If there’s anything the Ozempic craze has taught us, it’s that people are hungry for weight-loss solutions. But as the world leans into wellness, many are now looking beyond pharmaceuticals, turning to nature’s arsenal for blood sugar balance and metabolic health.
The Rise of Ozempic
In a country where many adults are eager to try a safe weight-loss pill, the allure of Ozempic is evident. An August KFF Health Tracking Poll found that 45 percent of adults would generally be interested in such an option. Currently, 42 percent of American adults are labeled obese by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.For years, weight loss has remained an elusive Holy Grail. Diets, workouts, and health gadgets have made billions, but Ozempic, a diabetes drug, could become the most profitable weight-loss product of all time.
Since its Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 2017, Ozempic, which can elevate natural insulin production, has garnered attention for its effect on weight. While not initially conceived for that purpose, its active ingredient, semaglutide, was repurposed to create Wegovy, another product from pharmaceutical titan Novo Nordisk, which earned FDA approval as a weekly weight loss injection.
The drugs, while chemically akin, are distinguished by their dosages and designated uses.
According to recent data, about 22 percent of Americans have approached their physicians for an Ozempic prescription for weight loss, 15 percent have personally utilized it for the same purpose, and nearly half know someone who has. This fervor, while understandable in a country battling obesity, has had a downside—more than half of Americans with diabetes are now finding it challenging to obtain their medication. The shortage is largely attributed to insurance reimbursement policies. Given the scant insurance coverage for weight-loss medications, doctors often prescribe Ozempic for obesity, an example of “off-label” prescribing, which is a widespread practice in health care.
The Novo Nordisk Bonanza
As the demand for Ozempic and Wegovy skyrocketed, so did the fortunes of the Danish firm Novo Nordisk. The Motley Fool reports that in the first quarter of 2023 alone, the company announced a 68 percent revenue growth for Ozempic, amassing sales that exceeded 19.6 billion Danish kroner (about $2.8 billion). Ozempic alone represented 37 percent of the pharmaceutical company’s total revenue.The drug is turning Novo Nordisk into an economic behemoth. In the second quarter of 2023, their earnings report revealed an astonishing profit surge to $7.1 billion—making it Denmark’s most profitable company. Its market cap—at $410 billion—has outpaced the entire country’s gross domestic product, which was just under $400 billion last year.
Ozempic: Unmasking the Hidden Costs
As many Americans scramble to get these “wonder” drugs, we must ask: At what cost? Beyond the evident monetary implications and supply issues, the drug itself isn’t without problems. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, abdominal pain, and digestive complications. Highlighting these concerns, Jaclyn Bjorklund recently filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, claiming that their drug caused her severe vomiting and gastroparesis, a condition that halts digestion.
A 2022 study spotlighted the unexpected effects of semaglutide treatment. Participants experienced significant weight loss but regained two-thirds of it within a year of stopping. The health benefits achieved also waned post-treatment, underlining the tenacious nature of obesity and the need for sustained intervention. The financial and health costs of such treatments are concerning.
“Investing $15,000 annually might shed 30 pounds, but a staggering third of that loss is muscle,” Dr. William Davis, a leading cardiologist and acclaimed author, told The Epoch Times.
“Many discontinue the treatment due to cost, only to regain up to 27 pounds, predominantly as fat. This not only reverses weight loss benefits but elevates risks, from insulin dependence and prediabetes to hypertension and even dementia or breast cancer.”
As this pharmaceutical whirlwind continues, it’s essential to remember that nature offers its own remedies.
Nature’s Power Players in Metabolic Health
Beyond the pharmacy are herbal remedies with centuries of use that can assist in weight loss with few or no side effects—and without breaking the bank.Berberine–A New Treatment for Metabolic Health
Berberine, a bright quaternary ammonium salt that can be derived from plants, is a natural champion at keeping blood sugar in check and giving overall health a boost.Research has created buzz about berberine’s effects, especially for people with Type 2 diabetes: A 2022 study identified it as a top performer in blood sugar tests. And the best part? It’s effective without causing unwanted side effects or sudden sugar crashes.
Plus, a look at 12 studies showed that people using berberine dropped an average of 4.5 pounds, nudged their body mass index (BMI) down by 0.47 points, and even managed to cinch in their waist by a little more than an inch.
