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I Tried “Nature’s Ozempic” and This Is What Happened

One woman reveals how she lost weight on the supplement.

Rachel_Rose1

Rachel Rose is a social media influencer who shares weight loss advice. In one of her viral videos, she details how she lost weight fast by taking berberine, AKA “nature’s Ozempic.” In the video, she explains that all of a sudden, people started commenting about how lean she looked, and she didn’t think she did anything differently. “I myself noticed that my midsection was more defined and much leaner than it's ever been. Now I work out, and I eat pretty healthy, but I was surprised to see my results, and I was racking my mind, ‘Okay, what have I changed? What's different?’ And that's when I realized at that time that it had been about three months since I started taking berberine,” she says. “In this video, I'm gonna share with you what berberine is, the benefits, what my experience has been, potential side effects you should be aware of, and tips,” she says.


What Is Berberine

So what is berberine? “People call it nature's ozempic, but it's more like nature's Metformin. Metformin is a commonly prescribed medication to help treat things like PCOS and type two diabetes. It improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage blood sugar. That's what metformin does,” she says in the video.

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Berberine Is a Natural Compound

Berberine Supplement. Capsules with Yellow Powder. Diabetes prevention.Shutterstock

“Berberine is quite similar, but it's a natural compound that can be extracted from several plants. For instance, turmeric, barberry, and Oregon grape are some of the things I've never heard of. But anyway, berberine can be extracted from some of these plants. Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and ayurvedic medicine,” she says.

How Does Berberine Work

How does berberine work? “One of the main actions is that it activates an enzyme called AMPK, which stands for activated protein kinase. And AMPK plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels,” says Rachel. “Studies show that berberine can decrease insulin resistance, help your body break down sugar in your cells, and increase beneficial bacteria in your gut. And, of course, there's more, but those are the big ones. Preliminary studies suggest that berberine may have benefits against depression, cancer and infections, fatty liver, and heart failure as it's a potent antioxidant and it's anti-inflammatory.”

Here Are the Benefits/Positive Side Effects

Woman sits with her back in the field and admires the sunset in the mountainsShutterstock

“So, what has my experience been? I've had no side effects, and I'm going to share with you what some of those side effects could be,” she says. “Experiences others have had include reduced bloating with Berberine; it helps with PCOS,” she says. “It helps stabilize blood sugar, which you're basically stabilizing your cravings. It's helped with weight loss, of course, improved cholesterol and then even energy levels people have shared.”

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Here Are the Negative Side Effects

“But then, on the other hand, some people have experienced bad side effects including nausea, gas, bowel distress, so constipation or the opposite of constipation. But everybody is so different, and that's why a lot of times with supplements, you know, what may work for me, what may work for you may not work, you know, for the other person,” she explains.

Here Are Her Tips

Portrait of happy young housewife with greek salad.Shutterstock

“I'm sharing my experience as a study of one, but then in my research, coming across what other people have noticed too and then what's been cited as benefits,” she says, moving on to the tips. “If you decide if you've done your own research, these are some tips you're gonna wanna be aware of.”

Choose Your Brand Carefully

Los Angeles, California, United States - 02-01-2023: A view of several bottles of Nature Made B12 vitamins, on display at a local grocery store.Shutterstock

“First of all, be selective with your brand. I've noticed in some forms. People would say that they started with one brand, and it worked for them. They went to a cheaper one, but it didn't work. And then they went back to, you know, the original brand they went to. I am a big believer in the Thorne supplement brand. You know, when I purchase a product, it's pretty reasonably priced, and I just know that I'm getting what I pay for. So I've been taking Thorne this whole time.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Take 500 MG Before Your Meal

Girl with collagen supplement capsule close-up. Collagen pills to support skin health. BADS biologically active dietary supplements for healthcareShutterstock

“It's recommended to take 500 milligrams before your meal. And when I first started taking this, because it wasn't detailed on the Thorne label, it wasn't detailed to take it before my meal, I was actually taking it with or after my meal as I do with other supplements, and it still worked, but you're probably going to get better results by taking it before your meal.”

Consult with Your Doctor

Preparation for blood test with pretty young woman by female doctor medical uniform on the table in white bright room. Nurse pierces the patient's arm vein with needle blank tube.Shutterstock

“And then the other very important tip, and I know with any supplement we're like, consult with your doctor first. But especially with this one, and especially if you're on medications, you definitely want to connect with your doctor first before combining it with medications and just making sure that it's a right fit for you if you have any other things that you have to be careful about.”

