Will Berberine Help Me Lose Weight?
Berberine is a natural compound found in certain plants, like barberry, goldenseal, and tree turmeric. Some people think it can help with weight loss, but is that really true?
Let’s take a closer look at what berberine is and what the research says about whether it can help you lose weight.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a yellow-colored compound that has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. It’s found in the roots, stems, and bark of several different plants.
People have used berberine to treat all kinds of health problems, like infections, skin diseases, and digestive issues. Researchers are also studying whether it can help with conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and even cancer.
Can Berberine Help with Weight Loss?
There is some research that suggests berberine may be able to help with weight loss, especially for people who are overweight or obese. Here’s what the studies have found:
- A review of 35 studies from 2006–2019 found that berberine can help reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference in people who are overweight or obese.
- Another study from 2022 showed that berberine can help with long-term weight loss and prevent people from gaining the weight back.
- A 2020 review looked at several studies on the effects of berberine supplements. It found that berberine can reduce body weight, BMI, and waist circumference.
- In one study, people with obesity who took 1.5 grams of berberine per day for 12 weeks saw significant reductions in BMI and waist circumference.
The researchers think berberine may help with weight loss in a few different ways:
- It may help reduce the growth of fat cells in the body.
- It may improve how the body uses insulin, which can help control blood sugar levels and reduce fat storage.
- It may have anti-inflammatory effects, which could also help with weight loss.
However, it’s important to note that most of the research on berberine and weight loss has been done on people who are overweight or obese. There isn’t as much evidence that it helps with weight loss in people who are at a healthy weight.
How Berberine Works
Berberine works by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inside cells. AMPK plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels, and its activation can help protect against many chronic health conditions. Berberine also affects other molecules inside cells and may even affect which genes are turned on or off, which could help protect against chronic health conditions.
Berberine has been shown to have several mechanisms of action that contribute to its potential health benefits. These include:
- Decreasing insulin resistance, making the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin more effective.
- Increasing glycolysis, helping the body break down sugars inside cells.
- Decreasing sugar production in the liver.
- Increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
How Much Berberine Do You Need to Lose Weight?
The studies that have found berberine can help with weight loss have used doses ranging from 500 milligrams (mg) to 1.5 grams (g) per day. The higher doses seem to be more effective.
But it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, including berberine. They can help you figure out the right dose and make sure it’s safe for you to take. If you want a doctor-approved berberine, click here now!
Are There Any Side Effects?
Berberine is generally considered safe when taken in recommended amounts. But it can cause some side effects, especially if you take too much. The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Gas
- Vomiting
Berberine may also interact with some medications, like those used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. So, it’s really important to talk to your doctor before taking berberine, especially if you’re already taking other medications.
Berberine is also not recommended for children or for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can cause a serious condition called kernicterus in infants, which can be life-threatening.
The Bottom Line
Berberine is a natural compound that shows some promise for helping with weight loss, especially for people who are overweight or obese. But it’s not a magic weight-loss pill, and more research is still needed.
Berberine helps slow sugar production in the liver by stimulating glycolysis, which breaks down sugar and converts it to energy. This may inhibit the creation of glucose. Berberine may speed up the breakdown of carbohydrates through thermogenesis. It also may help to improve insulin sensitivity in the liver. And remember that a healthy diet and regular exercise are still the best ways to lose weight and keep it off.