Limey oatmeal for weight loss? Tara tries it.

Oatmeal and water and lime juice, oh boy. I thought this internet diet trend sounded interesting too, so I added it to my Tara-tries-the-TikTok-trend project and acted as the guinea pig and source of registered dietitian truth. “Oatzempic” is the newest word in the weight-loss world this month (on social media, at least), but it’s not a drug at all … it’s blended limey oatmeal. Let me explain.

What is “Oatzempic”

 The recipe for “oatzempic” is ½ cup oats, one cup of water and juice from half of a lime, blended together. Why lime juice, you ask? Why not vanilla extract or a flavored protein powder? Excellent questions. And sorry, there are no readily available answers. Despite the mystery, a community of TikTokers grabbed their mini blenders and latched on to the trend. Various videos have been watched 40,000 times and contain more than 1,000 comments, often positive. “Same effect [as Ozempic],” TikTok user Renita says. There’s even an “oatzempic challenge” group within the platform.

Following a 16-hour fast, I tried it myself. I enjoy oats in other forms, like overnight oats, a warm bowl for breakfast or muesli with yogurt, but this one was just … watery. I suppose I can be thankful the cabbage soup diet isn’t trending.

Can drinking ‘oatzempic’ promote weight loss?

Sure, but so can drinking [insert ANY beverage here], as long as you’re in a caloric deficit … 500-calorie margarita? Yep. Again, so long as this is fewer calories than your baseline intake (despite some clear nutrition concerns). The theory behind oatzempic’s weight-loss power, however, also relates to the oats themselves. Oats are high in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that increases fullness and decreases hunger.

Perhaps not required, but it appears that many dieters are also utilizing time-restricted eating (a version of intermittent fasting). Now we’re in a chicken-or-egg situation. Did we save calories by skipping meals? Did the oats replace a bagel and cream cheese? My guess is that it is likely a combination of 1) Time-restricted eating, which decreases some people’s calorie intake 2) Staying fuller longer due to the oats promoting satiety and/or 3) The concoction is replacing a previous higher calorie breakfast.

Are there any benefits of ‘oatzempic’?

It’s clear oats have health benefits. Studies have shown the role oats play in reducing the risk of heart disease, type II diabetes and obesity. They contain antioxidant compounds, cholesterol-lowering phytosterols and phytochemicals, which can improve gut health. I’d like it noted that ½ cup of traditionally prepared oatmeal is likely to cause the same effects, but who asked me. I just want everyone to eat healthy, well-balanced, delicious meals; so, if the oat water and lime drink appeals to you, okay! I can certainly list worst. Just remember, though, we’ve gone through these single-food diet trends for years, many of which don’t truly help people lose weight and keep it off. Say it with me, everyone, for some reminders of dietary truths beyond the latest TikTok trends:

• Eating patterns need to be individualized.
• There is no one-size-fits-all diet.
• Your weight is not the equivalent of your health.
• Diets need to be sustainable long term.
• Eat a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods you enjoy.
• It’s complicated, but calories play the largest role in weight management.

Last month I was the villain dietitian for asking people to eat whole grains, but this week we’re cool with chugging oats? Sheesh. Tough crowd.