Does it seem like everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbor is taking weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy? Well, your suspicions may not be far off. It's estimated that 1 in 8 Americans have tried these GLP-1 medications, with about 6 percent of the population currently using them.
However, what's perhaps more interesting is that, according to a 2024 study, 50 to 75 percent of people who start taking these medications end up discontinuing them within one year—leaving many in search of alternative, and likely natural, ways to keep the weight off. And according to cosmetic surgeon Alberico Sessa, MD, taking this one simple supplement works just as well as Ozempic for weight loss.
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What is yerba mate?
Yerba mate is an herb native to South America that comes from drying the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It is most traditionally used to make tea, though it may also come in powder or pill supplement form.
According to GoodRX, yerba mate contains powerful antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids. It is also high in vitamins C, B1, and B2, as well as phosphorus, iron, and calcium. And yerba mate has even more caffeine than coffee.
Yerba mate could help with weight loss.
In a recent TikTok video, Sessa said yerba mate is "one supplement that no one's talking about" for weight loss.
He explained that yerba mate works on the same receptors as the popular injectable weight-loss medications. As Best Lifepreviously explained, these drugs fall into two categories: semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound). All of these drugs target the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor to help regulate appetite and reduce calorie intake.
Sessa added that yerba mate also increases metabolism, which is likely due to the caffeine content.
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But what does the science say?
Of course, you should always speak with your own doctor before starting any new supplement or weight-loss regimen. But it's important to note that there is research to back up Sessa's claim.
For example, one 2019 meta-analysis reviewed 22 clinical trials involving 726 patients to understand how yerba mate may affect weight loss. The researchers found that the tea showed "anti-obesity potential," as it reduced body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.
One specific study, published in 2015, concluded that participants who took a daily oral yerba mate supplement for 12 weeks had a "statistically significant" decrease in body fat and body fat mass.
In speaking to this research, GoodRX explained, "Scientists believe this is because yerba mate contains natural compounds that send signals to your body, telling it to produce less fat. In other words, rather than simply helping to burn fat, yerba mate might also make it so that your body makes less fat to begin with."
RELATED: Certain Foods Trigger Natural Ozempic-Like Weight Loss Effect, Doctor Says.
Are there side effects from yerba mate?
There is some inconclusive research to support that drinking 4 to 8 cups of hot yerba mate a day could increase the risk of mouth, throat, and lung cancer. However, according to Mayo Clinic, more common side effects may include upset stomach, trouble sleeping, a nervous or restless feeling, or a fast heartbeat.
Everyone, especially those who are pregnant, should consult with their doctor before drinking yerba mate tea or taking a supplement.
