Some people claim to have lost up to 18 kilos in two months by taking this appetite suppressant drink.
Doesn’t this name remind you of something? That of Ozempic, a famous drug based on semaglutide normally indicated in cases of type 2 diabetes, but sometimes misused as an appetite suppressant to lose weight. He has been talked about a lot on social networks and in particular on TikTok where users (dangerously) praise his merits. Still with the aim of losing weight, a new drink called “Oatzempic” – in a nod to the hypoglycemic drug – has emerged on the networks but has nothing to do with a drug. This would have appetite suppressant effects and some people claim to have lost up to 18 kilos in two months.
The drink, whose name combines the words “oat” and “Ozempic”, is prepared by mixing 1/2 cup of oatmeal, 1/2 cup of water and the juice of half a lemon Green. TikTok users present it as “the new tonic for weight loss” that you should drink every day to hope to see results. On paper, the recipe doesn’t seem completely incongruous. Oatmeal is known to be extremely rich in fiber and provide a quick and lasting satiety effect. Additionally, they contain a specific type of fiber (beta-glucan) that absorbs water, transforms it into gel, slows the absorption of glucose into the blood and contributes to normal cholesterol levels. A 2023 study showed that “oats were rich in macronutrients, soluble fiber, minerals, vitamins and several phytochemicals, which played a positive role in maintaining body weight and BMI, reducing body fat percentage and regulating appetite and energy“. As for lemon juice “it does not make you lose weight, but as it cleanses the body by burning a little fat thanks to its vitamin C content, it helps eliminate toxins more easily”, explained to us Amélie Mounier, naturopath, in a previous article.
Although the ingredients that make up this drink are “healthy” and may help with weight management, health professionals warn that the comparison of the drink to the drug Ozempic and the weight loss claims are exaggerated and misleading. Its composition has nothing to do with the drug and the promise of significant weight loss is completely overused. “Ozempic is a hormone that affects your brain as well as your intestines. It suppresses appetite for up to a week. When you eat oats, it can help you feel full for a few hours. But the effects are certainly not the same“, explains Dr. Mir Ali, bariatric surgeon to the magazine Health.
Why not take this drink for breakfast from time to time, combining it with a source of protein and a fruit for example and being aware that it will not work miracles. “It certainly won’t hurt anyone. However, you should make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid bloating, gas and constipation.” he added. It remains to be seen whether the taste is good… In any case, “it is unlikely that simply drinking a glass of Oatzempic will have any real effects if other lifestyle habits remain unchanged. In this case, it would be beneficial to focus on other changes, including an overall nutritious diet and a more active lifestyle. It’s important to focus on nutrition throughout the day“, did he declare “and not on a single meal“.