Berberine for weight loss – does it work? Side effects and results

Berberine - is this the new plant-based ingredient that will take a leaf out of the previous leaders of fat burners - caffeine and green tea?

.

Want to find out on your own body fat whether berba will help you prepare a beach body and slip into a smaller clothing size?

With the experts, I will show you how berberine works and how it doesn't work. Because although fat tissue literally doesn't 'burn off', something more interesting is happening to it.

See also:

• Berberine
• Berberine - contraindications
• Berberine - side effects
• Swanson Berberine HCL
.

Berberine - what is it and what does it help with?

.

Berberine is a bioactive compound present in several species of plants including barberry, Canadian bitterroot and common mahoniaand. Berberine is an alkaloid, a plant-derived chemical compound with potent effects on the bodyand.

.

Alkaloids act on the body by interacting with receptors in the brain and other organs. These compounds can have different types of properties, such as analgesic, stimulant, sleeping, antipyretic or hallucinogenic . Many alkaloids are used in medicine and pharmacology to produce drugs.

Recent scientific research suggests that berberine:

• lowers the concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (so-called bad cholesterol) and triglyceridesand
• increases HDL (so-called good cholesterol) 
• lowers blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes 
• lowers ApoB - an important indicator of cardiovascular disease risk 

Berberine for weight loss?

.

Berberine by itself does not lose weight. Consuming berberine capsules alone will not affect fat loss. However, when combined with a reduction diet and physical activity, it can aid weight loss by affecting enzymes that inhibit glucose and fat synthesis.

.

According to other animal studies, berberine inhibits the enzyme PCSK9and. This leads to more 'bad' LDL cholesterol being removed from the bloodstream. The mechanisms and effects on humans are not fully understood.

Many manufacturers are treading on thin ice and offer hope for effective weight loss with berberine. They cite scientific studies with incredible hurrah optimism. They promise to 'tighten your trousers at last' and 'melt away fat'. Wow.

I have analysed for you below some of the scientific studies that have tested the effects of berberine on weight loss.

Analysis of scientific studies on berberine

.

There are many papers by researchers on the effects of berberine on sugar-insulin metabolismand. They are of high quality and have been carried out on large numbers of people. The results are clear - berberine is helpful in regulating cholesterol and sugar. And how's that for weight loss?

.

Study from 2012 (USA)

.

The study involved 16 obese individuals of both sexesand. The subjects were given 500 mg of berberine three times a day for 12 weeks. The results showed that participants lost an average of 2.3 kg of body weight and 3.6% of body fat. Blood lipid levels also decreased (23% decrease in triglycerides and 12.2% decrease in cholesterol).

Study from 2012 (China)

.

This study involved 41 people diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (which is how co-morbid factors that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease are definedand).

For 12 weeks, the study participants received 300 mg berberine three times a day. Participants did not change their physical activity or diet. Ultimately, the participants' BMI decreased from 31.5 to 27.4. They lost body fat from the abdominal area and improved their blood parameters.

The participants' BMI decreased from 31.5 to 27.4.

This study says more about the potential of berberine in weight loss than the first one. The weight loss in the participants may have been related to the fact that berberine helps control insulin and other hormones that regulate fat cells.

The study also found that berberine helps control insulin and other hormones that regulate fat cells.

Newly noteworthy is the improvement in blood test results, particularly the lowering of glucose and cholesterol levels, which berberine has been shown to affect according to the researchand.

A 2015 study on... hamsters (China)

.

In a 2015 scientific study involving 124 Syrian hamsters, a specific diet was used - the rodents were fed foods high in sugars and fats. Some of them were then given berberine. The study showed that berberine reduced body weight and improved glucose tolerance in the rodents that received itiand.

It is good that the fat hamsters lost weight and their blood test results improved. It is a pity that not all manufacturers of berberine weight loss products mention this sacrifice of the rodents.

Animal research - ethical dilemmas aside - is valuable, but only for testing preliminary hypotheses. When evaluating scientific sources, always focus on human studies.

Human research.

Research from 2018 (China)

.

On the website of one 'weight management' product, the manufacturer cited this scientific study, which showed that the combination of berberine and resveratrol lowers blood lipids, which has a beneficial effect on cholesterol.

Yes, but these results don't relate to berberine alone, but its combination with resveratrol and most importantly, this study also on rodents.

Research conclusions

.

