits to controlling blood sugar, insulin sensitivity or cravings.
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a popular spice that has been studied for its potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels. It may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce fasting blood glucose levels.
However, it’s important to use true cinnamon (Ceylon cinnamon) rather than cassia cinnamon, which is commonly found in stores.
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2. Berberine
Berberine has been gaining popularity on social media recently as “nature’s Ozempic” and is a supplement I take daily to combat the insulin resistance I suffer from due to my PCOS.
Berberine is a compound found in several plants, including goldenseal and barberry. It has been shown to have a positive impact on blood sugar control by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing glucose production in the liver.
Personally, I’ve noticed that I have less cravings for sugar and junk food when I’m taking my Berberine regularly, which is a definite benefit of this natural Ozempic alternative.
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3. Chromium
Chromium is a trace mineral that plays a role in insulin function and glucose metabolism. Some studies suggest that chromium supplements may help improve blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes. I take a Chromium supplement daily to support blood sugar control, which can be difficult for me to manage due to my PCOS.
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4. Gymnema Sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is an herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been traditionally used to help regulate blood sugar levels.
Some research suggests that it may help increase insulin production and reduce sugar cravings.
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5. Alpha-lipoic Acid
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is an antioxidant that can have a positive effect on blood sugar control. It can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce oxidative stress associated with diabetes.
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No matter how you decide to manage your blood sugar for diabetes management or weight loss, it’s important that you do it in a healthy and sustainable way.
If you decide to try these natural Ozempic alternatives, always discuss their use with your healthcare provider first to ensure they are right for you and do no conflict with any medications you are taking or existing medical conditions you have.
Do you take all of these or do they all work alone?
Personally, I take Berberine daily and not all of these supplements. As these may conflict or interact negatively with eachother, a doctor or naturopath may be more helpful determining which you should take. I also have a post on supplements to reduce insulin resistance that you may find helpful as well.
Which of these supplements would be good for weight loss?
I can’t speak to what would work best for you, but personally I user Berberine to help with insulin sensitivity (e.g. helps the body to metabolize sugars more effectively).