There's been lots of buzz online about a diabetic medication being used for weight loss, called Ozempic.

I didn't really give it much thought until my partner came home one night asking about it, apparently, his colleagues were talking about it and that it was “harmless”.

If you were to do a quick Google search on the side effects it wouldn't look like much – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. But when you dig a little deeper, what really stands out is the puffy face, fatigue, pancreatitis, hair loss, rebound weight gain, kidney disease, thyroid tumors, and more.  

All that risk for rebound weight gain.

Here's nature's alternative, which has also been getting attention online: Berberine.

Berberine is a herbal ingredient that reduces insulin resistance, leading to weight loss esp around the belly.

As we get older we're more likely to be insulin resistant. This happens when the cells lose sensitivity to insulin and each meal or snack requires more insulin to move sugar into our bloodstream.

Higher insulin means we store more body fat, esp around our belly and back. It also places fat around our organs, a dangerous place to be.

It affects our mood and mental energy, as we have insulin receptors in the brain.

And it increases our appetite and cravings.

The research with Berberine has shown it reduces insulin resistance resulting in weight loss, lower cholesterol, and better glucose balance.

You can purchase berberine online, the recommended dose ranges between 500-1000mgs daily. Speak to your doctor if you're taking any medication before starting.

At 35 our body begins to change. After 40, those changes are accelerated and we notice belly fat, saggy arms, or saggy anything as we lose muscle (known as sarcopenia).

The hormonal changes that occur after 45 can create insulin resistance, making weight loss difficult, and putting our health at risk.

This is preventable and reversible.