There are also some interesting studies in which rodents were fattened and then given berberine. This compound also caused them to lose weight and improve blood parameters such as sugar and cholesteroland.

There are also meta-analyses involving humans, but the number of participants or other factors influencing the conclusions do not directly show that berberine unequivocally affects weight lossand.

.

As you can see - the citation of berberine's slimming properties by manufacturers is a rubbish exaggeration. More scientific research with humans is needed to know the effects. Let's leave the poor rodents alone.

Losing weight with berberine - how to get started?

.

If you decide to test the properties of berberine, do it with your head and with the best quality product. Read what to look out for before you start consuming berberine. I recommend you take blood tests, weight measurements and body circumferences - it will come in handy.

Contraindications

.

Do not use berberine if:

.

.
• you are allergic to berberine,
.
• you are pregnant,
.
• you are breastfeeding,
.
• you are under 18 years old,
.
• you suffer from damage to or disease of the liver,
.
• you are taking blood sugar-lowering, blood pressure-lowering, immunosuppressant or sedative drugs.

If in doubt - consult your doctor.

.

See also:

.

• Berberine - contraindications to use
.

Side effects

.

Berberine is relatively safe, but like any substance, it can cause side effects in some such asand:

• abdominal pain,
.
• nausea,
.
• diarrhoea,
.
• constipation,
.
• incontinence,
.

You will minimise the risk of side effects if you do not exceed the daily doses and familiarise yourself with the contraindications.

See also:

• Berberine - side effects
.

Dosage

.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for daily dosage. In research studies with humans, doses used ranged from 300 to 2000 mgand. The body's response to portions higher than 2g is unknown. But do not test on yourself.

Berberine is worth taking before or during a meal to increase its absorption. Greater bioavailability of the active substance is also influenced by fat.

.

Berberine - after what time of effects?

.

The effects of berberine combined with a reduction diet and physical activity can be seen in as little as 7-10 days. Assuming an optimal calorie deficit, your body weight should decrease by around 0.3-1 kg during this time. Your body circumference should also decrease (how much and where is an individual matter).

.

When adipose tissue is broken down for energy through cellular processes, two main by-products are released - carbon dioxide and waterand. CO2 is exhaled when you breathe (yes, you exhale fatty tissue) and water is removed through urine, sweat or with exhaled air .

Berberine - which one to choose to make it work?

.

The commercially available forms of berberine in capsule or tablet form are:

.

• berine HCl (berberine hydrochloride),
.
• berine SO4 (berberine sulphate).
• berine HCl (berberine hydrochloride).

Products with berberine hydrochloride are a better choice, as this form dissolves in water much better than sulphate.

Note the standardisation and DER (Drug Extract Ratio).

Standardised extracts

YANGO, Berberine Premium™

4.7

• Active ingredients: berine 588 mg
• Form: capsules
.
• Dose:  3 capsules daily
.
• Sufficient for: 30 days
.

See price

Product description

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

Pros and cons

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

Additional information

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

98% HCl

Aura Herbals Berberine 500 mg

4.6

• Active ingredients: berine
• Form: capsules
• .
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• .
• Sufficient for: 60 days
• .

See price

Product description

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

Pros and cons

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

Additional information

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

Detoxification

OstroVit Berberine HCl 97% VEGE

5.0

• Active ingredients: berine
• Form: capsules
• .
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• .
• Sufficient for: 90 days
• .

See price

Product description

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

Pros and cons

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

Additional information

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

Berberyna HCL

• Type: food supplement
• Daily dose: 1 capsule per day

See price

Product description

The main ingredient in the preparation is berberine in the form of a standardised extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and lowers blood lipid levels.

Expert opinion

The preparation contains Indian barberry extract – standardised for berberine hydrochloride. This substance exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, blood lipid-lowering and hypoglycaemic effects.

Additional information

<p>Usually, large fluctuations in blood glucose and abnormal glucose utilisation are the causes of weight gain. A definite advantage of the preparation is the standardisation of the extract. This way, you know how much of the active substance you are getting. There are also reports that <a href=‘https://natu.care/pl/rosliny/berberyna-na-odchudzanie’>berberine</a> is helpful during the pharmacotherapy of depression.</p>

<p><strong>Learn more about berberine and its properties in Nina Wawryszuk's article: </strong><a href="https://natu.care/pl/rosliny/berberyna"><strong>Berberyna – działanie, właściwości, skutki uboczne, dawkowanie</strong></a></p>

Berberine Swanson HCL

4.4

• Active substance: berine (extract from the root of Berberis aristata)
.
• Quantity of active substance: 400 mg
.
• Form: hydrochloride (HCl)
.
• Daily serving: 1 capsule
.
• Packaging: 60 capsules
.
• Sufficient for: 2 months
.

