What is the ‘oat-zempic’ weight loss trend, and is it for you?

Oatmeal, a staple whole grain food, stands out for its robust fibre content, making it a popular choice for breakfast. “Consumption of oatmeal promotes a sense of fullness, aiding in calorie reduction, while also delivering a bounty of essential vitamins and minerals,” said Dr Rajiv Kovil, head of diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of Rang De Neela initiative.

With its low glycemic index, Dr Kovil said that oatmeal ensures a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream, curbing blood sugar spikes and fostering a steady energy level throughout the day.

Oats are full of fibre (Source: Freepik)

However, Dr Kovil told indianexpress.com that the mixture can in no way mimic Ozempic, (semaglutide) that holds FDA approval for obesity treatment. “This injectable medication operates as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), effectively curbing appetite and enhancing feelings of satiety. Typically administered weekly under medical supervision, semaglutide presents a potent tool in the battle against excess weight,” said Dr Kovil.

He added that Ozempic is an “evidence-based drug” while this trend is only riding on the popularity of Ozempic. “By suggesting that this weight loss trend is comparable to a well-approved weight loss drug, you are letting people believe that it works in a similar way — which is not true,” said Dr Kovil.

While some TikTokers claim that the Oatzempic drink, made with oatmeal, water, and lime juice, has resulted in significant weight loss for them, it’s important to approach such claims with caution, emphasised Dr Rajiv Manek, consultant general laparoscopic, metabolic and bariatric surgery, Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road.

He further added that such a meal replacement would lead to starvation without consuming a balanced diet. “I would emphasise a balanced diet, rich in whole grains and nutrient-dense foods that form the cornerstone of sustainable weight loss and overall wellness. Furthermore, the utilisation of semaglutide necessitates medical supervision due to its pharmaceutical nature and potential side effects,” said Dr Manek.