If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you may have noticed a new weight loss trend making the rounds called “oatzempic.” This drink, which consists of rolled oats, water, lime juice and cinnamon, claims to help people shed up to 40 pounds in just two months. The #oatzempic hashtag is quickly gaining steam, with over 1,700 posts already.
But before you go rolling out the oats, there are some important things you should know. As a trusted source for health and wellness information, we want to take a closer look at this latest fad diet and share insights from medical experts on why it may not be the magic weight loss solution it claims to be.
First, it’s important to understand that despite its clever name, the oatzempic drink does not actually contain any Ozempic (a diabetes medication known to cause weight loss as a side effect). Instead, it relies on extremely low calories and laxative properties to produce rapid weight loss.
According to registered dietitian Maya Feller, oatzempic is “another dangerous and restrictive fad diet” that doesn’t provide nearly enough nutrients to be used as a meal replacement. “Following this trend can lead to the loss of lean body mass which has the potential to slow the metabolism, and loss of water can lead to dehydration,” Feller explains. “When followed for long periods of time, I’d be concerned about developing nutrient deficiencies.”
Weight loss doctor Eldad Einav agrees that oatzempic is just the latest in a long line of “magic potion diets” that fail to address the root causes of weight gain. He cautions that losing more than 1-2 pounds per week (as this diet promises) is not only unrealistic for most people, but can actually be quite dangerous without medical supervision.
Other potential side effects of such a restrictive diet include fatigue, nausea, headaches, irritability, and gallstones. It can also fuel disordered eating patterns and an unhealthy obsession with losing weight as quickly as possible.
The bottom line is that safe, sustainable weight loss requires a balanced diet, not a restrictive fad. Aim for a modest calorie deficit, plenty of nutrient-dense whole foods, and regular physical activity. This approach may take a bit longer, but it will support your overall health instead of jeopardizing it.
If you are looking to lose weight, the best thing you can do is speak with your doctor or a registered dietitian who can help you develop an individualized plan that meets your needs. Be wary of too-good-to-be-true promises from unqualified influencers on social media. When it comes to your health, slow and steady really does win the race. The oatzempic trend may be alluring, but it’s simply not worth the risks.