RELATED: I Beat Binge Eating and Lost 70 Pounds with These 6 Steps

She Recommends It to Her Friends

“So that is my no-frills rundown on Berberine. “When my friends are looking at what they can do to lose some, maybe, some extra weight that they've added on, this is one of the things I get so excited to talk about,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

More For You

Rachel Rose is a social media influencer who shares weight loss advice. In one of her viral videos, she details how she lost weight fast by taking berberine, AKA “nature’s Ozempic.” In the video, she explains that all of a sudden, people started commenting about how lean she looked, and she didn’t think she did anything differently. “I myself noticed that my midsection was more defined and much leaner than it's ever been. Now I work out, and I eat pretty healthy, but I was surprised to see my results, and I was racking my mind, ‘Okay, what have I changed? What's different?’ And that's when I realized at that time that it had been about three months since I started taking berberine,” she says. “In this video, I'm gonna share with you what berberine is, the benefits, what my experience has been, potential side effects you should be aware of, and tips,” she says.


What Is Berberine

So what is berberine? “People call it nature's ozempic, but it's more like nature's Metformin. Metformin is a commonly prescribed medication to help treat things like PCOS and type two diabetes. It improves insulin sensitivity and helps manage blood sugar. That's what metformin does,” she says in the video.

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

Berberine Is a Natural Compound

Berberine Supplement. Capsules with Yellow Powder. Diabetes prevention.Shutterstock

“Berberine is quite similar, but it's a natural compound that can be extracted from several plants. For instance, turmeric, barberry, and Oregon grape are some of the things I've never heard of. But anyway, berberine can be extracted from some of these plants. Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and ayurvedic medicine,” she says.

How Does Berberine Work

How does berberine work? “One of the main actions is that it activates an enzyme called AMPK, which stands for activated protein kinase. And AMPK plays a key role in regulating metabolism and energy levels,” says Rachel. “Studies show that berberine can decrease insulin resistance, help your body break down sugar in your cells, and increase beneficial bacteria in your gut. And, of course, there's more, but those are the big ones. Preliminary studies suggest that berberine may have benefits against depression, cancer and infections, fatty liver, and heart failure as it's a potent antioxidant and it's anti-inflammatory.”

Here Are the Benefits/Positive Side Effects

Woman sits with her back in the field and admires the sunset in the mountainsShutterstock

“So, what has my experience been? I've had no side effects, and I'm going to share with you what some of those side effects could be,” she says. “Experiences others have had include reduced bloating with Berberine; it helps with PCOS,” she says. “It helps stabilize blood sugar, which you're basically stabilizing your cravings. It's helped with weight loss, of course, improved cholesterol and then even energy levels people have shared.”

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Here Are the Negative Side Effects

“But then, on the other hand, some people have experienced bad side effects including nausea, gas, bowel distress, so constipation or the opposite of constipation. But everybody is so different, and that's why a lot of times with supplements, you know, what may work for me, what may work for you may not work, you know, for the other person,” she explains.

Here Are Her Tips

Portrait of happy young housewife with greek salad.Shutterstock

“I'm sharing my experience as a study of one, but then in my research, coming across what other people have noticed too and then what's been cited as benefits,” she says, moving on to the tips. “If you decide if you've done your own research, these are some tips you're gonna wanna be aware of.”

Choose Your Brand Carefully

Los Angeles, California, United States - 02-01-2023: A view of several bottles of Nature Made B12 vitamins, on display at a local grocery store.Shutterstock

“First of all, be selective with your brand. I've noticed in some forms. People would say that they started with one brand, and it worked for them. They went to a cheaper one, but it didn't work. And then they went back to, you know, the original brand they went to. I am a big believer in the Thorne supplement brand. You know, when I purchase a product, it's pretty reasonably priced, and I just know that I'm getting what I pay for. So I've been taking Thorne this whole time.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

Take 500 MG Before Your Meal

Girl with collagen supplement capsule close-up. Collagen pills to support skin health. BADS biologically active dietary supplements for healthcareShutterstock

“It's recommended to take 500 milligrams before your meal. And when I first started taking this, because it wasn't detailed on the Thorne label, it wasn't detailed to take it before my meal, I was actually taking it with or after my meal as I do with other supplements, and it still worked, but you're probably going to get better results by taking it before your meal.”

Consult with Your Doctor

Preparation for blood test with pretty young woman by female doctor medical uniform on the table in white bright room. Nurse pierces the patient's arm vein with needle blank tube.Shutterstock

“And then the other very important tip, and I know with any supplement we're like, consult with your doctor first. But especially with this one, and especially if you're on medications, you definitely want to connect with your doctor first before combining it with medications and just making sure that it's a right fit for you if you have any other things that you have to be careful about.”

RELATED: I Beat Binge Eating and Lost 70 Pounds with These 6 Steps

She Recommends It to Her Friends

“So that is my no-frills rundown on Berberine. “When my friends are looking at what they can do to lose some, maybe, some extra weight that they've added on, this is one of the things I get so excited to talk about,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Are you considering taking Ozempic to achieve your weight loss goals? There are lots of well-known side effects of the drug and other similar ones that are helping millions of people lose weight and get in shape. However, according to one influence, there is a “dark side” of the drug that many don’t know about. Celina Myers (@CelinaSpookyBoo) is a social media influencer with over 3 million YouTube subscribers and Instagram followers. “Today, I'm going to talk about something that's quite controversial, and I think everyone has heard of at this point. And I think what people haven't heard about are the negative aspects of it,” she says about Ozempic.


