Oatzempic: the latest viral TikTok weight-loss trend

What are Oatzempic oats… and do they work?

Chrissy Freer

less than 2 min read

June 4, 2024 - 9:11PM

antioxidant-boosting-smoothie

Oatzempic is the latest viral Tik Tok ‘health’ trend to hit the shelves. It’s named after Ozempic, the type 2 diabetes medication that many are hailing as a miracle weight-loss drug (despite the TGA clearly asking health professionals “not to prescribe Ozempic to new patients unless there is a compelling clinical reason to do so”).

What is Oatzempic?

A blended concoction of oats, water and lime juice, social media influencers are making various ‘health’ claims about the drink, such as that it aids weight loss by making you feel full.

There is no arguing the key ingredient in this drink – oats – have long been associated with health benefits. Oats are known to aid satiety, being packed with soluble fibre (beta-glucans), that can increase the feeling of fullness and have also been proven to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Weight-loss drink or diet fad?

The concerning element of this viral drink is like all fad diets doing the rounds. It promotes restriction and an unhealthy relationship with food (and not to mention probably tastes disgusting).

It also lacks basic balance and important nutrients, such as protein (eg. from Greek yoghurt, milk or eggs) and fatty acids (eg. seeds and nuts or avocado) and fruit or veg that constitute a balanced breakfast.

How to lose weight sensibly

Healthy eating and weight loss (if required) is about food habits that can be sustained in the long-term and implemented into everyday living. Food diversity is also an essential element of good health, to maximise nutrient intake, promote gut health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

Most importantly, food is meant to be enjoyed. Mushy sour oats for breakfast – no thank you!

The best way to eat oats

To enjoy the health benefits of oats, try one of these balanced and nutritious breakfast recipes that will keep you feeling full, but also taste delicious (and let’s ditch the fad diets!)

Healthy overnight oats