Ozempic continues to surge in popularity for managing type 2 diabetes and off-label weight loss, but are there natural alternatives to Ozempic? Experts say that phrasing is misleading. 

For example, Kourtney Kardashian’s supplement company, Lemme, recently introduced a new weight loss pill called GLP-1 Daily. Here’s what you need to know about this latest supplement, plus other natural alternatives to Ozempic flooding the market.

Is Kourtney Kardashian’s GLP-1 Daily a natural alternative to Ozempic?

While the website claims the oral supplement supports GLP-1, reduces hunger, improves insulin sensitivity and supports healthy weight management with three clinically-tested ingredients, it does not contain synthetic GLP-1 and is not a GLP-1 agonist drug like Ozempic. Ingredients include saffron extract, red-orange fruit extract and lemon fruit extract. 

Saffron extract has been studied for its potential effect on controlling appetite and promoting feelings of fullness, but the research is limited, says Diala Alatassi, MD, obesity medicine physician. A 2010 study published in Nutrition Research showed some reduction in snacking frequency, but the study was small and the long-term effects on weight loss were unclear, she notes. 

“Similarly, red-orange fruit extract has shown some promise in reducing waist circumference in a few studies, but the trials were limited in scope and the overall weight reduction was modest,” explains Dr. Alatassi. 

Eriomin, an extract of lemon, has been studied mainly for its impact on metabolic health rather than direct weight loss, she adds. A 2020 study in The Journal of Medicinal Food showed some improvement in blood glucose control, but no significant weight loss. 

“These ingredients might offer mild metabolic or appetite-related effects, but they don’t have the comprehensive hormonal impacts that GLP-1 receptor agonists do,” confirms Dr. Alatassi. “Therefore, the supplement is unlikely to replicate the significant, sustained weight loss seen with prescription GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.” 

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More natural alternatives to Ozempic for weight loss 

While experts agree that there are no natural alternatives to Ozempic that compare to the clinically significant results of the injectable GLP-1 agonist, some supplements and dietary options can support weight loss efforts by helping you feel fuller for longer, managing blood sugar levels and more. 

“Some supplements have been shown to potentially improve weight loss, although none of them promote the degree of weight loss success achieved by glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists,” notes Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM, Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch. 

“Many supplements may provide metabolic benefits, that is, help regulate metabolism, decrease appetite and improve blood sugar,” she says. “But it is important to know that the amount of randomized-controlled, placebo trials available for most natural supplements are much fewer than those available for FDA-approved medications.” 

While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, the drug does often help you lose weight by improving blood glucose levels and reducing appetite. Of course, diet and exercise play a big role, too. But the semaglutide targets the specific biological pathways by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which regulates blood sugar levels and promotes satiety leading to sustainable weight loss. 

Ozempic offers both gut and brain effects, says Michael Snyder, MD, FACS, FASMBS, Medical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Center at Rose Medical Center and in-house obesity specialist at FuturHealth. However, he says, anything that’s said to have a “GLP-1 effect” is unlikely to produce long-term or medically significant results in the same manner as Ozempic. 

Again, this doesn’t mean there is no way to naturally increase satiety, help manage cravings and improve gut health, all of which can help boost weight loss. Here are a few additional (less expensive) options that may be worth trying.

1. Berberine

“Berberine improves the gut microbiota, which releases short-chain fatty acids, thereby increasing the release of GLP-1 from the intestines,” explains Dr. Stanford. It also promotes optimal lipid breakdown, she adds, reducing fat storage. Berberine has been shown to help prevent obesity and aid in weight loss, Dr. Stanford says. And the health benefits may include a lower body mass index, smaller waist circumference and lower overall body weight. 

2. Chromium

Chromium has also been shown to improve blood glucose and response to insulin, Dr. Stanford says, which in turn promotes better diabetes management and weight loss. However, use chromium with caution while taking other medications or in the presence of other health conditions. 

You can also find chromium in food and drink including broccoli, green beans, whole grains, turkey, grapes and tomato juice. 

3. Taurine

Taurine has been shown to improve overall metabolic profiles, including cholesterol and insulin, potentially promoting weight loss, Dr. Stanford says. For a natural dietary source of taurine, add shellfish, dark meat poultry, beef, pork, veal, tuna, tilapia and shrimp to your diet.

4. Resveratrol

Studies suggest resveratrol may help with weight loss in patients with obesity. As well as improve body composition by reducing fat mass. You can find this antioxidant in grapes, cranberries, peanuts, pistachios and dark chocolate. 

5. Turmeric

“Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is a potent antiinflammatory compound that is known to reduce oxidative stress and chronic inflammation,” says Dr. Stanford, which aids in weight loss.

6. Green tea extract

Green tea is often referred to as a natural fat-burner. Why? Many studies suggest that green tea extract may promote some weight loss, Dr. Stanford says. 

7. Magnesium

Magnesium supplementation has been associated with reductions in BMI and improvements in metabolic syndrome. As for food sources of magnesium, you can find it in leafy greens, nuts and seeds, beans, tofu and whole grains.

8. This probiotic combination

The probiotic strains Akkermansia mucinophilia, Saccaromyces boulardii and Bacillus coagulans can also help boost weight loss. Saccharomyces boulardii is associated with weight loss in patients with obesity, Dr. Stanford explains, while Akkermansia helps modulate the gut microbiome and improve metabolism. 

9. Beta-glucan 

A fiber found naturally in foods like oats and barley, beta-glucan is becoming increasingly popular for its power to aid weight loss. In fact, a new study published in The Journal of Nutrition suggests that consuming foods rich in beta-glucan could both reduce body weight and improve glucose control.  

Dietary options for weight loss 

“There are definitely foods that can help people lose weight and improve their overall health, in addition to mimicking some of the effects of GLP-1 medications,” says Jeff Stanley, MD and Practicing Physician at Virta Health. “Specifically foods that contain protein and healthy fats, as well as foods that are high in fiber, may help stimulate the natural release of GLP-1 hormone. They also can have similar effects in terms of slowing the speed of food emptying from the stomach and triggering more satiety.”

Prefer not use supplements in your weight loss journey? Your eating habits can be your natural alternative to Ozempic instead. Opt for healthy protein, fat and fiber sources including eggs, nuts and seeds, lean meats, fish, dairy, fruits, vegetables and whole grains for weight loss.

Keep reading for more information on weight loss medications:

New Ozempic Pill? Roche Shakes Up the Weight Loss Drug Market With Results

Could Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs Reduce Bone Density? New Study Shows What Can Help

Which Weight Loss Drug Has the Best Results? New Study Reveals Efficacy

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.