What is the ‘oat-zempic’ weight loss trend, and is it for you?

Weight loss trends come and go but what stays behind is the impact they have on those who try them out in an earnest attempt to lose weight and reach their fitness goals. As such, it is essential to weigh the pros and cons of such short-lived trends before jumping on the bandwagon. We are saying this as there seems to be a new trend on the block: oat-zempic. The weight loss trend, a portmanteau of oats and Ozempic, has been doing the rounds on TikTok. It seems to be an offshoot of the trend of trying blood sugar drugs like Ozempic for weight loss, by replacing it with a low-cost, easily accessible option — dry oats.

The challenge entails blending a cup of water with half a cup of uncooked oats, along with a dash of lemon juice and even cinnamon. Some stick to the meal replacement drink for at least 21 days, or even eight weeks, according to several reports on the trend. However, despite the hype, nutrition experts are not entirely convinced about the drink’s effectiveness when it comes to weight loss.

Oatmeal, a staple whole grain food, stands out for its robust fibre content, making it a popular choice for breakfast. “Consumption of oatmeal promotes a sense of fullness, aiding in calorie reduction, while also delivering a bounty of essential vitamins and minerals,” said Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of Rang De Neela initiative.

With its low glycemic index, Dr Kovil said that oatmeal ensures a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream, curbing blood sugar spikes and fostering a steady energy level throughout the day.

Oats are full of fibre (Source: Freepik)

However, Dr Kovil told indianexpress.com that the mixture can in no way mimic Ozempic, (semaglutide) that holds FDA approval for obesity treatment. “This injectable medication operates as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), effectively curbing appetite and enhancing feelings of satiety. Typically administered weekly under medical supervision, semaglutide presents a potent tool in the battle against excess weight,” said Dr Kovil.

He added that Ozempic is an “evidence-based drug” while this trend is only riding on the popularity of Ozempic. “By suggesting that this weight loss trend is comparable to a well-approved weight loss drug, you are letting people believe that it works in a similar way — which is not true,” said Dr Kovil.

While some TikTokers claim that the Oatzempic drink, made with oatmeal, water, and lime juice, has resulted in significant weight loss for them, it’s important to approach such claims with caution, he emphasised.

He further added that such a meal replacement would lead to starvation without consuming a balanced diet. “I would emphasise a balanced diet, rich in whole grains and nutrient-dense foods that form the cornerstone of sustainable weight loss and overall wellness. Furthermore, the utilisation of semaglutide necessitates medical supervision due to its pharmaceutical nature and potential side effects,” said Dr Kovil.

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