Experts share word of warning on 'Oat-Zempic' trend
It's been on the rise across social media
The wellness sphere is raving about Oat-Zempic, the latest ‘health drink’ that TikTok creators claim can mimic the rapid weight-loss effects of GLP-1 medications - but experts aren't as convinced.
The University College London estimated earlier this year that 1.6 million adults in England, Wales and Scotland have previously used licensed weight loss drugs to help them shed kilograms.
While Ozempic isn’t actually classed as a weight-management option in Britain or the United States, celebrities such as the Oscar-winning Kathy Bates, comedian Tracy Morgan, and Sharon Osbourne have all credited the product for helping them manage their weight.
Despite GLP-1 drugs being lauded by various famous faces and influencers alike, some remain sceptical, often due to other prevalent side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and mild tachycardia (increased heart rate).
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In retaliation, many have been searching for a more ‘natural’ version of the jab, and, as a result, have come up with ‘Oat-Zempic’.
What is Oat-Zempic?
Oat-Zempic is a blended oat drink which has gone viral on social media for reportedly making you feel fuller for longer, thus helping with weight loss.
According to a recipe listed on Web MD, it contains just three ingredients: raw oats, water, and lime juice.
The blend is packed with fibre, reportedly comes in at just 150 calories, and can reportedly help you snack less during the day.
Oat-Zempic less powerful than medication
Studies suggest that oats can help you maintain a healthy weight due to their fibre content, which promotes satiety.
Jennie Stanford, an Obesity Medicine Physician and medical contributor for Drugwatch, told VegNews that over time, this increased fullness ‘may lead to decreased overall caloric intake, which promotes weight loss’.
“Oats may help lower cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease,” she continued. “They may also help control blood sugar in some people.”
However, it’s important to note that oats are far less powerful than medication.
Semaglutide delivers GLP-1 agonist in a highly concentrated dose, which cannot be compared to Oat-Zempic, as per the BBC.
Despite praising the carbohydrate, Stanford was quick to say that they aren’t a ‘magic ingredient’.
She also said that they will not ‘produce the degree of weight loss seen with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic)’.
Health warnings related to Oat-Zempic
Other experts have warned that consuming water-blended oats may cause blood sugar spikes.
Severe and sustained spikes have the ability to trigger various life-threatening conditions and may cause symptoms such as weakness, blurred vision, and frequent urination, as per the NHS.
Using the beverage as a meal replacement may lead to nutrient deficiencies.
To make sure you consume enough vitamins, Lesley Kumar, a Nutrition Consultant at Ringside24, told VegNews that you should try to drink the beverage as part of a ‘well-balanced, nutritious diet’.
This includes chowing down on plant-based and nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, legumes, nuts, and high-fibre fruits.
According to WebMD, you should also include plenty of sleep and practice good stress management.
“Anything that becomes viral on TikTok need not necessarily benefit people,” she added.
“Sustainable weight loss involves gradual changes in diet and exercise.”
Topics: Health, Diet, Social Media
Ella Scott