The latest diet trend taking social media by storm is oatzempic, a drink made of rolled oats, water, lime juice, and cinnamon that promises to help people lose up to 40 pounds in two months. Despite the appealing weight loss claims, experts warn against falling for the hype of crash diets like oatzempic. Dr. Eldad Einav, a weight loss doctor, believes that this trend is just another “magic potion diet” that doesn’t address the underlying factors that lead to weight gain. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Einav has seen numerous fad diets come and go, many of which pose risks to individuals’ health.
While the oatzempic drink may initially seem healthy because of its oat content, registered dietitian Maya Feller warns that it lacks essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, protein, and fats to function as a proper meal replacement. Feller emphasizes the importance of losing weight in a slow and sustainable manner, in line with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lose 1 to 2 pounds per week. She cautions that following the oatzempic trend could lead to lean body mass loss, slowed metabolism, dehydration, and nutrient deficiencies if sustained over time.
Feller also raises concerns about the potential dangers of oatzempic for growth, cognitive health, individuals on medication, and those with medical conditions. Abbey Sharp, a registered dietitian and CEO of Abbey’s Kitchen Inc., adds that the 140-calorie drink with laxative properties is unsuitable as a meal replacement and could lead to an unhealthy relationship with food. Despite the popularity of the oatzempic hashtag on social media, Sharp and other professionals stress that there is no evidence to support using this drink for weight loss. They caution against engaging in drastic calorie deficits, as the body may resist such changes by increasing hunger hormones and impacting overall health.
In response to the oatzempic trend, Sharp advises adopting a slow, steady, and sustainable approach to achieving weight loss goals. She emphasizes the need for moderation and balance in food choices, encouraging individuals to prioritize long-term health over rapid weight loss solutions. Einav echoes these sentiments, describing the trend as a risky gamble with health and urging caution against falling for exaggerated weight loss claims. As experts warn against the potential dangers of crash diets like oatzempic, it becomes essential to prioritize holistic health and well-being over quick-fix solutions promoted on social media platforms.
