Research has shown there are plenty of perks of using a medication like Ozempic for weight loss. But, given that this is a drug, there are some potential downsides to consider, too. New research published in JAMA Network Open links GLP-1 receptor agonists—a class of medications that includes semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—to a loss of bone density.

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.

Natural supplements have “very mild effects” on weight loss based on what Dr. Ali has seen. There is some data to suggest that saffron, green tea, or turmeric can have a slight impact on GLP-1 production, he says, but again, it's not a ton.

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.

Prescribed medications like Ozempic and Wegovy can be expensive and hard to find, leading to a rise in popularity of natural weight-loss alternatives — but do they really work, and are they safe? NBC’s Emilie Ikeda reports and gastroenterologist Dr.