Her Doctor Suggested Ozempic Because She Is Diabetic

“My doctor brought up Ozempic to me because I actually am diabetic. It's used as a diabetic medication, but people also use it off-label to control their weight. I'm one of those people who didn't find weight loss in Ozempic, but I did see it helping me see food in a different way,” she says in her post.

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

A Friend of Hers Took It and Told Her Not To

She explains that a friend of hers recommended that she take it, attesting that it had helped her lose a lot of weight. But a few months later, she ran into the same friend and told her that she had also been prescribed the drug, and she told her not to take it. However, she did anyway.

At First, It Helped Her

“I started the medication. And to start, it was great. My sugars were controlled. I was feeling better. I really didn't lose any weight, but I found myself just, it was easier to make better decisions and not to binge eat the way that I did,” she said.

When She Upped Her Dosage, Things Changed

“A couple of months ago, probably two months ago, everything started to change. I had tried to increase my dose from 0.5 to one milligram. The weight loss dose is usually around one milligram to two milligrams. That's what the doctors say, but it can happen at any of the doses. You start at 2.5. You do that for a couple of weeks. You raise up to five, then you raise up to one milligram. You just kind of get your way there. This one week, I decided to go from 0.5 to 0.75,” she says.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

She Started Having Panic Attacks

However, a few weeks before she upped the dosage, she “changed,” she says. “I was finding myself having actual panic attacks, panic attacks that I hadn't had since I was a teenager. My sugars were great. Everything was great. I wasn't sick. It wasn't an outside influence. It wasn't other medications. And I hadn't really chalked it up to the fact that it was ozempic. It started with these little panic attacks. Out of nowhere, I'd be in public, and I would feel the highest level of doom that I can explain.”

She Couldn’t Find These Side Effects on Google

She said that the doctors recommended that she increase her dose. “I decided to do 0.75,” she says. “I don't know how I made it out. With Ozempic, you do get a tummy upset; you're not hungry, you're kind of nauseous, you're either constipated, or you're going to the washroom all the time. And these are things that I already dealt with in my own life,” she says. “But this symptom, no matter how much I Googled, I really couldn't find it. So I'm like, it's not at that. But this week, I was not me. I found myself walking out of complete conversations into the bathroom where I would hyperventilate, shake on the ground, throw up, and cry in the shower, but have a rational thought knowing that this isn't me and this isn't what I could feel like.”

She Reduced Her Dose and Still Felt Anxiety, So Upped It Again

The next week, she reduced her dosage, “but the feeling really didn't go away,” she says. So, she thought that it probably wasn’t the drug and upped her dosage again, “and things got worse,” she says. “I'm someone who's always had real good control over how I feel and what's going on and and how I deal with situations.”

She Joined Facebook Groups and Found Others Who Had Similar Feelings of Anxiety on the Drug

She joined various Facebook groups so she could talk to others about their experiences. “What I have found over this past month of research has really scared me and really blown my mind,” she admits. “The amount of people who were like, ‘Yeah, I've never had an anxiety issue in my life, and then I ended up in the hospital. Or people who are off it now because they were the happiest, most go-lucky people in the world, and they couldn't function as human beings,” she says. “Now I'm starting to read that if you've had issues with mental health, this can be something to stay away from.”

She says that some people try to blame it on high or low blood sugar. “It wasn't for me, and it wasn't for a lot of these people,” she claims.

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

She Is Going Off the Drug

She has been “drastically, drastically” reducing her dose and plans on stopping the drug altogether. “When you google this medication, they talk about a lot of symptoms. They even talk about some extreme ones like getting really bad pancreatitis or getting really bad gallbladder issues, or everyone's going to live differently with it. But for me, it's not worth it. Because these numbers of people who are dealing with the mental health aspects of it are growing and growing, and nobody is really talking about it.”

Ozempic, “Almost Took My Life,” She Says

“I wanna reiterate by saying, mentally, I am a very strong person. I'll have a little generalized anxiety, but honestly, who doesn't in the world? I've always been a very confident person, and I know if I'm feeling a certain way, I know how to make myself feel better, and I know how to pull myself out of it. But this past week, I will be honest with you, and I am so truthful when I say that Ozempic almost took my life,” she claims, adding that she doesn't drink or take any other drugs.

RELATED:20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic

She Wants Others to Know About Her Experience

“I feel like all I'm seeing are these commercials like pushing and pushing and pushing this drug. And we're already dealing with such a mental health crisis as it is. And I don't know why this isn't being spoken about because the way that I have felt in the past couple of months is not the way I have ever felt in my life,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

LOS ANGELES - AUG 3: Dr Terry Dubrow at the NBCUniversal Cable TCA Summer 2016 Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 3, 2016 in Beverly Hills, CA
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Terry Dubrow, MD, is opening up about his experience with Ozempic. In a new interview the Botched and Real Housewives of Orange County star reveals that he is one of the many celebrities who has tried the controversial weight loss drug. And, while he did lose weight while on the weekly jab, there was one side effect that he simply couldn’t deal with.


