Oat-zempic: Dieters Are Claiming Oat Drink Has Same Effects as Ozempic. Is it true?

With recent weight loss trends on social media, a new contender has come forward: “Oatzempic.” This trendy concoction is made from oats, water, and lime juice. The drink has gained significant traction on TikTok, with users citing it as potentially helping them lose up to 40 pounds in just two months.¹ However, despite the hype, questions have come up regarding its validity as a weight loss option and how safe it is, especially when some are comparing its effects to the prescription medication Ozempic.

“Like Ozempic But More Natural”

The “Oatzempic” trend draws its name from a clever amalgamation of “oats” and “Ozempic.” Using an association with the acclaimed drug is as easy as simple name marketing, but the popularity speaks for itself. Made by blending oats, water, and lime juice together, this drink has found its niche in the weight loss community, encouraging people with promises of rapid results. TikTok videos showing how to make the drink and describing the alleged effects have garnered millions of views in no time at all.

While oats are undeniably a wholesome part of a balanced diet, experts caution against equating the effects of “Oatzempic” with those of Ozempic or other weight loss medications. Dr. Mir Ali emphasizes the fundamental disparities between the two, “Ozempic is a hormone that affects your brain, as well as your gut. It suppresses the appetite for up to a week…When you eat oats, it can help you feel full for a few hours. [They are] certainly not the same”.² Oats, though beneficial for satiety and weight management, operate through mechanisms distinct from pharmaceutical interventions.

Research shows that oats are powerhouses because of their fiber content, particularly beta-glucan.³ Dr. Rudolph Bedford explains that while oats may induce the release of GLP-1, the amount and duration of this response are no match to when you take Ozempic.

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The Reality of “Oatzempic”

Experts caution against the “Oatzempic” trend for weight loss and advocate for a more healthy and gradual weight management approach. Lisa Valente, a registered dietitian, says the trend has no scientific merit and is potentially dangerous, as it can promote disordered eating patterns. Dr. Avantika Waring underscores the pitfalls of rapid weight loss, stating “If a person stops the “Oatzempic” diet, they’re likely to regain the weight they lost and may end up in a yo-yo dieting cycle.”

Critically, the theoretical benefits of “Oatzempic” have to be contextualized within the broader landscape of nutrition and weight management. While oats do have health benefits, they have none of the transformative properties tied to weight loss medications like Ozempic. When dietician Emily Haller was asked about the diet, she said there’s literally “nothing magical” about them. From the medical and diet community, the news is pretty cut and dry on this trend. 

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When it comes to social media, misinformation is everywhere; it sets unrealistic expectations and fosters unhealthy attitudes and expectations toward weight loss. Maggie Evans, a registered dietitian, cautions against embracing fad diets, advocating instead for evidence-based approaches to achieving sustainable weight loss. Not necessarily from pills like Ozempic, but at least from trusted, medically-backed approaches. The touch-and-go nature of trends like “Oatzempic” shows the continuous need for critical evaluation instead of chasing fleeting internet phenomena.

While the “Oatzempic” trend may be tempting to try for weight loss, its efficacy and safety remain questionable at best and it has no scientific backing whatsoever. As the discourse surrounding this trend unfolds, people are urged to exercise caution, prioritize evidence-based practices, and consult healthcare professionals for real guidance on their weight loss journey.

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