A Dietitian Reacts to the “Oatzempic” TikTok Trend

In the health and wellness world, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about topics when it comes to weight loss. The diabetes drug reportedly can help people lose weight by reducing hunger and increasing satiety levels (aka, you feel fuller on less food). It’s all over social media right now, with over 489K views on TikTok alone.

Now there’s a twist on the trend: Oatzempic, which involves drinking a blended oat beverage every day.

We spoke with registered dietitian Katherine Basbaum, RD, to find out whether or not the drink can help you lose weight and, more importantly, whether or not it’s healthy or safe.

What is Oatzempic?

Don’t be fooled by the name. Oatzempic actually has nothing to do with Ozempic. Instead, Oatzempic is a drink made with:

• 1/2 cup of oats
• 1 cup of water
• Fresh squeezed juice from half of a lime
• Optional: Dash of cinnamon.

According to a TikTok video, the trend involves drinking the beverage every day first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Users claim it can help you lose 40 pounds in two months.

Does it work for weight loss?

While many people online swear by the Oatzempic trend, Basbaum isn’t convinced it’s the fat-burning miracle it claims to be. “It may help a little bit, but it’s not a magic weight loss potion,” she cautions.

Here are the three main things to know:

1. Oats may help reduce your appetite. Basbaum explains that it’s likely the satiating effect of oats that helps with weight management. “Oats overall are rich in fiber, which is well known to promote fullness and curb appetite,” she says.
2. You are likely losing water weight, not fat. Because the oats are consumed raw in Oatzempic, they may have a laxative effect. This could lead to diarrhea and dehydration. While that temporary loss of water weight may show up as a lower number on the scale, it isn’t actual fat loss.
3. There’s no scientific evidence supporting Oatzempic. With so many factors unaccounted for and zero research, it’s hard to link Oatzempic directly to weight loss. “Keep in mind that many of the people on TikTok trying this for weight loss are following diet and exercise plans in addition to the Oatzempic drink,” Basbaum points out.

Key takeaways from Oatzempic

Basbaum says she likely wouldn’t recommend Oatzempic to someone trying to lose weight.

“Though it should be relatively safe and inexpensive for most people to try, it’s a gimmick,” she says.

However, there is some value to consuming more oats in general, Basbaum notes. Because of the high fiber content, oats in any form have a bunch of health benefits. Not only can they help you feel fuller for longer, they can also regulate blood sugar, improve digestion, and lower cholesterol.

Whether you’re having a bowl of unsweetened oatmeal for breakfast or blending raw oats into a shake, you can track your fiber intake in MyFitnessPal. Try upgrading your morning bowl of oats with these protein additions for a breakfast that will actually keep you satisfied!

Originally published March 2024.