1. Dr. Dubrow “Tried” Ozempic

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levelsShutterstock

Dr. Dubrow explains that he recently dabbled in the drug. “I’ve tried it. I thought it was amazing. I … didn’t have that much weight to lose,” he tells Page Six in a new interview.

2. He Wanted to See “What It Was Like”

Santiago, Chile, august 16th, 2023. Pen injection of semaglutide named “ozempic”, is a diabetes medicine to improve blood sugarShutterstock

He added that he was curious about what it was like. “But I wanted to try it because so many of my patients were on it and I wanted to see what it was like when you’re not diabetic and you only have 10-15 pounds to lose,” he continued.

RELATED:Exercises That Maximize Ozempic Results, Says Celebrity Trainer

3. He Calls It “The Biggest Breakthrough in Medical History”

Ozempic Insulin injection pen or insulin cartridge pen for diabetics. Medical equipment for diabetes parients. Copenhagen, Denmark - May 17, 2023.Shutterstock

However, while a “huge fan” of Ozempic, he experienced “some side effects” that simply didn’t work for his lifestyle. “I think it’s a miracle,” he said. “The biggest breakthrough in medical history.”

4. However, He Experienced “Low-Grade Nausea”

handsome man feeling sick after the party put his head in toillet and vomit. Strong headachesShutterstock

He wasn’t a fan of the “low-grade nausea” or the fact that while on it, he was disinterested in food. “I thought, ‘You know what, I kind of want to get my appetite back. The holidays are coming, I want to enjoy myself,’” he added about why he quit.

5. It Also Took “All the Joy of Eating Away”

Words I'm not hungry in a plate on white table. Top view.Shutterstock

“You go on vacation, maybe you don’t exercise, you eat too much,” he added. “It was kind of like, ‘Well, I want to go on a food vacation,’ meaning I want to be able to eat again.” It “really took … all the joy of eating away,” he added.

6. He Added That You Can’t Drink On It

Stop Drinking Alcohol. Refuse Glass Of Whisky. Say NoShutterstock

He also discussed the fact that some might find it a buzz kill. “You can’t drink on it,” he said. “You’ve got to be really careful with alcohol because people are being put in the hospital with pancreatitis.”

7. Ozempic Is Not Approved for Weight Loss

Female,Feet,Electronic,Scales,Weight,loss,gain,diet,Shutterstock

While many people use Ozempic to lose weight, the drug is actually not approved by the FDA for that purpose, but to “lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in addition to diet and exercise,” they say. “Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and known heart disease.” However, semaglutide is approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy.

Related: Woman Wows With Her Flat Stomach After Losing 30 Pounds by Walking

8. Research Has Found That You Can Gain Weight Back After You Stop Ozempic

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Studies have found that there are other downsides to Ozempic, one of them being rebound weight gain. One study found that one year after people stopped getting weekly semaglutide shots, they regained two-thirds of their prior weight loss, “with similar changes in cardiometabolic variables.”

💪🔥Body Booster: If you want to lose weight and keep it off, the most sustainable way is through diet and exercise. While weight loss drugs may help you lose weight fast, unless you change your lifestyle you will likely gain it back.

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levels
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Over 41 percent of US adults are obese, according to the CDC—so it’s no wonder drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are in such high demand to help people lose weight fast. “Obesity is an epidemic,” endocrinologist Anne Peters, MD, tells Keck Medicine of USC. “Many people are obese and overweight in the United States. That causes all sorts of problems. So, if we can get them to lose weight easily and simply, why not?” Here are 15 things to know before you ask your doctor for Ozempic.


What Is Ozempic?

Pen,Injection,Semaglutide,Ozempic, diabetes, medicine, medication, diet, weight, lossShutterstock

Ozempic mimics the hormone GLP-1, helping control blood sugar and make you feel more full. “Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, was approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes,” says UC Davis Health. “Ozempic is a weekly injection that helps lower blood sugar by helping the pancreas make more insulin. It is not approved for weight loss, but some physicians prescribe it to be used for weight loss.”

What Does Ozempic Treat?

Diabetes,Blood,Sugar,Level,Lancelet,GlucometerShutterstock

Ozempic was designed to treat type 2 diabetes. “When using Ozempic to treat diabetes, weight loss is a common side effect,” says UC Davis Health. “It is designed to be taken long-term.”

Ozempic For Weight Loss

Full length of excited Indian woman sitting on scales at home, overjoyed with success of her slimming diet, side view. Emotional Asian lady achieving her weight loss goal, making YES gestureShutterstock

“Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine of USC. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging. And of course, when using Ozempic to treat diabetes, weight loss can be a common side effect. People with diabetes are also often struggling with being overweight or obese. So, it’s helpful to have that weight loss, as well.”

