{"id":605981311282,"title":"Does Berberine Cause Weight Loss? A Research Review","created_at":"2023-07-31T23:52:07-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Does Berberine Cause Weight Loss? A Research Review\",\n \"keywords\": \"berberine weight loss, berberine supplement, berberine side effects, berberine for weight loss, best berberine supplement, berberine weight loss reviews, berberine weight loss before and after\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team analyzes medical studies on berberine and weight loss to determine if the TikTok-famous natural compound is actually effective, or if it's a waste of money. We discuss side effects and feature unsponsored user reviews that include before-and-after images.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/does-berberine-cause-weight-loss\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Auren Weinberg\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": \"M.D.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/auren-weinberg\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/aurenweinberg\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"Medical Reviewer\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"pharmaceutical medication, medicine, OTC drugs, medical research, clinical trials, generic drugs, branded drugs, dietary supplements, chemistry, health, wellness, healthcare\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"Haverford College\",\n \"University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry\",\n \"Fox School of Business at Temple University\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Berberine_For_Weight_Loss_Thumbnail.png?v=1690862863\",\n\"width\": \"3043\",\n\"height\": \"3043\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32690176\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32353823\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22739410\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36999891\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK564659\/\",\n\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/natural\/1126.html\",\n\"https:\/\/www.consumerlab.com\/reviews\/berberine-goldenseal-supplements-review\/berberine\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6768815\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25636220\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6628169\/\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"dose\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"Jeanine Escobar\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"MedLinePlus\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"ConsumerLab\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Brand\",\n \"name\": \"NBC News\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2023-07-31\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ], \n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Berberine_For_Weight_Loss_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1690861849\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDisclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice. All statements are merely the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to weight loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eB\u003c\/span\u003eerberine is another naturally-derived compound that’s recently gone TikTok-famous for its supposed effects on weight loss. The compound can be derived from various plants, and many online influencers suggest it’s a natural weight loss miracle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBut is berberine actually proven in research studies to cause weight loss, or is it another passing gimmick? Does it cause side effects? How do real users who took berberine for weight loss describe its effects? And what retailer sells the best quality berberine?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze medical studies on berberine and weight loss to give our take on whether the supplement is likely to be effective, or if it’s a waste of money.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe’ll feature unsponsored user reviews including before-and-after images, discuss potential side effects of berberine and share our top berberine supplement recommendation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDoes Berberine Actually Cause Weight Loss?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBerberine has been studied in various clinical trials for its effects on weight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2020 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32690176\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emeta-study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e analyzed results from 12 clinical trials on berberine and weight loss. The researchers reported that trial participants taking berberine lost an average of 4.6 pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe duration of the trials varied from 1 to 24 months, but most of the trials were 3 months long. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eThis suggests a potential annualized weight loss of 18.4 pounds from berberine supplementation.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32353823\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBiomedicine \u0026amp; Pharmacotherapy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal analyzed test tube studies, animal studies and human studies to determine the effects of berberine on weight.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe study authors concluded that berberine caused modest weight gain on average, and also had favorable effects on cholesterol and blood sugar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA 2012 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22739410\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e reported that \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eberberine caused an average weight loss of five pounds over 12 weeks in obese subjects.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e This suggests a potential annualized weight loss of 20 pounds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe total dose used in the above-linked trial was 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day split across three daily dosings of 500 mg.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverall, we consider the research on berberine for weight loss to be convincing.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e We do not recommend taking berberine as a standalone treatment for obesity or any other medical condition, but it may be worth consulting with a doctor about.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBefore discussing potential side effects of this compound, we’ll feature some unsponsored berberine user reviews in the next section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eReal Users Try Berberine\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA YouTube creator named Jeanine Escobar shared her experience using berberine for weight loss:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ufdi6P0PZAA\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA TikTok creator named “sukhi” shared before-and-after images from her experience using berberine for weight loss:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote style=\"max-width: 325px; min-width: 325px;\" data-video-id=\"7237276288216534315\" cite=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@brokersukhi1979\/video\/7237276288216534315\" class=\"tiktok-embed\"\u003e\n\u003csection\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@brokersukhi1979?refer=embed\" title=\"@brokersukhi1979\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e@brokersukhi1979\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/music\/original-sound-7237276305379625771?refer=embed\" title=\"♬ original sound - sukhi\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e♬ original sound - sukhi\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cscript src=\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/embed.js\" async=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDoes Berberine Cause Side Effects?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBerberine can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal distress, constipation or diarrhea according to a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/36999891\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePhytotherapy Research\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHowever, side effects don’t appear to be severe when the supplement is dosed appropriately.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK564659\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLiverTox\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal stated the following about berberine supplementation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“Side effects are few and largely mild and transient.