Latest 2023 statistics indicate that forty percent of Americans are considered obese. It isn’t surprising, therefore, that new products with reports of achieving weight loss (without diet and exercise) are popular news topics. The prescription drug semaglutide (in Ozempic) and the herbal supplement berberine are the two current hottest weight loss news topics, even though they are designated for other purposes. Might there be cause for concern?

Those considering taking semaglutide/Ozempic or berberine are strongly encouraged to first become well informed about these products, particularly in relation to verifying that they would be safe and appropriate for your current health situation. Some key questions to include in your research:

• Is the product presented as beneficial for individuals with a health condition you have? Or would you be using it “off-label”?
• What are the identified negative side effects of the product for individuals with your health condition? Is there any indication what might trigger these side effects?
• Are you confident your physician is knowledgeable about the product?
• Did you consider the personal or professional bias of the author in regard to the opinions offered in an article you read?
• If you do take the product, is it recommended that you discontinue the current treatment you are taking for your health condition?
• Have you been informed what might happen if you take this product for a while, then discontinue?
• To retain the benefits, do you need to take this product for the rest of your life?

ISSUE: Do weight loss drug benefits offset the side effects and financial cost?

AHHA strives to maintain a neutral position and views knowledge as power. For those interested in this month’s Issue, the following articles have been selected so that you can get a sense of the facts as presented by a variety of approaches. You are encouraged to delve deeper and expand your knowledge of this matter using these articles as a springboard.

Is Ozempic the Answer for Your Weight Loss? (5/30/23)
Cleveland Clinic  HealthEssentials

7 Ozempic Side Effects to Look Out for When Taking the Type 2 Diabetes Drug (5/24/23)
by Emily Goldman
Prevention

Semaglutide (Subcutaneous Route) Side Effects (5/1/23)
Mayo Clinic

What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic? (4/13/23)
by Claire Bugos
VeryWellHealth

Does the Advent of New Weight Loss Drugs Render Natural Weight Loss Measures Obsolete? (5/25/23)
by Dr Ronald Hoffman
Intelligent Medicine

What Is Berberine? (1/14/23)
by Amber I. Tresca
VeryWellHealth

TikTok users are calling berberine ‘nature’s Ozempic’ – but is it a fad? (6/11/23)
The Guardian

What is berberine, the supplement dubbed ‘nature’s Ozempic’ on social media? (6/1/23)
by Berkeley Lovelace Jr.
NBC News

What To Know About Berberine: Benefits, Uses and Side Effects (5/22/23)
Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

You are  encouraged to post your comments.

To review past ISSUES, visit the Special Updates Reports Archives.