The "Ozempic" Craze: Should You Try Oat Milk for Weight Loss? Experts Weigh In.

A recent surge in online searches reveals a curious phenomenon: people are confusing Ozempic, a prescription injectable medication for type 2 diabetes and weight management, with oat milk.

This confusion, fueled by a shared phonetic similarity and both being associated with weight loss (though through vastly different mechanisms), has led to the bizarre "Oatempic" craze.

But should you jump on this bandwagon? Experts say, emphatically, no.

Ozempic, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, works by mimicking a natural hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite.

It's a powerful medication with potential side effects, requiring strict medical supervision.

Its effectiveness in weight loss is undeniable, but only under a doctor's care.

Oat milk, on the other hand, is a plant-based milk alternative.

While it's a healthier option than some other beverages, it doesn't possess the magical weight-loss properties often attributed to it in the "Oatempic" context.

Any potential contribution to weight management comes from its relatively low calorie content and the potential for replacing higher-calorie drinks.

However, this is a minor effect, and relying solely on oat milk for weight loss is unrealistic.

Registered dietitians and endocrinologists strongly caution against equating oat milk with Ozempic's effects.

Dr.

[Insert Name of Expert], a leading endocrinologist, states, "This is a dangerous misconception.

Ozempic is a powerful prescription drug, not a beverage.

Attributing its weight loss effects to oat milk is misleading and could lead people to neglect proper medical advice for weight management.

" The "Oatempic" trend highlights the dangers of misinformation online.

While oat milk can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, it's crucial to understand its limitations.

Sustainable weight loss requires a holistic approach encompassing a balanced diet, regular exercise, and, if necessary, medical guidance.

Instead of chasing quick fixes and misleading trends, individuals seeking weight loss should: Consult a healthcare professional: A doctor or registered dietitian can help create a personalized plan tailored to individual needs and health conditions.

Focus on a balanced diet: Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Prioritize regular exercise: Find activities you enjoy and aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

Seek reliable information: Consult reputable sources like medical journals, government health websites, and registered dietitians for accurate information.

The "Oatempic" craze serves as a reminder that sensationalized online trends should be treated with skepticism.

Sustainable and healthy weight loss requires a commitment to a balanced lifestyle, not magical solutions.

Prioritizing accurate information and professional guidance is essential for achieving long-term health and well-being.

Another weight loss trend is making its rounds — this time in the form of a drink called "oatzempic." The name combines a reference to oats, one of the drink's ingredients, with a play on , the diabetes drug that's become — even though there's no prescription medication involved.

Some TikTok users claim the drink — made with oats, water and lime juice — can help someone lose up to 40 pounds in as little as 2 months. Experts, however, say to be wary of any trend that promises to purge pounds fast.

Lisa Valente, a registered dietitian and nutrition editor at , calls the trend "clever marketing for something that has no merit behind it."

"Blended oat drinks are not the same as prescription drugs. It also seems like a dangerous trend that promotes disordered eating and isn't nutritionally sound or based in science," she told TheNews.

Maggie Evans, a registered dietitian and care specialist with virtual cardiometabolic care platform , calls the trend an "extreme measure."

"As we've seen before, whether it's , water fasts or other extreme diets, these (trends) may result in short-term weight loss results, but aren't the healthiest or most sustainable way to achieve that weight loss," she says.

TikTok has not blocked the term and hashtag (a step it appears to have taken for some other body image-related ), but when you search for "oatzempic" on the app, a banner appears saying "you are more than your weight," with links to resources. 

"Fast weight loss can be possible when you restrict calories significantly, and this drink is quite low in calories, so if you are using it as a meal replacement, it may lead to fast weight loss," Valente explains. "However, I wouldn't recommend it because it is not a safe way to lose weight."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says people who take the approach of  are more likely to keep the weight off than people who lose weight quickly.

"If a person stops the oatzempic diet, they're likely to regain the weight they lost and may end up in a yo-yo dieting cycle," says Dr. Avantika Waring, an endocrinologist and chief medical officer of 9amHealth. "We know that medically, losing and regaining weight repeatedly can actually make sustaining a healthy weight harder."

Waring says rapid weight loss can also result in: 

"Underfueling the body can also lead to constipation, dehydration, dizziness and menstrual irregularities," she says.

Yes, oats are a heart-healthy whole grain that can be part of a balanced diet, experts say, and their can also help us feel satisfied and fuller longer. But they're no "magic solution" for weight loss. 

"We don't have any data to suggest it is effective for weight loss, and it's likely that having a blended oat drink for breakfast would be as healthy as eating a bowl of oatmeal without added sugars or topped with just fresh fruit — which might also taste better!" Waring says. 

Plus, experts note the oatzempic drink is missing key nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

"There are other safer, healthier ways to lose weight that involve making small changes to your diet and don't remove entire foods or food groups," Valente says. 

In general, false or misleading information can be rampant on social media. Experts say they've seen increased misinformation regarding weight loss in the past year, specifically related to the interest in drugs like Ozempic.

"Everything from , an ineffective and potentially dangerous supplement — to overblown, fear-inducing side effects like 'Ozempic face' and 'Ozempic butt,'" Dr. James Wantuck, co-founder and chief medical officer of PlushCare,  

Nutrition is also a nuanced topic, Valente adds, making it difficult to explain in a short, 10-second clip online. 

"If you have questions about what you eat, I always recommend speaking with a health care professional rather than consulting social media," she says.