Another weight loss trend is catching on on social networks — this time in the form of a drink called “oatzempic.” The name combines a reference to oats, one of the drink’s ingredients, with a play on Ozempicthe diabetes medication that has become popular for weight loss – even if there are no prescription drugs involved.
Some TikTok users claim the drink – made from oats, water and lime juice – can help someone lose up to 40 pounds in just 2 months. However, experts advise to be wary of any trend that promises to lose weight quickly.
Lisa Valente, a registered dietitian and senior nutrition editor at Healthline, calls the trend “clever marketing for something that has no merit.”
“Oat drinks are not the same as prescription medications. This also appears to be a dangerous trend that promotes eating disorders and is not nutritionally sound or science-based,” she said. she told CBS News.
Maggie Evans, a dietitian and care specialist at virtual cardiometabolic care platform 9amHealth, calls the trend an “extreme measure.”
“As we have seen before, whether Master Cleaningwater fasts or other extreme diets, these (trends) may lead to short-term weight loss results, but are not the healthiest or most sustainable way to achieve this weight loss,” says- She.
TikTok did not block the term and hashtag (a step it appears to have taken for other body image-related apps). trends like “legging legs”), but when you search for “oatzempic” on the app, a banner appears saying “you punch above your weight,” with links to resources.
Rapid Weight Loss Problems
“Rapid weight loss may be possible when you severely limit calories, and this drink is quite low in calories, so if you use it as a meal replacement, it can lead to rapid weight loss,” says Valente. “However, I would not recommend it as it is not a safe way to lose weight.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that people who take a gradual, steady approach to weight loss are more likely to maintain their weight than those who lose weight quickly.
“If a person stops the oatzempic diet, they are likely to regain the weight they lost and may find themselves in a yo-yo dieting cycle,” says Dr. Avantika Waring, endocrinologist and chief medical officer of 9amHealth. “We know that medically, repeatedly losing and regaining weight can actually make it more difficult to maintain a healthy weight.”
Waring says rapid weight loss can also lead to:
- Loss of lean muscle tissue
- Hair loss
- An impact on the body’s ability to regulate body temperature
- Irritability
“A lack of fuel can also lead to constipation, dehydration, dizziness and menstrual irregularities,” she says.
But aren’t oats healthy?
Yes, oats are a heart-healthy whole grain that can be part of a balanced diet, experts say, and their high fiber content can also help us feel satisfied and full for longer. But they are not a “magic bullet” for weight loss.
“We have no data to suggest that it is effective for weight loss, and it is likely that having an oatmeal drink for breakfast would be as healthy as eating a bowl of sugar-free oatmeal added or topped with only fresh fruit – which might also taste better!” Waring said.
Additionally, experts note that the oatzempic drink lacks essential nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
“There are other safer, healthier ways to lose weight that involve making small changes to your diet and not cutting out foods or entire food groups,” Valente says.
Weight Loss “Hacks” on Social Media
In general, false or misleading information can be commonplace on social media. Experts say they’ve seen an increase in misinformation about weight loss over the past year, particularly due to interest in drugs like Ozempic.
“All of “nature’s Ozempic” – aka berberinean ineffective and potentially dangerous supplement – with exaggerated and frightening side effects like ‘Ozempic face’ and ‘Ozempic butt,'” said Dr. James Wantuck, co-founder and chief medical officer of PlushCare, previously told CBS News.
Nutrition is also a nuanced topic, Valente adds, making it difficult to explain in a short 10-second clip online.
“If you have questions about what you’re eating, I always recommend talking to a healthcare professional rather than checking social media,” she says.
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