Ozempic is often prescribed by doctors for people with type 2 diabetes. It may help to manage blood sugar levels, as well as reduce certain health risks in people who have heart disease. But people are also infamously using Ozempic for weight loss. Going by the social media buzz, those who don’t want to have prescribed drugs like Ozempic like to go for its cheaper alternatives. Many social media users claim ‘Rice-zempic’ works as well as Ozempic when it comes to weight loss. All you need is rice, water and lemon! Read on to know what Rice-zempic is and if it is a natural alternative to Ozempic for weight loss.

What is rice-zempic?

Just like oatzempic, rice-zempic is touted to a weight loss drink. It is a starchy rice water that is obtained after soaking rice, and then you add lemon juice to it. Here is a simple recipe that is going viral on the internet!

• Wash a cup of rice thoroughly to remove dust particles.
• Add 2 to 3 cups of water and allow it to soak for 4 hours or you can soak it overnight.
• Now strain the water and transfer it to a glass.
• Add 2 to 3 teaspoons of lemon juice to make the drink.

Does rice-zempic help to lose weight?

There is no research to support claims made by netizens about this drink helping in losing weight. But there is one study that links lemon to weight loss. Lemon’s polyphenols, which are micronutrients with antioxidant properties, were linked to less weight gain during a 2008 study published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. Researchers also found that lemon helped in improving fat metabolism, but the study involved mice and not humans.

Rice-zempic is basically a starchy drink. As it is in liquid consistency, it might give the feeling of fullness, but it will not last long, dietitian Ramya B tells Health Shots. Due to its starchy content, it gets digested and utilised at a faster rate and stimulates hunger pangs immediately. Rice-zempic may boost your energy level and keep you hydrated while providing necessary electrolytes. Hydration may increase the breakdown of fats and help with fat loss, as per a 2016 study published in the Frontiers in Nutrition journal. Also, choosing rice water with lemon juice instead of other sugary soft drinks is a better option for your gut health.

Is rice-zempic an alternative to Ozempic?

Ozempic is a semaglutide injection used in people with type 2 diabetes mostly to manage their blood glucose level. It stimulates insulin production in the pancreas, controls gluconeogenesis and reduces the release of glucose from the liver. It is not specifically labelled as a weight loss medicine, but people who take semaglutide, which is the main ingredient in Ozempic, may help in weight loss.
On the other hand, rice-zempic does not have any of these properties so, it cannot be suggested as an alternative to ozempic drug, says Ramya.

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Who should avoid rice-zempic?

Rice-zempic may not necessarily be a weight loss drink, but it is not harmful and can be consumed by most people. Still, it is a starchy water, so it is not suitable for uncontrolled diabetic patients, says the expert. People with a sensitive gut, should also have rice water with lemon juice in less amount.

Rice-zempic may not directly help in weight loss, but it is a good way to stay hydrated. Also, choose a holistic balanced diet for weight loss instead of relying on social media trends to lose weight. So, for sustainable weight loss, have a balanced meal with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean meat and eggs, along with regular physical activity.