Another weight loss trend is making its rounds on social media — 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 Ozempic, the diabetes drug that's become popular for weight loss — even though there's no prescription medication involved.
Some TikTok users claim the drink — made with oats, water and lime juice — can help someone lose up to 40 pounds in as little as 2 months. Experts, however, say to be wary of any trend that promises to purge pounds fast.
Lisa Valente, a registered dietitian and nutrition editor at Healthline, calls the trend "clever marketing for something that has no merit behind it."
"Blended oat drinks are not the same as prescription drugs. It also seems like a dangerous trend that promotes disordered eating and isn't nutritionally sound or based in science," she told CBS News.
Maggie Evans, a registered dietitian and care specialist with virtual cardiometabolic care platform 9amHealth, calls the trend an "extreme measure."
"Just like previous trends such as Master Cleanse or water fasts, extreme diets like oatzempic may lead to short-term weight loss results, but they are not the healthiest or most sustainable approach to weight loss," a health expert cautions.
While TikTok has not banned the term and hashtag for oatzempic (unlike other body image-related trends such as "legging legs"), searching for it on the app triggers a banner reminding users that "you are more than your weight" and providing access to resources.
Concerns with Rapid Weight Loss
"Rapid weight loss is achievable by significantly reducing calorie intake, and since this drink is low in calories, using it as a meal replacement can lead to quick weight loss," explains Valente. "Nevertheless, I do not recommend it because it is not a safe method for losing weight."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes that individuals who opt for gradual and steady weight loss are more likely to maintain their weight loss compared to those who lose weight rapidly.
"If someone discontinues the oatzempic diet, they are prone to regaining the lost weight and may fall into a cycle of yo-yo dieting," warns Dr. Avantika Waring, an endocrinologist and chief medical officer of 9amHealth. "Medically, we know that the pattern of losing and regaining weight repeatedly can actually hinder the ability to maintain a healthy weight."
Warning: Rapid weight loss can also result in:
- Loss of lean muscle tissue
- Hair loss
- An impact to the body's ability to regulate body temperature
- Irritability
"Underfueling the body 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 fuller longer. But they're no "magic solution" for weight loss.
"We don't have any data to suggest it is effective for weight loss, and it's likely that having a blended oat drink for breakfast would be as healthy as eating a bowl of oatmeal without added sugars or topped with just fresh fruit — which might also taste better!" Waring says.
Plus, experts note the oatzempic drink is missing key 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 don't remove entire foods or food groups," Valente says.
Exploring Weight Loss Myths on Social Media
One of the prevalent issues on social media platforms is the spread of false or misleading information. Over the past year, experts have noticed a surge in misinformation related to weight loss, particularly concerning the popularity of drugs like Ozempic.
Dr. James Wantuck, the co-founder and chief medical officer of PlushCare, highlighted some of the misinformation circulating online, ranging from the promotion of ineffective supplements like 'nature's Ozempic' (berberine) to exaggerated and fear-inducing side effects such as 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic butt'.
Nutrition is a complex and nuanced subject, making it challenging to convey accurate information in brief, 10-second social media clips. Valente, a nutrition expert, advises individuals to consult with healthcare professionals for reliable guidance on dietary choices rather than relying on social media for information.
