A mother from North Yorkshire has shed 3st 7lbs (49lbs) in 15 weeks after replacing the weight-loss drug Mounjaro with a natural supplement called berberine. Vicki McFarlane, 53, said she had struggled with weight loss for years due to sugar cravings and a slowing metabolism during menopause.
She began taking Mounjaro in January 2025, paying £180 a month, and lost 2st in two months. However, she experienced severe side effects including nausea, headaches and 'eggy burps', which led her to stop. After reading about berberine online, she decided to try slow-release patches costing the equivalent of 30p a day.
Within days, she noticed her cravings for biscuits and cake had disappeared. From June 30 to October 14 2025, her weight dropped from 17st 9lbs to 14st 2lbs. She said the supplement suppressed her appetite without the side effects of Mounjaro. Her husband Darren, 53, also tried berberine and reported similar results.
Vicki said: 'I had been trying to lose weight forever. I lost weight on Mounjaro, but I felt so ill. Now, I don't eat in the evening at all. The food noise just went.' She stopped the patches after reaching her goal weight but resumed taking berberine tablets after gaining some weight over Christmas, losing a further 10lbs.
Experts caution that while some studies suggest berberine may aid weight loss, evidence is not conclusive. Side effects can include diarrhoea and stomach upset. People are advised to consult a doctor before trying berberine or any supplement.