Who Can Prescribe Ozempic?

Preparation for blood test with pretty young woman by female doctor medical uniform on the table in white bright room. Nurse pierces the patient's arm vein with needle blank tube.Shutterstock

Ozempic is prescribed by a medical professional. Blood work should be taken beforehand. “Ozempic can be prescribed by any licensed clinician, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants,” Veronica R. Johnson, MD, tells Forbes.

How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

Ozempic Insulin injection pen or insulin cartridge pen for diabetics. Medical equipment for diabetes parients. Copenhagen, Denmark - May 17, 2023.Shutterstock

Without insurance, Ozempic can cost around $900 a month. “One of the challenges with these medications is that obesity isn’t recognized as a disease in this country, so people can’t get them covered with insurance,” Dr. Peters says.

What Are Ozempic Side Effects?

An elderly woman is sitting on the sofa at home, holding her stomach with her hands. Feels the pain of internal organs, indigestion, poisoning, menstrual pain.Shutterstock

Ozempic has unpleasant side effects for some people, such as belching, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. “Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation,” practicing radiologist physician Omer Awan MD, MPH, CIIP, tells Forbes. “However, more serious side effects that can occur include inflammation of the pancreas and gallbladder, changes in vision, allergic reactions like a skin rash, problems with the kidneys, as well as the development of a specific type of thyroid cancer.”

What Happens When You Stop Taking Ozempic?

Weight loss fail concept. Scale and depressed, frustrated and sad woman lying on floor holding head and covering face with hands.Shutterstock

“It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. “This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

RELATED:What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Taking Ozempic

What Is ‘Food Noise’?

Chicken hamburger. Sandwich with chicken burger, tomatoes, cheese and lettuce. Cheeseburger.Shutterstock

Ozempic turns off ‘food noise’, a term that refers to constant intrusive thoughts about food, which can make dieting difficult if not impossible. “Some providers haven’t yet come to understand that obesity is a disease that can (and often should) be treated medically,” says Dr. Butsch. “And many people living with obesity have internalized a stigma that makes them believe their obesity is somehow their fault. So, they aren’t asking for medication as a route to treatment.”

Ozempic and Diet

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You still need to adopt a healthy diet while taking Ozempic. “Medications are used in combination with lifestyle modification to increase long-term effectiveness,” W. Scott Butsch, MD, MSC, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “One of the most common misconceptions is that people believe they could take a medication for a few months, then stop and maintain weight. However, you’re likely to regain the lost weight once the medication is stopped.”

RELATED:5 Foods That Maximize Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medicines, According to Coach

How Much Weight Can You Lose?

Portrait of young brunette beauty using household scale.Shutterstock

Research shows people can lose an average of 15 percent of their body weight. “There’s a huge range of how much weight a person may lose while using these medications,” Dr. Peters says. “Some people may lose 50 pounds, but others won’t lose any. Results depend on the person and other behavioral modifications, like diet and exercise.”

Who Is the Ideal Candidate For Ozempic?

A man sitting on the bench and looking at the seaShutterstock

“For prescribing Wegovy for weight loss, a person must have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater,” Dr. Dominguez says. “It’s also approved for use in people with a BMI of 27 or greater, who have an accompanying overweight- or obesity-related condition, such as high blood pressure or sleep apnea.”

RELATED: What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Apples

Ozempic Benefits

Heart,Rate,monitor,Smartwatch,,Runner,Time,Shutterstock

Ozempic’s benefits may go beyond weight loss. “Ozempic can help people lose weight, which can reduce the risk for many other serious health conditions, such as heart problems,” says UC Davis Health. “Semaglutide treatments can also be used as an alternative to bariatric surgery for some patients who are obese.”

RELATED:8 Reasons You Aren't Losing Weight That Have Nothing to Do with Your Metabolism

What Is ‘Ozempic Face’?

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens. Ozempic is a medication for obesityShutterstock

Ozempic face is an unfortunate side effect of quick weight loss. “The buzzy term, coined by a New York dermatologist, describes the gaunt or hollow look of sagging facial skin that can appear when people lose excess fat in their cheeks or neck,” Al Aly, MD, tells UT Southwestern Medical Center. “For patients who lose 50-100 pounds, there is often a significant deflation in many parts of the body, leading to an unappealing change in appearance. Extra skin gathers on the body, including the belly, buttocks, back, chest, breasts, legs, and arms.”

Ozempic and Exercise

Sporty woman tying shoelace on running shoes before practice. Female athlete preparing for jogging outdoors. Runner getting ready for training. Sport active lifestyle concept. Close-upShutterstock

It’s important to develop healthy habits while taking Ozempic. “These drugs should be used with lifestyle modification,” Dr. Eduardo Grunvald, obesity medicine physician at UC San Diego Health, tells NBC News. “If you have to watch your diet and exercise with the medications, that’s what they’re meant for.”

