Oat consumption exhibits Ozempic-like influences, reveals latest research
Marketing the latest trend sweeping social media: the 'oat-zempic' smoothie! Influencers across the internet have hyped this drink, claiming it aids weight loss just like the popular prescription drug, Ozempic. But does it really deliver on these lofty expectations?
Let's dive into the science behind it. 'Oat-zempic' is primarily made of oats, water, and lime – a far cry from the licensed pharmaceutical drug, prescribed by healthcare professionals for treating Type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic, or semaglutide, plays a role in weight loss by acting on a digestive hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). This hormone helps lower blood sugar and suppress appetite. In a recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that a specific type of fibre found in oats, beta-glucan, has similarities with the biochemical pathway affected by Ozempic.
Consuming oats and other high-fibre foods, like butyrate-producing nuts and seeds, is known to stimulate the release of GLP-1 hormone and promote feelings of fullness. Mice involved in the study, when fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet supplemented with 10% beta-glucan, exhibited reduced weight gain, less fat mass, better insulin sensitivity, and improved blood sugar levels.
However, let's put the brakes on the overzealous claims that oats can deliver the same weight loss benefits as Ozempic. It's important to note that while beta-glucan from oats can stimulate the release of GLP-1, its effect is less potent compared to semaglutide drugs like Ozempic[1]. As Dr Emily Leeming, a microbiome scientist and registered dietitian, explains, "Ozempic is a drug that delivers GLP-1 agonists in a really concentrated dose.”
Nutritionists also caution against using 'oat-zempic' as a meal replacement, as it may lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues[1]. It is crucial to approach this trend with a balance of skepticism and common sense while considering the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Incorporating high-fibre foods like oats into your diet, as part of a balanced eating plan and combined with regular exercise, is a sensible approach to weight loss and overall health[1]. As Dr Leeming suggests, "Choosing foods that actually help you feel full, rather than whizzing something up into a drink, is the way forward."
Enrichment Data
Overall:
The beta-glucan fiber in oats triggers the release of GLP-1, contributing to feelings of fullness and aiding weight loss, albeit to a lesser degree than drugs like Ozempic. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, oats provide additional benefits like support for gut health, cholesterol reduction, and possibly mood regulation[1].
Advantages of Oats:
- Natural and inexpensive
- Boost gut health, cholesterol, and possibly mood regulation
Differences Compared to Ozempic:
| Feature | Oats (Beta-Glucan Fiber) | Ozempic (Semaglutide) ||--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|| Mechanism | Natural stimulation of GLP-1 via gut fermentation| Synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist with strong, direct effects|| Weight loss speed | Gradual, through increased satiety and metabolism| More rapid and potent weight loss|| Side effects | Minimal, possible mild digestive discomfort | Can cause nausea, fatigue, digestive issues || Additional health effects| Improves gut health, cholesterol, blood sugar | Primarily targeted for diabetes and obesity || Accessibility | Widely available, inexpensive | Prescription medication, costly |
Summary:
While oats can partly mimic the weight loss benefits of Ozempic by promoting GLP-1 release and enhancing satiety, their effect is generally more modest and slower compared to Ozempic's pharmaceutical action[1]. However, increasing oat consumption as part of a balanced diet is a safe, beneficial strategy to support weight control and metabolic health[1].
[1] Source: Journal of Nutrition, "Beta-Glucan-Induced GLP-1R Signaling Ameliorates the Adverse Effects of a High-Fat Diet in Mice," 2021; https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/nxab018
- The beta-glucan fiber in oats, similar to the effect of Ozempic, triggers the release of GLP-1, contributing to feelings of fullness and aiding weight loss.
- Despite the similarities, oats' effect on weight loss is generally less potent compared to the pharmaceutical drug Ozempic.
- Incorporating high-fibre foods like oats into a balanced diet, combined with regular exercise, is a beneficial strategy for weight loss and overall health.
- Opting for foods that stimulate feelings of fullness, like oats, rather than relying on meal replacements, is a more sensible approach for achieving health and wellness.
