In the world of health and wellness, Ozempic has become one of the most talked about weight loss topics. The diabetes drug can reportedly help people Lose weight by reducing the feeling of hunger and increasing the feeling of satiety (i.e. you feel full with less food). It’s all over social media right now, with over 489K views about TikTok alone.
Now there’s a twist on the trend: Oatzempic, which involves drinking a mixed oat drink every day.
We spoke with registered dietitian Katherine Basbaum, RD, to find out whether the drink can help you lose weight and, more importantly, whether it’s healthy or safe.
What is Oatzempic?
Don’t let the name fool you. Oatzempic actually has nothing to do with Ozempic. Instead, Oatzempic is a drink made from:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 cup of water
- Freshly squeezed juice of half a lime
- Optional: pinch of cinnamon.
According to a TikTok videoThe trend is to drink the drink every day first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Users claim it can help you with loss 40 pounds in two months.
Does it work for weight loss?
While many people online swear by the Oatzempic trend, Basbaum isn’t convinced it’s the fat-burning miracle it’s cracked up to be. “It may help a little, but it’s not a miracle weight loss cure,” she warns.
Here are the three most important things you should know:
- Oats can help reduce your appetite. Basbaum explains that it is likely satiating effect of oats This helps with weight management. “Overall, oats are rich fiberwhat is well known promote abundance And curb appetite“, she says.
- You’re probably losing water, not fat. Because the oats in Oatzempic are eaten raw, they can have a laxative effect. This could lead to this Diarrhea and dehydration. Even though this temporary water loss appears as a lower number on the scale, it is not actual fat loss.
- There is no scientific evidence for Oatzempic. Because so many factors are unaccounted for and there is no research, it is difficult to directly link Oatzempic to weight loss. “Keep in mind that many of the people on TikTok who are trying this for weight loss are also following diet and exercise plans in addition to the Oatzempic drink,” Basbaum points out.
Key insights from Oatzempic
Basbaum says she probably wouldn’t recommend Oatzempic to anyone looking to lose weight.
“Although it should be relatively safe and inexpensive for most people to try, it’s a gimmick,” she says.
However, it makes sense to generally consume more oats, emphasizes Basbaum. Oats in any form have a high fiber content a range of health benefits. They can’t just help you feel full for longerthey can do that too regulate blood sugar, improve digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
Whether you eat a bowl of unsweetened oatmeal for breakfast or mix raw oatmeal into a shake, you can keep an eye on your fiber intake MyFitnessPal. Try adding this to your morning bowl of oatmeal Protein supplements for a breakfast that really fills you up!
Originally published March 2024.
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