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Another TikTok trend has evolved, with people combining half a cup of rolled oats, a cup of water, and half a lime juice.
Some TikTok users are hailing this beverage, called the ‘Oatzempic‘ by its fans, as the latest weight loss hack.
Despite its name being similar to the diabetic medication Ozempic, which is part of a family of treatments that have gained popularity for aiding weight loss, there is no direct link between the two.
However, does the drink have any merit? Can it genuinely help you lose weight?
Oatzempic for weight loss
Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian at Huntington Hospital in New York, commented on the prevalence of food trends on TikTok, particularly those claiming various health benefits like weight loss, skin improvement, increased energy, or other health claims. She noted the existence of many unconventional food combinations within these trends. However, she highlighted one trend involving blended oat drinks as relatively straightforward and safe.
According to Schiff, incorporating a blended drink into one’s diet could facilitate weight loss. She explained that consuming such a drink, or any blended beverage for that matter, could result in weight loss, especially if used as a meal replacement. By doing so, individuals create a calorie deficit since the drink typically contains fewer calories than a regular meal. Schiff emphasized that sustained calorie deficit can lead to weight loss over time, regardless of the specific ingredients in the drink.
However, Schiff cautioned that expecting weight loss comparable to that achieved with Ozempic is unrealistic. Ozempic, a medication, works differently and is unlikely to be replicated by simply consuming blended oat drinks.
Oatzempic is nothing like Ozempic
Per information from the Food and Drug Administration, Ozempic is a medication designed to activate the hormone GLP-1. Its primary purposes include enhancing blood sugar regulation and reducing the risk of heart disease in individuals with Type 2 diabetes. Additionally, some of these medications are utilized to aid weight loss in patients dealing with obesity. The FDA gave approval to the first GLP-1 medication in 2005, and since then, several drugs in this category have emerged.
GLP-1 medications function by mimicking a hormone found in the intestines, stimulating insulin release, and lowering blood glucose levels after meals. They also prolong the passage of food through the digestive system, contributing to a sense of prolonged fullness. Notably, GLP-1 receptors are present in parts of the brain responsible for appetite regulation.
These drugs typically require once-weekly injections for administration. According to UCHealth, most patients may need to continue using these medications to maintain weight loss. However, it’s important to note that they may come with unpleasant side effects and can be costly due to the absence of generic alternatives.
Oats for health, weight loss
Oats have long been recognized for their positive impact on health and potential role in weight loss. While there’s no direct connection between the ‘Oatzempic’ diet and the medication Ozempic, they are are esteemed for their nutritional richness and health advantages. These include blood sugar regulation and a reduced risk of heart disease. Studies have previously associated the consumption of high dietary fiber and whole grains, like those found in oats, with weight loss.
Harvard’s School of Public Health underscores the meal as a valuable tool for weight management and hunger control due to its high water and soluble fiber content. Oat products can impart a feeling of fullness and stomach expansion, which in turn reduces appetite.
However, Colleen Tewksbury, an assistant professor in nutrition science at the University of Pennsylvania, noted that while oats offer nutritional benefits, there’s no specific evidence supporting the weight loss efficacy of consuming blended oats. Tewksbury explained that weight loss might occur if individuals replace a high-calorie meal with a low-calorie blended oat drink, resulting in a calorie deficit. However, sustainability and meeting nutritional requirements throughout the day are key considerations.
From a broader health perspective, Tewksbury highlighted that a significant portion of the U.S. population consumes inadequate whole grains, as recommended by dietary guidelines. Incorporating more whole grains into daily consumption could have overall health benefits.
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