See price

Product description

The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.

.

Pros and cons

The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.

.

Additional information

The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.

.

Expert opinion

The preparation contains berberine, a plant active substance whichós positive effect on the regulation of sugar-insulin metabolism and lowers the concentration of „bad” cholesterol, increasing the concentration of „good” cholesterol. It can also aid weight loss.

.

Berberine and weight loss dieticians' opinions

.

Berberine has good reviews among specialists because it supports digestive and metabolic complaints, which affects weight loss. Berberine may be helpful in patients trying to reduce body weight.

.

My experience with berberine - have I lost weight?

.

I used berberine for 8 weeks with the aim of reducing total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, which were slightly elevated in blood tests. I bought a dietary supplement with high-quality berberine (standardised), with 500 mg of berberine in 1 capsule. Out of curiosity, I weighed myself and measured my body circumferences to see if anything would change.

For two months, I deliberately did not modify my menu and my workouts did not change in terms of frequency and intensity. After the supplementation, my LDL cholesterol (so-called bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol decreased. I have reached the recommended standard.

My body weight and circumferenceshave not changed, so as you can see, just ingesting the capsules has not caused me to lose weight.

What does weight loss actually do?

.

Reduction diet. Closing topic. Well, let me explain in more detail.

There is no such thing as a "broken metabolism" and "weight gain out of thin air". Don't let yourself be told that. You can't cheat physics and biology. A surefire way to lose weight is to reduce diet, which means consuming fewer kilocalories (by about 300-500 kcal) than your calorie requirements suggestand.

If you are not losing weight, it means you are not in a deficit.

.

Some illnesses or medications can slow your metabolism, cause water retention, mask weight loss, reduce your desire to be active and cause excessive appetite .

.

The best way to control the deficit is to count calories accurately, e.g. with an app, or to stick strictly to the menu agreed with the dietician. If, after 10-14 days, your body circumferences or weight have not changed, you are not in a deficit or it is time to do blood tests and address health.

How to lose weight safely.

The best way to lose weight is to consult a dietitian, who will tailor a menu and determine your calorie requirements based on a detailed history of your health, illnesses, lifestyle and diet. A healthy weight loss is around 0.5-1kg per weekand.

Losing weight is a long-term process that should not be quick and drastic. Think in terms of several weeks or a few months. What matters is quality and consistency, not speed. It's nice if you add your favourite physical activity to your diet. You don't have to hijack CrossFit or run marathons straight away. You can start with a daily half-hour walk with poles or walking the dog.

From the office of a nutritionist

Alexandra Cudna-Bartnicka tells:

.

One of my patients needed to lose weight due to preparation for a major operation. Using the diet alone and introducing only daily exercise in the form of walking the dog and cycling, he managed to lose as much as 10 kg in 1.5 months. Not only has his figure improved, but also his energy and attitude to life.

How not to slim down?

.

Based on my experience with my clients with whom I train and conversations with dieters, I observe harmful behaviours that, instead of losing weight, destroy the body and the motivation to lose weight.

How not to lose weight?

The worst thing you can do in losing weight is:

.

.
• starve yourself,
.
• skip meals,
.
• do "detoxes",
.
• eliminate "recreational" products (e.g. favourite sweets),
.
• train too intensively,
.
• skip recovery,
.
• treat activity only as a task to be performed, not a pleasure,
.
• comparing oneself to others,
.
• collect fat burners and other preparations for weight loss,
.

"Sometimes I observe that people with insulin resistance or a tendency towards sugar imbalances use dangerous juice detoxes after the holidays or festivities to 'cleanse' themselves. Consuming juices in such quantities causes huge sugar spikes in the blood and leads to micro-damage to blood vessels. In diabetics, it can end in a hyperglycaemic coma," adds Aleksandra Cudna.

.

Remember that for cleansing the body there are the liver and kidneys, which do an excellent job of it.

See also:

• L-carnitine, does it lose weight?
.
• Chromium
• Curcumin
• Piperine
• Caffeine

Summary

.

.

.