Ever since berberine made headlines last year for being touted as “nature’s ozempic,” it seems like everything that’s a claimed “weight loss miracle” is being referred to as such. Most recently, The New York Times published a piece titled “Is Green Tea Really ‘Nature’s Ozempic’?” which has caused us to step in before we all start pushing this lingo any further.
I mean, “nature’s Ozempic”… what does that even mean? We’re breaking down the true intention behind this term, including a health lesson on GLP-1. Plus, a dietitian’s thoughts on if anything can be qualified to be touted as a natural GLP-1 medication.
What Does the Term “Nature’s Ozempic” Mean?
To help us understand this trendy terminology, we asked EatingWell’s nutrition editor Jessica Ball, M.S., RD to break it down.
“When people say something is ‘nature’s Ozempic,’ what they really mean is that it contains nutrients, compounds or chemicals that mimic what GLP-1 does in the body,” Ball explains. “So something that is referred to as ‘nature’s Ozempic’ is claimed to either increase insulin production, help regulate blood sugar or help suppress appetite. And I’m guessing in most cases, people are talking about the latter.”
While a buzzy word, if you’re unsure of what GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) even is, the dietitian further explains its role in our bodies.
“GLP-1 is a hormone, and our body actually makes it naturally in our intestines,” she says. “It stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, which allows glucose to go from our blood to our cells, which helps with blood sugar management and can also impact our appetite.”
Yes, there’s naturally occurring GLP-1 in our bodies, and it’s different from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and other prescriptions.
“GLP-1 in our body breaks down quickly—in just a few minutes—whereas the GLP-1 agonist medications take much longer to be broken down, and can have stronger effects on our blood sugar and appetite,” Ball compares.
So while GLP-1 medications are commonly written off as weight loss medication, they can be essential for people with diabetes and high blood sugar. However, things that are called “nature’s Ozempic” singularly refer to the medication’s weight loss factor.
“I think since most people don’t really understand what GLP-1 agonist medications (like Ozempic) do, they might be drawn to the term [‘nature’s Ozempic’] in hopes it means weight loss and hunger control,” Ball notes. “However, weight loss is rarely that simple.” Yes, weight loss can be an effect of taking GLP-1 agonist medication, they are mostly prescribed to those with type 2 diabetes, obesity, those in need of an alternative blood sugar treatment and other related health conditions.
Is There Anything That Can *Really* Be Called “Nature’s Ozempic”?
TLDR: no, there’s not a food, drink, herb, activity or any one “thing” that should be receiving this nickname.
“In short, there’s nothing that can truly be called ‘nature’s Ozempic’,” Ball tells us. “While certain nutrients and compounds can stimulate GLP-1 production, the hormone in our body is broken down much more quickly than GLP-1 agonist medications and the effects would not be the same.”
If you think you’re the right fit for a GLP-1 agonist medication, we don’t recommend seeking out a proclaimed “natural” solution. Alternatively, talk to a health professional about your options.
The Bottom Line
“Nature’s Ozempic” is another trendy term targeting those looking for a quick weight loss solution—but there’s nothing that truly qualifies as a natural GLP-1 treatment that can help you lose weight. As Ball explains, “There are plenty of ways to support healthy weight maintenance or weight loss and healthy blood sugar management without medication. So those are better things to focus on if those are your goals.”
Instead of opting for a health fad or a trending diet, EatingWell recommends focusing on nutrients like protein and fiber to help meet your goals. But weight loss is complicated and other factors can affect your journey, like activity level, mental health and underlying health conditions. Be sure to talk to a doctor or dietitian about any health concerns, or if you’re looking for guidance in following a healthy lifestyle.
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