Dr. Oz once asked the question on his titular talk show, “Could a diabetes drug cure obesity?” He was referring to semaglutide, better known as Ozempic and Wegovy, following a surge in demand for the medication.

Why fork over thousands of dollars a month for prescription weight loss jabs when store-bought supplements claim to have the same effect?

While both berberine and Ozempic may lead to weight loss, they are very different things. It’s “inaccurate and misleading” to call berberine “nature’s Ozempic,” Dr. Ali says, noting that they work differently in the body and have very different weight loss results.

For significant weight loss, Zepbound may be the better option. If you have Type 2 diabetes and are looking for a dual approach to managing weight and the disease, Ozempic would likely be more suitable. Ultimately, talk to your doctor about health needs, financial situation and personal weight loss goals.

GLP-1 supplements are advertised as a cheaper alternative to weight loss with Ozempic or Wegovy. Doctors explain if they help people lose weight and are safe.