Recently, I’ve noticed Ozempic gaining a lot of traction, particularly around those looking to lose weight. Unfortunately, the hefty price tag attached to it has made people get creative with an alternative. This is how I came across Oatzempic, which claims to offer similar weight loss benefit.
What is Oatzempic?
In reading Healthline, I came across Lauren Mahesri, RDN, LD, from The Pediatric Dietitian, comments. She shared that the Oatzempic trend emerged online, with users sharing how the concoction may encourage weight loss. The drink is created by mixing half a cup of oats, a cup of water, and the juice of half a lime into a blender.
“The theory is that the fiber in the oats and the citric acid in the lime juice are both subtle appetite suppressants,” said Mahesri, which keeps you from eating excess calories throughout the day. Mahesri added that as fiber takes longer to digest, it slows [the] rate of digestion down slightly, which ‘mimics’ what Ozempic does.
Is Oatzempic effective?
I also came across Jill Barat, PharmD, with Pharmedico Pharmacy, comments who, when speaking to Healthline, expressed that you are just as likely to lose weight by eating oatmeal for breakfast every morning. You should not expect Oatzempic to result in any form of rapid weight loss.
That said, I’ve learned that rapid weight loss is not healthy for anyone. As mentioned, a bowl of oatmeal is a better option for weight loss and is a healthy and filling breakfast but will not result in the same benefits as Ozempic.
Barat adds that any sort of claim that Oatzempic will provide the same benefits as GLP-1 medications like Ozempic is simply not true.
Is Oatzempic safe?
Through my research, I’ve come across all sorts of health hacks with extreme claims attached to them, so I do question if Oatzempic is a safe strategy to use.
Now, the good news is that Oatzempic contains whole food ingredients. Yet, these ingredients may result in an increased blood sugar level. This can be harmful, especially if you are living with diabetes.
Also, blood sugar spikes typically result in a crash, which is followed by a craving for more carbohydrates. This creates a never-ending cycle and can result in one becoming insulin resistant and ultimately becoming diabetic and even obese.
Referring back to Barat’s conversation with Healthline, she expressed concerns that some people falsely believe that Oatzempic is a genuine weight loss alternative to Ozempic.
“[I]t is not,” she stated, adding, that “extreme rapid weight loss isn’t healthy.”
Approach social media dietary trends with caution
I always remind myself to approach social media diet trends with caution, and I implore you to do the same. Also, most importantly, speak to your healthcare provider before adopting any trending diet tricks.
My References
‘Oatzempic Challenge’ on TikTok: Does It Work for Weight Loss? (healthline.com)
“Oatzempic” — No, that’s not a typo – Mayo Clinic Press
What Is ‘Oatzempic’? A Dietitian On TikTok’s Weight Loss Recipe | marie claire