Turmeric–Brilliant Color and Biological Effects
Most famously sprinkled in Indian dishes, turmeric is more than just colorful. Curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound in turmeric, shows promise in helping fight diabetes, especially given its efficacy in reducing blood sugar and fat levels in animal studies.A meta-analysis of 21 randomized controlled trials involving 1,604 participants has affirmed the weight loss potential of curcumin. Curcumin intake was found to significantly lower BMI, weight, and waist circumference. It’s also shown to decrease levels of leptin—a hormone linked to fat storage—while elevating adiponectin levels, which is beneficial for metabolism.
Cardamom: A Symphony of Flavor and Function
Infusing rich aromas into Middle Eastern and South Asian dishes, cardamom, known as the “queen of spice,” isn’t merely a culinary delight. Preliminary research indicates cardamom’s favorable effect on blood glucose levels—proving that flavor and health benefits can go hand in hand.After looking at six studies involving 410 people, researchers found that consuming 3 grams of cardamom daily over an eight-week to three-month period notably improved blood glucose control. The data highlighted a significant reduction in insulin resistance and a decrease in long-term blood glucose levels (HbA1C) by an average of 0.48 percent.
Research released last month revealed the surprising weight management benefits of cardamom.
“What we found is that this small spice can burn calories and maintain body weight while increasing appetite and food consumption,” Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, a professor at Texas A&M University, said. The research suggests cardamom could be a game-changer in nutritional science.
Cinnamon: A Spice for Blood Sugar Management
Cinnamon is making waves in the health community for the effects of cinnamaldehyde, a compound that boosts insulin sensitivity and lowers fasting blood sugar levels.A study from 2019 found that people with Type 2 diabetes who took a 500 mg cinnamon supplement daily for three months experienced significant improvements in blood glucose control.
A comprehensive review of 12 recent trials, involving 786 participants, revealed that cinnamon can help people lose weight, especially those under 50 and those with a BMI starting above 30. The study showed that taking at least 2 grams a day for 12 weeks or longer can yield cinnamon’s weight loss effects.
Be warned, however, that cinnamon is a natural blood thinner. Talk to your doctor if this may be an issue for you.
Fenugreek: A Well-Studied Metabolism Booster
Fenugreek is a versatile star of Mediterranean and Indian dishes. Beyond flavor, fenugreek might be your secret weapon against rising blood sugar levels. With fibers that slow sugar absorption and a unique amino acid nudging insulin production, this herb is more than delicious.A three-year study of men and women aged 30–70 years found that those on the brink of diabetes who incorporated 10 grams of fenugreek into their daily diet experienced impressive results. Their chances of developing diabetes declined significantly, with no adverse effects, and they reported healthier blood sugar and cholesterol readings.
In terms of weight loss, in a study of obese rats on a fatty diet, introducing fenugreek extract led to significant reductions in BMI and fat accumulation.
Ginger: Good for Glucose Management
From Asian stir-fries to traditional teas, ginger’s global appeal is undeniable. Packed with the phenolic phytochemical compound gingerol, the root is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant virtues.According to emerging research, ginger shows promise in diabetes management. A focused study involving 41 Type 2 diabetes patients showed that a 12-week regimen of ginger powder significantly enhanced fasting blood sugar levels and other vital health indicators.
The benefits further extend to weight management. A meta-analysis of 14 separate studies found that regular ginger supplementation helped trim body weight and fine-tune certain metabolic parameters, especially in overweight and obese subjects.
Hibiscus: Benefits in Every Brew
Beyond brightening gardens and being a popular choice for teas, these vibrant red petals offer a wealth of health benefits.New research points to the flower’s prowess in dropping sugar levels and boosting insulin production. Researchers also found that hibiscus may protect against diabetes-related cognitive decline and potentially treat diabetic foot conditions because of its antibacterial traits.
For those wrestling with weight, hibiscus might offer a helping hand. In a focused study, people with a BMI of 27 or more took a hibiscus treatment for 12 weeks. They had slimmer figures and reduced fat, and they showed encouraging signs on obesity metrics. Additionally, the extract improved liver health, and no adverse effects were noted.
In an era in which pharmaceutical quick fixes dominate health care, it’s important to remember the profound healing power in nature. As modern medicines contend with supply chain issues, corporate interests, and side effects, nature presents its solutions with centuries of testimonials and increasingly compelling scientific evidence. As the data unfold and society’s desire for holistic health solutions grows, it might be that the answers lie not in a pill, but in the pantry.
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