It was not a lack of weight loss that caused Vicki McFarlane to abandon Mounjaro, but rather the relentless nausea, unbearable headaches, and 'eggy burps' she attributes to the injection. These symptoms became so severe that, despite losing two stone in two months after starting the appetite-suppressing jab in January 2025, she decided to stop using it.
The mother-of-one from Pickering, Yorkshire, found the decision difficult. She had finally begun shedding pounds after struggling with weight her entire life, often reaching for cakes and biscuits at night. Menopause further slowed her metabolism, making weight loss even harder.
Determined to continue her progress, the travel agent sought alternatives and came across an advertisement for berberine, a plant compound used in traditional Chinese medicine, often dubbed 'nature's Ozempic'. While studies show modest weight loss potential, berberine is not a licensed medicine in the UK but is sold as a supplement online and in retailers like Boots and Holland & Barrett. Experts urge caution.
After researching, Ms McFarlane ordered slow-release patches for just £8.99 (about 30p a day) last June. Berberine is believed to trigger AMP-activated protein kinase, an enzyme that lowers blood sugar and instructs cells to burn stored fat. This mechanism differs from Mounjaro (a GLP-1 receptor agonist), which mimics a gut hormone to control blood sugar and appetite.
Ms McFarlane said: 'I had been trying to lose another three or four stone forever. I lost weight on Mounjaro, but I felt so ill the whole time. Then I read about berberine online, and I noticed the impact within a couple of days.'
From June to mid-October, she dropped from 17st 9lbs to 14st 2lbs, attributing the loss to no longer craving sweets. 'I noticed the impact within a couple of days. I used to eat cakes, chocolates, crisps, and biscuits in the evening. Now I don't eat in the evening at all—maybe a yoghurt. You can keep your cakes!'
Her friends have been stunned by her transformation, many asking for her secret. However, experts remain cautious. Duane Mellor, a dietitian and honorary associate professor at the University of Leicester, told the Daily Mail: 'While laboratory and animal studies show some promise, human clinical evidence is still limited.' He noted reviews showing modest results, including a 2022 study in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition where people lost 1-4kg over 8-12 weeks taking 900-1,500mg of berberine daily.
Mellor added: 'US experts including Harvard Medical School have noted it's not as effective as Ozempic and should be compared more to metformin. It could help control blood sugar spikes and food cravings, but it is nowhere near as effective as prescription medication.' He warned that berberine can cause gut issues like stomach cramps and diarrhoea and may interfere with medications such as blood thinners and statins, potentially increasing side effects. He advised consulting a healthcare professional before use.
For Ms McFarlane, a key advantage of berberine is the absence of side effects she experienced with Mounjaro, which cost £180 a month through an online provider. She said: 'People say it could never compare to Mounjaro, but they're unreal considering how expensive that is. Mounjaro made me very sick. Berberine did for me exactly what Mounjaro did, but without the sickness. My 27-year-old son has never seen me this slim.'
She even stopped berberine at Christmas, gaining some weight, but after restarting three weeks ago, she has already lost 10lbs. 'It's been life-changing. I feel like I've gained years of life. I have more energy and feel healthier. But I've got a cupboard full of crisps I no longer want!'
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a compound found in plants like goldenseal and barberry, used in traditional Chinese medicine. Available as a supplement in the UK, it is not a licensed medicine. Research suggests it can be moderately effective for weight loss by triggering AMP-activated protein kinase, which lowers blood sugar and burns stored fat. However, it is not included in NICE guidelines and should not be used in clinical care. Potential side effects include diarrhoea, stomach cramps, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, and bloating. Experts at Bolt Pharmacy note: 'Berberine is classified as a food supplement, not a licensed medicine, so it is not subject to the same regulatory approval as pharmaceutical drugs. Quality, purity, and concentration can vary. Always follow label instructions and consult a healthcare professional before use.'
