In the ever-growing world of weight loss products, a new contender has entered the ring—Kourtney Kardashian’s “GLP-1 Daily” pill, introduced through her supplement brand, Lemme. This product is the latest in a long line of weight loss hacks that promise to deliver results similar to the wildly popular prescription medication, Ozempic.
From fruit-filled gummies and neon berberine tablets to green teas and lime-soaked oatmeal, numerous products claim to offer quick fixes for shedding pounds. But with the rise of medications like Ozempic, which has gained significant traction for its effectiveness in managing weight, many of these alternatives now position themselves as natural, side-effect-free solutions.
Experts, however, remain skeptical about these so-called “Ozempic dupes.”
The Science Behind the Claims
Ozempic has changed the conversation around weight loss by familiarizing the public with scientific terms and processes that were once confined to medical professionals. Words like “metabolic health,” “gastric emptying,” and “GLP-1” (the hormone Ozempic mimics to help control appetite) are now part of the mainstream dialogue. Lemme’s GLP-1 Daily pill capitalizes on this trend, boasting that its ingredients can influence this critical hormone.
But experts caution that these claims are overstated. Joe Schwarcz, director of the Office for Science and Society at McGill University, points out that many of these products rely on a “smidgen of scientific fact” that’s often blown out of proportion. While it’s true that some ingredients may marginally impact GLP-1 levels, Schwarcz and other specialists stress that no supplement can replicate the sustained weight loss effects of prescription medications like Ozempic.
Misleading Marketing and Questionable Results
Products like GLP-1 Daily are marketed in a way that mirrors the language and appeal of pharmaceutical drugs, even though they lack the same rigorous testing. Adrienne Bitar, a lecturer in American studies at Cornell University, notes that this strategy gives supplements a “sheen of science,” which can mislead consumers into believing they’re buying something that’s been clinically proven and thoroughly vetted. The allure is particularly strong for those looking for affordable alternatives to prescription drugs, which can cost upwards of $1,000 a month.
Lemme’s website cites studies suggesting that some of its plant-based ingredients may increase GLP-1 levels and help reduce cravings. However, experts like Dr. Pieter Cohen, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School, are quick to point out that these trials are often too small and narrow in scope. “They’re not credible studies,” Cohen states, adding that even if GLP-1 production were stimulated, it doesn’t necessarily equate to meaningful or lasting weight loss.
Risks of the Supplement Craze
Beyond the inflated promises, there’s also the question of safety. Dr. Cohen warns that the FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way it does pharmaceuticals, meaning consumers have little assurance that these products are safe or even contain the ingredients listed on the label. Without this regulatory oversight, the effectiveness—and safety—of many weight loss supplements remains dubious at best.
Another concern is the financial burden these products can place on consumers. Lemme’s GLP-1 Daily capsules are priced at $72 for a month’s supply, which could strain the budgets of people already living paycheck to paycheck. “It hurts if you’re spending $70 a month on something that doesn’t work,” says Dr. Melanie Jay, director of the Comprehensive Program on Obesity at NYU Langone.
The Bottom Line
While the promise of a natural, affordable alternative to prescription weight loss drugs is tempting, experts unanimously agree that no supplement currently on the market can match the results of FDA-approved medications like Ozempic. For those serious about weight loss, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals and rely on proven, safe methods instead of chasing the next trendy supplement.
In a world full of weight loss shortcuts, the only thing slimming down is your wallet.
Source: NYTIMES