Weight Loss Breakthrough: Stanford Scientists Discover “Natural Ozempic” Without the Side Effects
29th March 2025
Researchers at Stanford Medicine have identified a naturally occurring molecule that mimics the appetite-suppressing and weight-reducing effects of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. In animal studies, this molecule, called BRP, demonstrated similar benefits without some of semaglutide’s common side effects, such as nausea, constipation, and significant muscle loss.
BRP works through a distinct but related metabolic pathway and activates different neurons in the brain, suggesting it may offer a more precise and potentially safer approach to weight management.
“The receptors targeted by semaglutide are found in the brain but also in the gut, pancreas, and other tissues,” said assistant professor of pathology Katrin Svensson, PhD. “That’s why Ozempic has widespread effects including slowing the movement of food through the digestive tract and lowering blood sugar levels. In contrast, BRP appears to act specifically in the hypothalamus, which controls appetite and metabolism.”
Good luck getting it past the foot-draggers at the FDA and the gatekeepers in the AMA. Maybe we’ll have a usable drug in 10 years, and even then you’ll need a prescription, it will cost an arm & a leg, and your insurance won’t cover it.