Myth busting – Ozempic vs. ‘Oatzempic’ – what are the facts?

Ozempic – what is it and why is everyone talking about it?

Ozempic is a medication used to help with diabetes. It is a weekly injection which helps to lower blood glucose levels. It is approved for the treatment of diabetes in Australia. In some cases, appetite suppression, (which means you may feel less hungry) has been a reported side effect. This has resulted in a lot of people sharing stories online about how they have used Ozempic to lose weight.

Is it suitable for everyone?

If you are interested in using Ozempic, make an appointment with your doctor or diabetes educator to discuss whether it is a good fit for you. Each medication can cause side-effects and it may not be suitable with other medications you are taking. Continue to follow a healthy diet, be active and take any medications currently prescribed until you have this discussion.

But what is this new craze – ‘Oatzempic’?

In the ever-growing world of health and wellness trends, a new fad is on the market ‘Oatzempic.’ Oatzempic is the name given to a food which is a mixture of blended oats, lime juice, and water. It has been creating headlines on social media, claiming it will lead to rapid weight loss if you eat/drink it. 'Oatzempic' draws its name from the previously mentioned medication, Ozempic even though it has no relation to the medication.

Is there any evidence behind this drink?

'Oatzempic' is a very low-energy drink, as it consists of only oats, water and lime.

Individually, the ingredients of the drink are healthy and nutritious. Oats are an excellent source of soluble fibre, especially one type called beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce blood glucose spikes after meals. Higher fibre diets are associated with reduced risk of heart disease, certain cancers and supports a healthy gut and regular bowel habits.

Fibre-rich foods like oats also take longer to digest than lower-fibre foods. Fibre slows down the movement of food through your gut, which can help you feel fuller and satisfied for longer. For more information on fibre, read our other nutrition article for this month. Eating more fibre is the key to better health.

So how could Oatzempic help you to lose weight?

Like other viral weight loss trends, the natural question is whether ‘Oatzempic’ is legitimate, or whether there are any specific properties in it which promote weight loss. The short answer is – no.

This drink merely acts as a low – energy meal replacement (with a catchy name!).
For example, if you normally have breakfast which includes a bowl of cereal and 2 slices of toast in the morning— and you substitute it with ‘Oatzempic’, you will be consuming less energy (kilojoules). If you continue doing this every day this may lead to an energy deficit, and weight loss.

Considerations for People with Diabetes

For people with diabetes, 'Oatzempic' needs additional considerations. While oats are a source of soluble fibre and can be part of a healthy diet, consuming 'Oatzempic' by itself for breakfast, may lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels (BGL). Traditional steel cut oats have a low glycaemic index (GI), which means they are digested slowly and do not spike BGL. However, blending them will increase the GI, which may result in fluctuations in BGL. Read more about the GI here.

So if it is effective – should I take it?

While 'Oatzempic' may help with weight loss, relying on one dietary change is unlikely to result in long-term weight-loss benefits. Now that we are coming into the colder months, start your day with a hearty bowl of warm porridge. You can add some milk for additional protein and calcium, berries or seeds for extra fibre, and a teaspoon of peanut butter for healthy fats. This meal is much more nutritionally balanced, will keep you satisfied for longer, likely will be better for your BGLs, and let’s face it – it’s a lot tastier!

Final note:

While the promise of quick fixes may be tempting, long-term weight loss and effective diabetes BGL management require realistic lifestyle changes and an individualised approach. If you are unsure on whether something is suitable for you, consult with a healthcare professional to make sure you stay safe and follow reliable advice.

If you would like an individual appointment with a dietitian or a credentialed diabetes educator, you can book directly into our Diabetes Victoria Clinic here.