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBerberine can interact with prescription medications and cause dangerous side effects \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/druginfo\/natural\/1126.html\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eaccording to\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e MedLinePlus, so it’s important that patients discuss berberine supplementation with a doctor who’s aware of any prescription medications they’re using.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOverall, we consider berberine unlikely to cause side effects in otherwise healthy individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur Clean Berberine Brand Pick\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Herbal_Supplements_Image_72daf72e-2a34-49e5-907b-11ad7015325c.png?v=1690862268\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ZqFhst\"\u003eSolvay Berberine\u003c\/a\u003e is our top berberine pick.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis supplement is \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.consumerlab.com\/reviews\/berberine-goldenseal-supplements-review\/berberine\/\"\u003eConsumerLab approved\u003c\/a\u003e, which means \u003cstrong\u003eit was found in independent testing to be accurately labeled and contain as much berberine as the brand states.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSolvay Berberine is also highly affordable, costing only $0.27 per serving.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis supplement has been reviewed over 1,400 times on Amazon with an average review rating of 4.5\/5 stars at the time of publishing this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInterested consumers can check out Solvay Berberine \u003ca rel=\"sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3ZqFhst\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official Amazon store.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Berberine Really \"Nature's Ozempic\"?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA segment on NBC News discussed berberine for weight loss and compared the supplement to weight loss drug Ozempic:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003ciframe title=\"YouTube video player\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_7rRb_vTwz8\" height=\"315\" width=\"560\" allowfullscreen=\"\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOur Clean Weight Loss Picks\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Weight_Loss_Supplements_Image_Optimized.png?v=1686024026\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere are food-based nutrients which have been shown in medical studies to be effective for weight loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eD\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003eietary fiber\u003c\/b\u003e was shown in a\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6768815\/\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epublished in\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Journal of Nutrition\u003c\/em\u003e to cause\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e16 pounds of weight loss in 6 months\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewhen combined with moderate caloric restriction (750 calories per day below baseline).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=2011129\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=124607\u0026amp;urllink=www%2Esupergut%2Ecom%2Fresistant%2Dstarch%2Dfiber%2Dmix%2F%3Fsku%3D300101%2D1\u0026amp;afftrack=\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eSupergut Fiber Mix\u003c\/a\u003e is our recommended fiber supplement, because it contains three different types of fiber powder and no questionable additive ingredients. Interested consumers can check out Supergut Fiber Mix \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shareasale.com\/r.cfm?b=2011129\u0026amp;u=3153363\u0026amp;m=124607\u0026amp;urllink=www%2Esupergut%2Ecom%2Fresistant%2Dstarch%2Dfiber%2Dmix%2F%3Fsku%3D300101%2D1\u0026amp;afftrack=\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website, where it retails for \u003cstrong\u003eunder $2 per serving\u003c\/strong\u003e at a subscription rate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMCT oil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is quickly absorbed by the body and increases metabolic rate, which causes fat loss. A 2015 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25636220\/\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003emeta-study\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e on MCT oil documented more than one pound of weight loss over 10 weeks. \u003cstrong\u003eThis equates to potential annualized weight loss of 6 pounds per year with less than one tablespoon's worth of MCT oil per day.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/4eNQ4M\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBulletproof MCT Oil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is our top MCT oil product, because the only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts. There are no questionable additives. Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof MCT Oil \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bulletproof.fdf2.net\/4eNQ4M\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eat this link\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e to the product page on the brand's official website, where it currently costs\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eonly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$15.50 for over a month's worth of product.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCoffee\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis one of the few whole food ingredients associated with weight loss in clinical trials. A\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6628169\/\"\u003emeta-analysis\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003epublished in the\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eNutrients\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ejournal found that \u003cstrong\u003ecoffee intake was associated with reduced body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vitacup.pxf.io\/LXnDrY\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eVitaCup Organic Instant Coffee Sticks\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eis our top coffee product for weight loss, due to its convenience. No preparation or machinery is needed. The sticks can be mixed into hot or cold water (or other beverages) and consumed. The only ingredient is organic instant coffee; no questionable additives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterested consumers can check out VitaCup Organic Instant Coffee Sticks\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/vitacup.pxf.io\/LXnDrY\" rel=\"sponsored\"\u003eat this link\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto the product page on the brand's official website, where they retail for\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e$1 per serving\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eat a subscription rate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBerberine has been shown in multiple clinical trials to be effective for weight loss. One trial that we cited in this article found that the supplement caused five pounds of weight loss in 12 weeks in obese individuals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBerberine can cause side effects such as bloating and cramping, but we consider the risk to be low based on a review of medical studies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMost of the real user reviews that we came across while researching this article were favorable.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAmazing Formulas Berberine is our top brand pick, because it's cheap per-serving and was found in independent testes to have the amount of berberine claimed on its label.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSome media outlets have referred to berberine as \"Nature's Ozempic,\" but we haven't seen any evidence that this natural compound is as effective as the FDA-approved weight loss medication.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2023-07-31T23:56:01-04:00","updated_at":"2023-09-20T02:26:09-04:00","summary_html":"We analyze medical studies on berberine and weight loss to determine if the TikTok-famous natural compound is actually effective, or if it's a waste of money. We discuss side effects and feature unsponsored user reviews that include before-and-after images.","template_suffix":"","handle":"does-berberine-cause-weight-loss","tags":"_related:weight-loss"}