RELATED: 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

Who Shouldn’t Take Ozempic?

Flat,Belly,Expecting,Baby,pregnant,diet,healthShutterstock

Not everyone is a good fit for Ozempic. “Patients younger than 18 years of age, pregnant individuals, those with a history of pancreatitis, type one diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, and a family history of some thyroid tumors should avoid taking Ozempic,” Dr. Awan says. “The drug is meant to be used for long-term therapy of diabetes, since diabetes is a chronic, long-lasting disease.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Long-term healthy habits are crucial for success, with or without Ozempic.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
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Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you thinking about going on Ozempic to lose weight but are curious what it is actually like? Learning about other people’s experiences with the weight loss drug can be helpful in deciding whether or not you want to explore the possibility for yourself. Katherine (@therealkatherine) is a social media influencer, podcaster, and TikToker who blogs about everything from entertainment to weight loss. In one of her viral videos, she shares her experience on Ozempic. “It's been 6 months already, wow,” she writes in the caption of the clip, sharing a before-and-after photo. Here is what she has to say about her experience with the drug.


She Offers a 6 Month Update

“It’s been six months since I started Ozempic,” she says at the start of the clip. “Like I always say, if you do not agree that I'm on Ozempic, that's totally fine. This video is not for you. Your opinion is not going to change my mind, but you are free to feel whatever way you wanna feel.”

She Lost 38 Pounds – Over 6 Pounds Per Month

therealkatherine2therealkatherine/TikTok

She starts off by revealing that she has lost over 6 pounds per month on the drug. “So it has been six months, as I mentioned. I have lost almost 38 pounds, give or take a pound,” she says.

RELATED: 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time

Her Transformation Is Stunning

@therealkatherine

i could be so cute if i did my hair and make up more often 🤣

“It is crazy looking at myself every single day. You see the difference, but not really sometimes. And then I look at pictures, and I'm like, the difference is there. You know what I'm saying? This picture on the left is from last Christmas, and the picture on the right is from Thanksgiving,” she continues.

She Feels Like “A Different Person”

Woman,,Balance,Weight,Scale,health,scalesShutterstock

“This year, honestly, I feel kind of like a different person at this point. This medication has helped me so much,” she says.

“I struggle with PCOS, like hardcore, and I have the majority of my adult life, and I just thought I was always gonna struggle with it,” Katherine reveals. “I didn't realize there were things that I could do to make it better.”

“And also being insulin resistant, having such a difficult time losing weight, which is something that I never thought I would be able to get past,” she says. “I thought I was just gonna have to live with the fact that I couldn't lose weight, that it was difficult for me to lose weight, that I could look at a cookie and gain weight.”

In the comments, Katherine was asked how she got a prescription for the drug. “When I did my labs, my A1C was right under being diabetic, and due to having PCOS, they approved it!” she wrote.

RELATED: 20 Things You Need to Know About Ozempic and Weight Loss

What Is Ozempic Approved For?

Montreal, CA - 16 November 2023: Ozempic semaglutide injection pens and box. Ozempic is a medication for obesityShutterstock

The National Library of Medicine explains that Ozempic is approved to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when other medications do not control the sugar levels well enough. However, many people use it off-label for weight loss.

How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

Santiago, Chile, august 16th, 2023. Pen injection of semaglutide named “ozempic”, is a diabetes medicine to improve blood sugarShutterstock

Ozempic can be expensive – with or without insurance. GoodRx reports that without insurance approval, Ozempic can cost as little as $937.98 per month and as much as $1014 per month. With approval, most insurance companies cover around 85 percent of the cost.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Will You Gain the Weight Back?

Female,Feet,Electronic,Scales,Weight,loss,gain,diet,Shutterstock

The most unfortunate side effect of Ozempic is that many people experience rebound weight gain. One study found that one year after stopping the drug, participants regained two-thirds of their prior weight loss.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you have type 2 diabetes and are struggling to control your blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor about Ozempic. While it's approved for diabetes management, some people also use it for weight loss, although this is considered an off-label use.

Liezl_Jayne_Strydom78
Copyright Liezl Jayne Strydom/YouTube
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Finding balanced, filling meals that actually help you lose weight can feel impossible. But what if you could enjoy delicious food while still reaching your goals? YouTuberLiezl Jayne Strydom discovered the secret through years of food journaling and experimenting with healthy recipes. Now, with over 1.2 million subscribers, she's sharing her most effective dairy-free and gluten-free meals that helped her lose 42 pounds. Read on to discover her exact meal plan that you can customize from 1,200 to 1,800 calories.

Start Your Day with Protein-Packed Breakfast

"The key is keeping breakfast simple but satisfying," Liezl says in her post. Her go-to morning meal takes just 5 minutes: two eggs (or vegan egg replacer) sautéed with fresh spinach, served over two slices of 90-calorie toast with dairy-free butter. At around 400 calories, this protein-rich breakfast keeps you full for hours.

