The trend of "oatzempic" revolves around a drink made of oats, water, and lime juice, drawing inspiration from the diabetes drug Ozempic, which has been linked to weight loss. Despite the clever marketing and promises of rapid weight loss, experts like Lisa Valente and Maggie Evans caution against trends that lack scientific backing or may promote unhealthy eating habits.
While fast weight loss may be achievable through extreme measures like the oatzempic drink, it is deemed risky and unsustainable in the long term by healthcare professionals. Rapid weight loss can have detrimental effects on the body, disrupting its ability to regulate temperature and leading to issues like constipation, dehydration, dizziness, and menstrual irregularities, as noted by Dr. Avantika Waring. Additionally, the oatzempic drink is critiqued for its lack of essential nutrients such as protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it an inadequate solution for sustainable weight loss.
Experts warn about the prevalence of false information surrounding weight loss on social media platforms like TikTok, where trends like "oatzempic" and misleading claims about products like Ozempic have gained traction. Nutrition, a complex and nuanced subject, is often oversimplified online, prompting the recommendation to seek advice from healthcare professionals rather than relying on social media for dietary guidance.