Another day, another TikTok trend. The latest viral diet trend revolves around a seemingly questionable oat beverage dubbed “Oatzempic.” The so-called weight loss hack claims to trigger rapid results, but like any social media advice, the craze warrants skepticism and caution.

What is Oatzempic, exactly? The name is a creative combo of “oats” and “Ozempic,” the latter being the FDA-approved prescription injectable medication that was originally created to help people with type 2 diabetes, but is often prescribed off-label to treat obesity.

The Oatzempic trend has gained major traction on social media with TikTokers raving that the bev can help you lose up to 40 pounds in two months. However, anything that claims magic weight loss deserves a double-take. So, what does the Oatzempic challenge involve and can it actually help you lose weight? More importantly, is it safe? Ahead, experts break it down.

Meet the experts: Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, is an obesity medicine specialist and founder of New York Weight Wellness Medicine. Sara Reihm, RD, is a certified obesity and weight management registered dietitian at Orlando Health Center for Health Improvement.

What is the Oatzempic challenge?

Oatzempic is the latest social media trend that promises significant weight loss—upwards of 40 pounds in two months—by mixing oats with water and lime juice, says Sara Riehm, RD, a certified obesity and weight management dietitian at Orlando Health Center for Health Improvement. And, as the name suggests, the concoction is meant to act as an alternative to the popular weight loss medication Ozempic.

The so-called Oatzempic challenge guidelines vary, but some TikTokers recommend (remember, they are not experts!) using the Oatzempic drink as a meal replacement for breakfast every morning for 40 days. Others suggest sipping the oat-heavy drink every morning for at least a few weeks and up to two months.

However, the general consensus among Oatzempic drinkers is to consume the meal replacement at least once a day for more than one week, says Riehm.

Oatzempic Drink Recipe

The Oatzempic recipe varies on TikTok, but most people blend:

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 half a cup of uncooked old-fashioned oats
• A squeeze of lime or lemon juice.

Some also add a dash of cinnamon to taste.

Can Oatzempic help you lose weight?

In theory, sure, Oatzempic could help you lose weight, says Riehm. “Oats are a great source of fiber and are therefore digested slower than other carbohydrate sources, so this keeps you feeling fuller for longer, which can help you avoid binges and make healthier choices during the rest of your day,” she says. The fiber and water in the mixture can also help eliminate extra water weight you may carry by regulating digestion, promoting regular bowel movements, and reducing constipation, she adds.

On top of that, if you typically have a high-calorie breakfast (like pastries or sugary cereal), you’ll likely consume fewer calories when drinking Oatzempic as a meal replacement, which may lead to a calorie deficit and eventual weight loss, says Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, an obesity medicine specialist and founder of New York Weight Wellness Medicine. Plus, Oatzempic is really just a ground-up bowl of oatmeal, and some research shows that consuming oats containing beta-glucan for 12 weeks can lead to reductions in body mass index (BMI), body fat, and waist-to-hip ratio.

That said, the significant weight loss this trend promises is unlikely due to drinking the Oatzempic beverage alone, since losing weight also relies on other factors such as activity levels, sleep, stress reduction, and maintaining an overall balanced lifestyle, says Riehm. Healthy weight loss is typically achieved the slow and steady, and anything that promises startling results should be taken with a grain of salt.

Is the Oatzempic challenge safe?

It depends. There aren’t necessarily adverse health effects that could come from the Oatzempic ingredients. So if you’re using Oatzempic as just a breakfast meal replacement, then yes, it can be safe, says Dr. Peralta-Reich. However, it is *not* safe to replace all meals with Oatzempic since the concoction doesn’t offer a complete nutrient profile or contain enough calories to sustain you in the long term, says Riehm. “It can certainly act as a complement to your daily intake but shouldn’t be your sole source of nutrition.”

Those with diabetes should also closely monitor their blood sugar levels when drinking Oatzempic since oats are high in carbohydrates, says Riehm. If you have a history of disordered eating habits, the trend should also be avoided, adds Dr. Peralta-Reich.

It’s also worth noting that rapid weight loss isn’t safe and is not something you want to induce without the guidance of a professional, says Riehm. Why? It can cause hormonal changes that decrease metabolism and increase hunger cues, ultimately leading to weight regain, she explains. As a general rule of thumb, losing one to two pounds per week is usually a safe bet for sustainable weight loss.