Energize Your Morning with Protein Coffee

Need your morning caffeine fix? Liezl shares her favorite 80-calorie iced coffee hack: "I love using soy milk because it's so creamy and packs 7 grams of protein." Simply combine ice cubes, half a teaspoon of maple syrup, unsweetened soy milk, and a teaspoon of instant coffee for a refreshing protein boost.

Power Through Lunch with Mexican-Inspired Salad

"This quick lunch always hits the spot," Liezl explains about her 400-calorie Mexican black bean salad. Combine cucumber, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, and black beans with lime juice and olive oil. Serve with 140 calories worth of tortilla chips (about 21 chips) for a satisfying crunch.

High-Protein Breakfast Recipe (20g Protein)

"This breakfast hits all the nutritional marks," Liezl says. Recipe: Heat pan with oil, wilt 1 cup baby spinach. Add 2 eggs (or vegan replacer), season with salt and pepper. Serve over 2 slices of 90-calorie toast with 1 teaspoon dairy-free butter. Total calories: 400, Protein: 20g.

Protein-Rich Mexican Bean Salad (15g Protein)

Liezl's lunch creation combines: 1 cup cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup black beans, 1/3 cup cilantro, 1/2 avocado, lime juice, and 1 teaspoon olive oil. "The beans and avocado make this incredibly filling," she notes. Serve with 21 tortilla chips. Total calories: 400, Protein: 15g.

Honey Chicken Meal Prep (25g Protein)

"This is my favorite meal prep recipe," says Liezl. Combine crispy chicken (or tofu) with honey-sriracha sauce (honey, sriracha, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, ginger, onion powder). Serve with 1 cup basmati rice and sautéed green beans. Makes 4 servings. Total calories per serving: 400, Protein: 25g.

3-Ingredient Mango Protein Smoothie (25g Protein)

Liezl's favorite sweet snack combines 2 cups frozen mango, 1 scoop dairy-free protein powder, and 2 cups unsweetened almond milk. "It tastes like a milkshake but packs serious protein," she says. Total calories: 400 (or 200 for half portion), Protein: 25g.

High-Protein Iced Coffee (7g Protein)

A creative way to add protein to your morning coffee: Combine ice cubes, 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup, 1 cup unsweetened soy milk, and 1 teaspoon instant coffee. "The soy milk creates amazing foam naturally," Liezl shares. Total calories: 80, Protein: 7g.

Evening Protein Snack (8g Protein)

For late-night cravings, Liezl recommends 1 cup cucumber slices, 1 cup snap peas, 1/4 cup hummus, and garnished with fresh cilantro. "It's protein-rich and won't spike your blood sugar before bed," she explains. Total calories: 200, Protein: 8g.

Customize Your Calories

"We're all different and need different amounts of calories to lose weight healthily," Liezl explains. Here's how to adjust the meal plan:

  • 1,200 calories: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (skip snacks)
  • 1,400 calories: Add hummus snack
  • 1,600 calories: Add mango protein smoothie
  • 1,800 calories: Include all meals and snacks.
RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Tips for Success

"The worst thing is feeling hungry while trying to lose weight," Liezl shares. Her tips for success include:

  • Prep extra portions while cooking dinner
  • Keep healthy snacks ready for hunger emergencies
  • Focus on protein-rich options at every meal
  • Listen to your body's hunger signals
  • Choose filling, nutrient-dense foods.

Getting Started

Ready to begin your weight loss journey? Start with one meal from Liezl's plan and gradually incorporate more as you find your rhythm. Remember, sustainable weight loss comes from finding healthy meals you genuinely enjoy eating. As Liezl proves, you don't have to sacrifice taste to achieve your goals. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Marci Nevin marcinevin
Copyright marcinevin/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you starting to experience hormonal changes that are getting in the way of your weight loss? Marci Nevin is a perimenopause weight loss and wellness coach who helps women in perimenopause lose weight, get their “energy and waistline back,” and “beat belly fat and bloating,” she says in her Instagram bio. In a new social media post she reveals a handful of daily habit that help her keep fat at bay in her forties. “My daily non-negotiables that help me stay lean with less effort as a 41 year old woman in perimenopause,” she writes.

She Used to Go Over the Top with Diet and Exercise

“All through my 20s and up until my early 30s, I hustled my a** off to maintain a lean and fit physique. I was lifting 5-6 days a week, doing cardio, and adding extra conditioning types of workouts on top of it. While also eating a restrictive diet and rarely allowing myself to indulge in any food that wasn't ‘clean’,” she writes.

When She Put in “Less Effort” Her Body Transformed

It wasn't untilher health “hit rock bottom” and was forced to slow down that her body transformed. “But with way less effort. Wild, right?” she says. “Now at 41, I'm in the best shape of my life, and I easily maintain a body that is lean year round without putting in so much intense work or giving up the food I love. This is my playbook.”

