Popular weight loss supplement no good at busting belly fat: study

It’s a tough pill to swallow.

There are countless supplements and pantry staples out there that swear to help people slim down, from apple cider vinegar shots to “nature’s Ozempic”.

But one popular pill may not live up to its claims of shedding pounds and busting belly fat, according to a new study.

While many claim a popular herbal supplement can cause weight loss, new research says it doesn’t bust belly fat. ryanking999 – stock.adobe.com

Those online have long touted the benefits of berberine, a plant-derived compound that may have anti-inflammatory properties, inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

And several TikTokkers have even shared their success stories of dropping weight, claiming the herbal hack mimics blockbuster GLP-1 drugs.

However, a clinical trial provides new evidence that six months of berberine supplementation had no effect on visceral fat, or fat stored inside the abdomen around organs.

Published last month, the study looked at the effects of berberine for reducing visceral fat — too much of which is dangerous and linked to type 2 diabetes and other metabolic conditions — and liver fat in those with obesity.

A recent study found that berberine supplements had no effect on visceral or liver fat compared to a placebo. Anna Hoychuk – stock.adobe.com

With half the group of more than 330 participants taking the supplement and the other half taking a placebo, the researchers saw no difference in the amount of fat.

There was also no difference in liver fat, which is often associated with excess weight or metabolic conditions such as diabetes.

Many believe the popular plant supplement is the closest thing to GLP-1 weight loss drugs in helping curb appetite while managing blood sugar levels, at a much lower price point.

Previous research even reported that a berberine supplement reduced body weight, BMI, fasting blood glucose and LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol.

But these findings may be too good to be true, as medical experts have stated that the herbal medicine alone won’t cause drastic weight loss.

“This is diet culture,” registered dietitian Jenna Werner previously told The Post. “It is an herb — herbs can counteract with other medications, supplements and cause harm in quite a few populations.”

She also added that those advocating for the supplement are providing “very little context as to what else they are doing” to lose weight and promoting it to desperate people.

While berberine is considered safe, the FDA doesn’t regulate supplements the same way as approved drugs, like Ozempic or Wegovy.

“All of this is connected directly to weight loss with no true regard for what it means to someone’s health,” Werner said. “Weight loss and health outcomes [and] improvements are not the same thing.”