Ozempic has been in news for a while now due to its potential weight loss benefit. And now, it has got a twist, thanks to a few fitness enthusiasts who added “oat” to Ozempic. The “Oatzempic” has got nothing to do with Ozempic (semaglutide), which is a medicine often prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. Oatzempic is being touted as a weight loss drink by netizens, and people are even trying out the online challenge. Read on to know if you should try the viral Oatzempic challenge for weight loss or not.

What is the Oatzempic challenge?

Oatzempic is basically a drink. It is a name that combines the words “oats” and “Ozempic”. This drink is made by mixing oats, water, and lime juice, shares clinical nutritionist Shabana Parveen. Social media users are calling it the newest weight loss tonic, with believers claiming that it can help you in losing 40 pounds in two months.

Is it possible to lose weight by drinking Ozempic?

Oats can help in body weight management and appetite control, notes a 2023 study published in the Current Nutrition Reports journal. Since oats are high in fiber and lime juice is low in calories, that can somewhat help in weight loss. But this is not something which we can solely rely on to lose weight, says Parveen. There is no scientific evidence to support the notion that a combination of oats, water, and lime juice can help you in losing so much weight in two months.

It is important to approach any weight loss plan with caution. Losing 40 pounds in just two months is a very unrealistic goal and may not be healthy or sustainable for everyone.

What are the side effects of “Oatzempic”?

Oatzempic might seem like a healthy drink, but it can lead to stomach problems. Consuming too much of fiber can contribute to gas and bloating. If you are thinking about taking up the Oatzempic challenge, have enough liquids with it to avoid the risk of getting constipated. Other possible side effects are nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, says the expert.

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Is Oatzempic a healthier option than Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic is basically a medicine that is used with diet and exercise to treat adults whose type 2 diabetes is not satisfactorily controlled. It can aid in lowering blood sugar in diabetics by helping the pancreas make more insulin. People have been also claiming that the prescribed drug has been effective in weight loss. For a 2021 study published in The New England Journal of Medicine, overweight or obese people participated. They were given 2.4 mg of semaglutide once in a week. There was also lifestyle intervention. Researchers found there was sustained and clinically relevant body weight reduction in those participants.

But this drug is meant for people with diabetes. As for Oatzempic being better or healthier than the prescribed drug, such drinks cannot be solely relied upon for weight loss, says the expert. Such drinks must be consumed with caution and preferably after consulting a healthcare professional if you have certain underlying medical conditions.

What to keep in mind while losing weight in a healthy manner?

Your focus should be on sustainable weight loss rather than following social media trends. Here are some points to keep in mind while losing weight in a healthy manner:

1. Set realistic goals

Aim for gradual, sustainable weight loss of one to two pounds per week, as rapid weight loss can be detrimental to your health, says the expert.

2. Consume a balanced diet

There is a reason why your parents or friends or doctors stress on following a balanced diet. You should eat fruits, colourful vegetables, lean proteins as well as whole grains to stay healthy. These will give your body the nutrients for proper functioning.

3. Give up unhealthy eating habits

Refrain from consuming highly processed foods and excessive sugar and sodium, says the expert. Avoid overeating and unnecessary snacking if weight loss is your goal.

4. Drink water

Drink sufficient amount of water or healthy drinks throughout the day. This is a must because sometimes, feelings of hunger can actually be thirst in disguise.

Also, stay physically active and make sure that you get sufficient sleep.