How safe are ‘natural' Ozempic alternatives in diabetes care?
Unsurprisingly, India's GLP1 market, valued at about $106 million in 2023, is projected to expand nearly sixfold to $579 million by 2030. And India's broader diabetes care drugs market, ranging between $1.70 billion and $2.27 billion as of 2024-25, is expected to reach $2 billion-$ 3.7 billion by 2030. With over 74 million Indians already living with diabetes, projected to climb even higher in coming decades, the demand is real.Yet, the high cost and limited access to GLP1 injections drive a parallel boom: the rise of 'natural substitutes'. Products using naturally-derived ingredients are now being marketed to support GLP1 and GIP hormone pathways. With a polished label, 'natural' guarantee, a moneyback promise and five-star reviews, it lures hopeful consumers towards wellness narratives. Brand labels draped in pastel tones, slogans whispering 'organic, plantbased, gentle', and lifestyle images of yoga mats and herbal teas—all designed to feel less pharmaceutical and more holistic.A wave of 'gut-first' supplements are also being marketed as natural GLP-1 alternatives, aiming to mimic the hormone's appetite-suppressing and glucose-regulating effects. These products often combine ingredients like prebiotic fibers (inulin, psyllium), apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, berberine and probiotics to promote satiety, balance blood sugar and support insulin sensitivity.Saffron, touted for mood and craving control, and glucomannan, a water-soluble fibre, are also being added to blends that promise to stimulate natural gut hormone responses. While the science behind gut health's role in metabolic regulation is evolving, most of these formulations lack the robust clinical data that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic have, making them more supportive than substitutive in managing weight or diabetes.Some substitutes, such as BRP, a natural peptide-based alternative to GLP1 drugs, are being researched upon as alternatives with less side-effects. Identified by researchers at Stanford via an AI-driven tool that sifted through thousands of potential hormone fragments, this peptide is taken from the BRINP2 protein through natural processing, and has been detected in biological samples including human cerebrospinal fluid.advertisementIn preclinical studies involving mice and mini pigs, BRP significantly suppressed appetite—reducing food intake by up to 50 per cent within an hour—and triggered fat-loss without any of the common side-effects associated with GLP1 drugs, such as nausea, digestive distress or muscle wasting. But its final efficacy will only come to light with human clinical studies and regulatory approvals.But do they work as claimed? The evidence is thin. Experts caution that while supplements may support bloodsugar health modestly, they do not match the robust clinical results of GLP1 drugs. Weight-loss with supplements typically amounts to just onetofour pounds—compared to the doubledigit percentages achieved by prescription treatments. And because dietary supplements are less regulated, quality and safety vary widely. Some supplement lines position themselves as companions for GLP1 users—through a range of shakes and fibres to support those losing appetite and muscle mass on the medication itself. There is no harm in taking these alongside a prescribed medicine, say experts.advertisementDespite the lack of clinical proof, many like Rao continue to long for an easy, natural fix, but also fear complacency. In the end, Rao says she resolved to consult her physician, knowing that progress—not placebo—might require interventions that were clinical, not just cosmetic.In India's rapidly shifting diabetes landscape, the allure of natural GLP1 alternatives is powerful, but careful awareness is essential. For all the pasteldraped promises, only proven therapies may offer more than hope.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
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The Hindu
3 hours ago
- The Hindu
State approves ₹200 crore bridge project between Kotepura and Bolar, says Dinesh Gundu Rao
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India Today
10 hours ago
- India Today
Seeds of doubt: Why India's chia, pumpkin and flax obsession needs a hard look
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The Print
11 hours ago
- The Print
‘Must take proactive steps'—PM Modi reiterates concern over obesity crisis in I-Day address
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