Saturday, October 17, 2026 · Edition updated 6:00 AM ETSAT, OCT 17 · 6 AM ET editionNext edition in Next --:--:--
Get the weekly brief

Healthy weight: metabolism

How the body uses energy and handles sugar and fat. What people try, how far the research on each has got, and the products that contain them.

What people try

3BerberineStage 3 · Large studies in people · Over-the-counter supplementBerberine is a substance found in several plants, such as goldenseal, barberry, and Oregon grape.Main risk: Berberine has been linked to a harmful buildup of bilirubin in infants, which can cause brain damage.3Testosterone therapyStage 3 · Large studies in people · PrescriptionTestosterone therapy uses man-made testosterone to treat low testosterone, and it can be given as a pill, gel, patch, injection, or implant.Main risk: The page lists several risks of this therapy, including infertility, an enlarged prostate, blood clots, and worsening heart disease.

Products

Sorted by the best research stage of each product's ingredients, then by price. The stage describes research on the ingredient, not proof that the product works.

Supplements 5

DoubleWoodBerberine SupplementBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$19.95ProHealth Longevity · capsuleBerberine Pro - 600 mg, 60 capsulesBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$29.95Life Extension · tabletBerberine 1000, 1000 mg, 60 tabletsBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$29.99Thorne · capsuleBerberine - 30 ServingsBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$44Renue By ScienceBerberineBerberine3 Ingredient research: large studies in people$49.95

See all the latest research →

What others are writing

Recent articles from health journalists, hospitals and universities. We link to them; we don't write or endorse them.

health.harvard.edu · Julie Corliss · Aug 24, 2026

Testosterone therapy without evidence of deficiency may boost heart risk ↗

Testosterone therapy: A study found men using testosterone without low-testosterone diagnosis had higher heart problem and death risk than those treated for hypogonadism.

Cleveland Clinic · Jun 10, 2025

Berberine: What It Is, Benefits and Side Effects ↗

Berberine: The article describes berberine's uses, possible benefits, side effects, and safety concerns, and advises talking to a healthcare provider first.

health.osu.edu · Alma Simmons, RDN, LD, CDCES · Feb 12, 2025

Does berberine really help with weight loss? ↗

Berberine: The article says berberine produces modest weight loss and blood sugar lowering but is less effective than GLP-1 medications.

This is general information gathered from the sources listed, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting anything new.