Vicki McFarlane, a 53-year-old from North Yorkshire, has credited the herbal supplement berberine with helping her lose a significant amount of weight after years of struggling with various weight-loss methods. At her heaviest, McFarlane weighed 25 stone and wore a size 32, facing a lifelong battle with binge eating and weight management.

McFarlane’s weight issues began early, with her weighing between 15 and 16 stone during her school years. Her diet included high-calorie, processed foods she describes as “beige,” such as crisps, pies, pasties, and homemade chips fried in lard, along with substantial alcohol consumption, often drinking two bottles of white wine nightly. Over the years, she attempted multiple diets and surgical interventions in a bid to control her weight.

At age 33, McFarlane underwent a gastric band procedure—a surgery that involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the stomach to reduce its capacity and promote a feeling of fullness. Although she initially lost around four stone, recurring infections necessitated removal of the band after one or two years. She subsequently tried a gastric balloon, a non-surgical weight-loss aid involving insertion of an expandable balloon filled with saline into the stomach, but found the treatment painful and intolerable after two months.

Despite these setbacks, McFarlane sought further surgical solutions, booking a gastric bypass procedure in Turkey at a cost of approximately £5,000. However, the operation was canceled when surgeons found extensive abdominal adhesions from previous surgeries, deeming the procedure too risky.

In January 2023, weighing nearly 20 stone, she turned to Mounjaro, a weight-loss injection costing £180 per month. While she lost over two stone, severe side effects—including persistent nausea, headaches, and bad breath—led her to discontinue the treatment after only a few months.

Her breakthrough came when she discovered berberine, a herbal supplement traditionally used in Chinese medicine, which is believed to influence blood sugar regulation and fat metabolism. McFarlane began using berberine patches, purchased online for approximately £0.50 each. She reported an immediate reduction in appetite and cravings and adopted healthier eating habits, such as smaller portions and more balanced meals.

After four months on the patches, McFarlane reached her target weight of 14 stone 2 pounds, dropping several dress sizes. However, a period of indulgence during a winter stay in Turkey caused her to regain some weight. She then switched to berberine capsules, also sourced online for about £15 for a four-month supply, noting further weight loss and improvements.

Supporting her during this process, her husband, Darren, also began taking berberine capsules, resulting in a weight decrease from 17 stone 1 pound to 15 stone 11 pounds over six weeks.

Although McFarlane feels more energetic and healthier, she acknowledges challenges remain, including adjusting to her new size and finding clothing that suits her changing body. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed no regrets about the money spent on previous treatments but wished she had encountered berberine earlier, considering its impact on her overall health and confidence.