Recently, a diet drink called 'Oatzempic' has gained explosive popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Influencers claim that this drink is a 'natural alternative' that produces effects similar to the expensive obesity treatments 'Wegovy' and 'Ozempic', allowing for dramatic weight loss in a short period. Is that really the case? We looked into the effects of Oatzempic on 'Healthstagram'.
The Identity of Oatzempic, Claiming to be 'Natural Ozempic'
Oatzempic is a neologism combining 'Oat' and the diabetes treatment 'Ozempic'. Ozempic is a diabetes treatment with the same ingredients as the well-known obesity treatment 'Wegovy' in Korea, which gained attention when Kim Kardashian reportedly lost 7kg in three weeks using this medication. Oatzempic is named to emphasize that the drink made from oatmeal can have dramatic effects like this medication.
The manufacturing method is simple. It involves mixing two tablespoons of oatmeal with water and lime juice and blending it. Depending on personal preference, coconut water, cinnamon powder, or honey can also be added, and it is generally consumed on an empty stomach once or twice a day. Influencers recommend replacing breakfast or main meals with this drink, sharing sensational testimonials claiming, "I lost about 18kg in two months."
Low Calories and High Satiety, But Processing Method is a Problem
What is the actual weight loss effect of Oatzempic? First of all, a glass of Oatzempic contains only about 150 calories. This means that drinking only Oatzempic can lead to temporary weight loss through calorie restriction.
The main ingredients, oatmeal and lime, are indeed health foods. Oatmeal is recognized as one of the 'Top 10 Health Foods' by the New York Times, containing relatively high levels of protein, essential amino acids, and micronutrients among grains. In particular, its high fiber content allows for prolonged satiety with a small amount.
The beta-glucan found in oatmeal is a soluble dietary fiber that forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, slowing digestion and maintaining satiety. This helps with appetite control, suppressing rapid blood sugar spikes, and regulating cholesterol. Lime is also a low-calorie food at 27 calories per 100g, rich in potassium, which is effective for sodium excretion and reducing swelling.
However, the problem lies in the form of consumption. Jin Bok, the director of Bundang Now Family Medicine Clinic, explained on his YouTube channel that "Oats and oatmeal are good diet foods, but when processed into powder or liquid form, they become refined carbohydrates that quickly raise blood glucose levels." In other words, consuming ground oatmeal significantly diminishes its original health benefits.
An even bigger problem is nutritional imbalance. Consuming Oatzempic alone can lead to malnutrition due to a lack of essential nutrients such as protein, fats, and minerals. In fact, the '18kg weight loss in two months' claimed on social media can only be achieved by combining extreme fasting with a one-food diet consisting solely of Oatzempic.
The one-food diet can lead to rapid weight loss but is accompanied by various side effects such as constipation, hair loss, anemia, and yo-yo effects. Oh Sang-woo, a specialist in family medicine at Dongguk University, warned that "when losing weight rapidly, muscle is lost first, and when gaining weight back, fat increases, leading to a lower basal metabolic rate and making it easier to gain weight."
He emphasized that "the most desirable diet is to consume a balanced intake of nutrients rather than focusing on one type of food while incorporating appropriate exercise."
"It Tastes Like Eating Porridge Made of Cardboard and Lemon"
In addition to the side effects of the one-food diet, there is the realistic problem that Oatzempic tastes bad. On social media, the taste of Oatzempic is described as "tasting like eating porridge made of cardboard and lemon."
Anyone who has experience with dieting knows this fact. To sustain a diet in the long term, one must at least choose foods that they like or are okay with eating. No matter how effective it is, if it tastes bad and cannot be sustained, it will ultimately lead to failure.
In conclusion, the weight loss effect of Oatzempic has not been scientifically verified. The Australian non-profit media 'The Conversation' pointed out that "the weight loss effect of Oatzempic has not been scientifically verified" and that "there is no official manufacturing method, recommended intake, or long-term research results."
This media warned that "while it may help as a substitute for breakfast, replacing it as a main diet is dangerous." They specifically pointed out that the name 'Oatzempic' itself is problematic, as it can confuse the drink with medication, creating the illusion that it has effects similar to drugs.
From a scientific perspective, Oatzempic is simply a fiber-rich drink. While it can provide satiety, its mechanism of action is completely different from the prescription drug Ozempic. The expression 'natural Wegovy' claimed on social media is likely an exaggeration.
If you want a healthy diet using oats, why not make overnight oats with milk or yogurt, oatmeal, berries, and nuts instead of Oatzempic? This could be a much tastier and balanced diet than consuming Oatzempic.
Editor’s Note: It seems okay as a meal substitute since it’s low in calories and filling... but cardboard + lemon porridge taste? Haha, dieting is indeed an eternal homework assignment.
