(NewsNation) — A new weight loss trend called “Oatzempic” is gaining traction on TikTok, but experts warn it is not a magic solution for shedding pounds.
The drink involves blending a half cup of rolled oats with a cup of water and the juice of half a lime. Proponents claim it can help you lose up to 40 pounds in just two months, hinging on the popular diabetes medication Ozempic.
However, while oats are a nutritious source of fiber, there is no evidence that this specific oat drink can lead to significant weight loss, according to experts told The New York Times.
The medications that have surged in popularity for weight loss, like Ozempic, work by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 that signals fullness to the brain. But the amount of GLP-1 released from eating oats is much lower and shorter-lasting than the drugs, experts say.
Oats can provide some benefits, like lowering cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar. But any weight loss from an oat-based drink is likely due to replacing a higher-calorie meal.
However, the “Oatzempic” drink is not a balanced meal and could lead to an unhealthy obsession with unrealistic weight loss, a doctor told The New York Times. A bowl of oatmeal with added protein, healthy fats, and fruit would be a more nutritious and sustainable option.
Experts caution that fad diets like “Oatzempic” are often unsustainable, and the weight loss may quickly return once the diet is abandoned.