Recently, the Ozempic Novo Nordisk's diabetes medicine, has gained enormous popularity due to its effect on weight loss . Many people have sought the medicine for aesthetic purposes, which presents risks if not used with medical advice, and can lead to a lack of stock of the medicine. Given this, natural alternatives have emerged and gone viral on social media.
One of them is the Psyllium a soluble fiber obtained from the husk of the plant's seeds Pantago ovata, found in Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean region. This ingredient is capable of absorbing water and, when mixed with liquids, increases in size, forming a gel in the gastrointestinal tract, which increases the volume and moisture of the fecal cake, promoting intestinal regularity, improving stool consistency and relieving constipation. .
On TikTok, the search for “Psyllium” leads to several videos about its weight-loss, appetite-regulating and laxative effects. Some videos even call it “poor bariatric ” or “Poor man's Ozempic “. But are alternatives like these really safe and lead to healthy weight loss?
According to experts consulted by CNN although Psyllium has properties that lead to satiety and improve intestinal regularity, There is no robust scientific evidence that proves its direct effectiveness in weight loss .
“The term 'Ozempic Natural' is a form of misleading advertising, as there is no direct natural alternative to prescription medications like Ozempic,” says Tassiane Alvarenga, endocrinologist and metabologist at SBEM (Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology), to CNN .
Some studies carried out in vitro raised the hypothesis that this substance, by promoting a type of “fermentation” in the intestine, could promote the production of short-chain fatty acids, including butyric acid.
In another study, also in the laboratory, butyric acid can stimulate the production of the hormone GLP-1, whose action is also stimulated by semaglutide, the main component of Ozempic.
“This component promotes satiety, delays gastric emptying and stimulates insulin secretion. Perhaps the confusion arose from this association, but it is important to highlight that there are no studies demonstrating the increase in GLP-1 with the use of Psyllium”, reinforces Leonardo Parr dos Santos Fernandes, director of SBEM-SP (Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabology – São Paulo Regional), to CNN .
“In practice and in studies carried out with humans, unfortunately the effect of Psyllium on weight loss was very small and in some studies, similar to that of placebo”, adds the specialist. One meta-analysis which compiled results from 22 studies showed no changes in body weight, BMI (Body Mass Index) or waist circumference measurement.
Herbal medicines should also not be used like “Ozempic Natural”
This is not the first time that a natural ingredient has been presented as an alternative to Ozempic. Last year, the berberine It also became popular on social networks as an alternative to weight loss medication.
Berberine is an ugly herbal medicine made from a compound extracted from Chinese herbs. Although, There is also no robust scientific evidence to prove its effectiveness for weight loss. .
“Preliminary studies indicate that its consumption can lead to slight reductions in BMI (body mass index), but most studies are small and have questionable evidence,” says Alvarenga.
Furthermore, using berberine without medical supervision can cause side effects and present health risks including possible drug interactions and intoxication and liver damage.
“You need to be careful when consuming products sold as 'herbal medicines', especially when shopping online”, warns Fernandes. “There are several cases of poisoning by so-called natural products whose origin is doubtful and in which the risk of contamination by fungi, bacteria and other toxic substances may occur”, he adds.
Experts claim that the use of herbal medicines, for any purpose, should be done with the guidance of a healthcare professional , as a doctor or nutritionist. Furthermore, these products must be purchased from companies registered with Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency), which guarantees good production and storage practices.
Strategies that are really effective for healthy weight loss
The use of Ozempic for weight loss became popular because it increases the feeling of satiety due to the role of semaglutide. Anvisa and FDA (Food and Drug Administrationregulatory body in the United States), approved the component for the treatment of obesity.
“Semaglutide, present in Ozempic, is approved for use in the treatment of obesity. However, in the case of Ozempic, the use is off labelis not prescribed in the leaflet, but the use of the molecule is approved for weight loss”, states Lorena Lima Amato, an endocrinologist with a degree from SBEM (Brazilian Society of Endocrinology), in an article previously published in CNN .
However, like all medications, the The use of semaglutide-based medicines can cause side effects , especially if used improperly, that is, without a prescription and medical supervision. Therefore, the use of medication to lose weight should be done with the advice of a healthcare professional.
Furthermore, healthy weight loss can be achieved through changing habits as a whole . This is the case of a healthy, low-calorie diet, adapted to each person's individuality and guided by a nutritionist or nutritionist.
“The diet must be balanced and rich in fiber, with complex carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, restriction of fat, refined sugars and ultra-processed foods. All of this, combined with aerobic and resistance activities, can help a lot in reducing body fat”, says Fernandes.
“There is no magic pill, powder or supplement that will fix a bad lifestyle”, adds Alvarenga.
Source: CNN Brasil
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