1. She Doesn’t Hit Snooze

Marci’s health habits start literally the second she wakes up. “I never ever EVER hit snooze,” she writes. “Instead I get up right away, make my bed and start my morning routine.”

2. Meditation

Next up, she gets her zen on and focuses her mind. “I meditate, journal, and prayer to prime my mind and set the tone for the day,’ she says.

3. Walking

“I follow that up with a walk during sunrise. This has helped more than anything with keeping me energized and focused throughout the day and helping with sleep,” she continues. She calls walking, the “real secret weapon” for maintaining her weight. “I get 10,000 steps minimum,” she says.

4. Macro Tracking

Next up, she focuses on nutrition. “I track my macros so I know exactly how many calories I'm eating. Even though I no longer pre-log my days, I always have an idea of what my meals will look like and repeat the same ones often to reduce decision fatigue. I always get 100-120 g of protein and 25 g of fiber daily,” she writes.

5. Strength Training

Strength training is also part of her program. “ I move my body every day. Lifting is the priority and I do that 4x/week using a program designed for building muscle. I do Zone 2 cardio for heart and brain health,” she says.

6. Hydration

She also makes sure to hydrate. “I drink 20 oz of water first thing in the morning and before going for coffee or caffeine,” she writes.

7. High Protein Breakfast

Don’t sleep on your first meal of the day. “I also eat a big a**, high protein breakfast that keeps my hunger and cravings in check all day so I don't end up mindlessly snacking,” she says.

8. Sleep

Her last habit is giving her body the opportunity to regenerate and recharge. “I'm in bed by 9:30 and aim for a minimum of 7 hours sleep. I have a calming routine to help me relax and am off screens at least 1 hour before,” she writes.

Her Approach Is Sustainable

“I'm not special. But am a testament to what you can achieve with a sustainable approach and consistent effort. If you want it you still gotta work for it. But that can be done in a way that feels more easeful and enjoyable,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Autumn Bates
Copyright autumnelle_nutrition/Instagram
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Struggling with stubborn belly fat despite logging miles of running? You're not alone. While many of us turn to running as our go-to weight loss solution, certified clinical nutritionistAutumn Bates has discovered a surprising truth: walking might be the key to finally targeting those stubborn fat stores. With over 600,000 YouTube subscribers benefiting from her science-backed approach, Autumn challenges conventional wisdom about exercise and weight loss. Read on to discover why your daily stroll might be more powerful than your morning run.

Why Running Might Be Sabotaging Your Belly Fat Loss

"Simply looking at weight loss from a calorie-restrictive approach does not work—at least not in the long run," Autumn explains in her post. While running burns more immediate calories, this approach can backfire. When you consistently create large calorie deficits through running, your body enters what Autumn calls a "semi-starvation state," leading to metabolic changes that make fat loss harder, not easier.

The First Way Walking Beats Running Your Stress Hormones

The first advantage of walking lies in its effect on stress hormones. According to Autumn, "When cortisol is high, it causes the body to become more insulin resistant, which makes it harder to actually tap back into fat burning." Excessive running elevates cortisol levels, particularly around the belly area. Walking, on the other hand, keeps stress hormones in check while still providing fat-burning benefits.

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

The Second Way Walking Wins Better Fat-Burning Mode

"What's specifically great about walking for fat loss is that it primarily uses fat as fuel because it is a lower intensity exercise," Autumn reveals. Unlike high-intensity running, which primarily burns glucose, walking taps directly into fat stores. This makes it particularly effective for targeting stubborn fat deposits, especially around the midsection.

The Third Way Walking Works Consistent Fat Burning

The third advantage comes from walking's accessibility. As Autumn points out, "You can go on walks multiple times throughout the day, schedule permitting." This consistent movement throughout the day helps maintain insulin sensitivity, which Autumn explains is crucial for fat burning: "When insulin is high, it causes the body to turn off fat burning. When it's low, it allows fat burning to turn back on."

The Practical Power of Walking

Unlike running, which requires special clothing and post-exercise showers, walking fits seamlessly into your day. "With a walk, you don't necessarily need to have on special clothes. You can have on your normal work clothes and just go out for a 10 or 15-minute walk a couple of times throughout the day," Autumn notes. This practicality makes it easier to maintain consistency—the real key to lasting results.

RELATED:7 Simple Daily Exercises To Shrink Hanging Belly Fat

Success Stories That Prove It Works

The proof lies in the results. Autumn has witnessed "thousands of people who've lost 20, 30, 40 pounds just from walking instead of running for weight loss." These success stories demonstrate that sometimes the gentlest approach yields the most powerful results.

Start Your Walking Journey Today

Ready to transform your approach to fat loss? Start with short, frequent walks throughout your day. Remember, consistency matters more than intensity. By choosing walking over running, you're not just picking an easier option—you're selecting a scientifically-supported strategy for targeting belly fat and achieving lasting weight loss results. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.