Article by Maya Tu

Oatzempic - The Newest Diet Trend

Oats, water and lime juice… The concoction, otherwise known as ‘oatzempic’, has become a viral trend on all social media platforms with some videos being watched over 40,000 times and most comments being positive and encouraging (1).

The newest ‘all natural’ diet trend supposedly mimics the effects of Ozempic (hence the play on words). Ozempic, is the branded name of a prescribed drug called semaglutide and is usually given to adults with type 2 diabetes to help manage blood sugar levels. It suppresses appetite by slowing down the transit of food in the gastrointestinal tract, therefore slowing down digestion times. As a result, weight loss occurs. These types of drugs, however, are becoming more accessible to those without diabetes and those looking for quick solutions, which is obviously very concerning to health professionals.

But why Oatzempic?

Oatzempic ‘promises’ consumers fast weight loss without the need for medication, but how? Well firstly the drink contains roughly 170 calories, a lot lower than your average meal, therefore immediately promoting weight loss when replacing main meals (2). But additionally, research highlights that oats increase satiety, the feeling of ‘fullness’. Oats contain a type of soluble fibre called beta-glucan which contributes to these physiological effects (3). Research also shows that oats have other beneficial effects that can be seen in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes (4). Oats can increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), improve weight and BMI as well as improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity (4).

So yes, it may seem that this drink may be ‘healthy’ but this is not the way to manage weight. It would be better to start the day with a bowl of overnight oats or porridge to gain the benefits of consuming oats and to have the best start to your day.

Should we rely on Oatzempic?

Oatzempic may provide a quick fix for those looking for speedy results, however this is an unsustainable method as at some point individuals will likely stop following this diet, which will ultimately lead to weight gain. Not only this but fad diets often are linked to poor mental health and disordered eating with a big focus being on body image rather than overall wellbeing, optimal nutrition and health. Research has shown that a significant link can be seen between fad diets and nutritional adequacy, with those following fad diets having low nutritional adequacy and nutritional status (5). Evidently, there is a risk of poor health and it is therefore important to consider long-term overall health rather than temporary solutions.

What is a better approach?

Choosing a more sustainable approach, avoiding the restriction of foods and instead focusing on the whole diet, will provide better results in the long-term, promoting good mental and physical health. But what is the right diet? Research on The Mediterranean Diet has shown that individuals adhering to this have greater body weight and BMI reductions when compared with other diets (6). Similarly, it has been shown that over time individuals adhering to this diet have a much lower risk of becoming obese or gaining weight (6). Not only this but the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer are also lower. The Mediterranean Diet consists of minimally processed foods; lots of fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, wholegrain products, extra-virgin olive oil, fish and seafood, small amounts of red and processed meat. Combine this with regular physical activity for a very active healthy lifestyle.

Summary

Oatzempic may be a tempting solution and it might seem easy and quick; however, these quick fixes do not offer a healthy sustainable way of living. Focusing on your whole lifestyle will offer better health outcomes and if in doubt, please speak to your GP, Registered nutritionist or Dietician.

This blog was written by Maya Tu. Maya graduated with a First-Class Honours in BSc Nutrition and has just completed her Master's in Clinical and Public Health Nutrition, graduating with Distinction. She is a part of Jamie Oliver’s nutrition team and has a passion for childhood and sports nutrition.

References

1) Mayo Clinic Press. (2024). ‘Oatzempic’ - No, that’s not a typo. Available at: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/oatzempic-no-thats-not-a-typo/ (Accessed: 29 April 2024).

2) The Independent. (2024). What Is Oatzempic? TikTok’s Newest Trend Claims Oat Drink Can Lead To Weight Loss. Available at: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/oat-ozempic-weight-loss-tiktok-b2524663.html (Accessed: 29 April 2024).

3) Rebello, C. J., O'Neil, C. E., & Greenway, F. L. (2016). Dietary fiber and satiety: the effects of oats on satiety. Nutrition reviews, 74(2), 131–147. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuv063

4) Hou, Q., Li, Y., Li, L., Cheng, G., Sun, X., Li, S., & Tian, H. (2015). The Metabolic Effects of Oats Intake in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 7(12), 10369–10387. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7125536

5) Vidianinggar, M., Mahmudiono, T., & Atmaka, D. (2021). Fad Diets, Body Image, Nutritional Status, and Nutritional Adequacy of Female Models in Malang City. Journal of nutrition and metabolism, 2021, 8868450. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8868450

6) Dominguez, L. J., Veronese, N., Di Bella, G., Cusumano, C., Parisi, A., Tagliaferri, F., Ciriminna, S., & Barbagallo, M. (2023). Mediterranean diet in the management and prevention of obesity. Experimental gerontology, 174, 112121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2023.112121