Does Berberine Cause Weight Loss? A Research Review

Does Berberine Cause Weight Loss? A Research Review


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Read our Editorial Guidelines to learn more about what makes our site the premier resource for online health information.

Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice. All statements are merely the opinion of the writer(s). We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to weight loss.

Berberine is another naturally-derived compound that’s recently gone TikTok-famous for its supposed effects on weight loss. The compound can be derived from various plants, and many online influencers suggest it’s a natural weight loss miracle.

But is berberine actually proven in research studies to cause weight loss, or is it another passing gimmick? Does it cause side effects? How do real users who took berberine for weight loss describe its effects? And what retailer sells the best quality berberine?

In this article we’ll answer all of these questions and more, as we analyze medical studies on berberine and weight loss to give our take on whether the supplement is likely to be effective, or if it’s a waste of money.

We’ll feature unsponsored user reviews including before-and-after images, discuss potential side effects of berberine and share our top berberine supplement recommendation.

Does Berberine Actually Cause Weight Loss?

Berberine has been studied in various clinical trials for its effects on weight.

A 2020 meta-study analyzed results from 12 clinical trials on berberine and weight loss. The researchers reported that trial participants taking berberine lost an average of 4.6 pounds.

The duration of the trials varied from 1 to 24 months, but most of the trials were 3 months long. This suggests a potential annualized weight loss of 18.4 pounds from berberine supplementation.

A medical review published in the Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy journal analyzed test tube studies, animal studies and human studies to determine the effects of berberine on weight.

The study authors concluded that berberine caused modest weight gain on average, and also had favorable effects on cholesterol and blood sugar.

A 2012 clinical trial reported that berberine caused an average weight loss of five pounds over 12 weeks in obese subjects. This suggests a potential annualized weight loss of 20 pounds.

The total dose used in the above-linked trial was 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day split across three daily dosings of 500 mg.

Overall, we consider the research on berberine for weight loss to be convincing. We do not recommend taking berberine as a standalone treatment for obesity or any other medical condition, but it may be worth consulting with a doctor about.

