Natural alternative to Ozempic made mice eat up to 50% less — without side effects

Watch out, Ozempic.

Stanford Medicine scientists have discovered a naturally occurring molecule that rivals the weight-loss effects of semaglutide-based GLP-1s in animals — without the dreaded side effects.

“Nothing we’ve tested before has compared to semaglutide’s ability to decrease appetite and body weight,” said Dr. Katrin Svensson, senior author of the research and an assistant professor of pathology at Stanford. “We are very eager to learn if it is safe and effective in humans.”

America’s waistline crisis

Obesity in the US is at an all-time high, with the country leading among high-income nations.

There were 172 million obese and overweight Americans over 25 in 2021 — a figure that is expected to climb to 214 million by 2050. The outlook for children and adolescents is equally grim.

Obesity is a major risk factor for a range of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep apnea and certain cancers. Yet, even modest weight loss can help prevent or improve these issues.