Before discussing potential side effects of this compound, we’ll feature some unsponsored berberine user reviews in the next section.

Real Users Try Berberine

A YouTube creator named Jeanine Escobar shared her experience using berberine for weight loss:

A TikTok creator named “sukhi” shared before-and-after images from her experience using berberine for weight loss:

@brokersukhi1979

 

♬ original sound - sukhi

Does Berberine Cause Side Effects?

Berberine can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal distress, constipation or diarrhea according to a medical review published in the Phytotherapy Research journal.

However, side effects don’t appear to be severe when the supplement is dosed appropriately.

A medical review published in the LiverTox journal stated the following about berberine supplementation:

“Side effects are few and largely mild and transient.”

Berberine can interact with prescription medications and cause dangerous side effects according to MedLinePlus, so it’s important that patients discuss berberine supplementation with a doctor who’s aware of any prescription medications they’re using.

Overall, we consider berberine unlikely to cause side effects in otherwise healthy individuals.

Our Clean Berberine Brand Pick

Solvay Berberine is our top berberine pick.

This supplement is ConsumerLab approved, which means it was found in independent testing to be accurately labeled and contain as much berberine as the brand states.

Solvay Berberine is also highly affordable, costing only $0.27 per serving.

This supplement has been reviewed over 1,400 times on Amazon with an average review rating of 4.5/5 stars at the time of publishing this article.

Interested consumers can check out Solvay Berberine at this link to the product page on the brand's official Amazon store.

Is Berberine Really "Nature's Ozempic"?

A segment on NBC News discussed berberine for weight loss and compared the supplement to weight loss drug Ozempic:

Our Clean Weight Loss Picks

There are food-based nutrients which have been shown in medical studies to be effective for weight loss.

Dietary fiber was shown in a medical review published in The Journal of Nutrition to cause 16 pounds of weight loss in 6 months when combined with moderate caloric restriction (750 calories per day below baseline).

Supergut Fiber Mix is our recommended fiber supplement, because it contains three different types of fiber powder and no questionable additive ingredients. Interested consumers can check out Supergut Fiber Mix at this link to the product page on the brand's official website, where it retails for under $2 per serving at a subscription rate.

MCT oil is quickly absorbed by the body and increases metabolic rate, which causes fat loss. A 2015 meta-study on MCT oil documented more than one pound of weight loss over 10 weeks. This equates to potential annualized weight loss of 6 pounds per year with less than one tablespoon's worth of MCT oil per day.

Bulletproof MCT Oil is our top MCT oil product, because the only ingredient is MCT oil derived from coconuts. There are no questionable additives. Interested consumers can check out Bulletproof MCT Oil at this link to the product page on the brand's official website, where it currently costs only $15.50 for over a month's worth of product.

Coffee is one of the few whole food ingredients associated with weight loss in clinical trials. A meta-analysis published in the Nutrients journal found that coffee intake was associated with reduced body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.

VitaCup Organic Instant Coffee Sticks is our top coffee product for weight loss, due to its convenience. No preparation or machinery is needed. The sticks can be mixed into hot or cold water (or other beverages) and consumed. The only ingredient is organic instant coffee; no questionable additives.

Interested consumers can check out VitaCup Organic Instant Coffee Sticks at this link to the product page on the brand's official website, where they retail for $1 per serving at a subscription rate.

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Conclusion

Berberine has been shown in multiple clinical trials to be effective for weight loss. One trial that we cited in this article found that the supplement caused five pounds of weight loss in 12 weeks in obese individuals.

Berberine can cause side effects such as bloating and cramping, but we consider the risk to be low based on a review of medical studies.

Most of the real user reviews that we came across while researching this article were favorable.

Amazing Formulas Berberine is our top brand pick, because it's cheap per-serving and was found in independent testes to have the amount of berberine claimed on its label.

Some media outlets have referred to berberine as "Nature's Ozempic," but we haven't seen any evidence that this natural compound is as effective as the FDA-approved weight loss medication.




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