Ozempic, a drug to treat Type 2 diabetes, gained worldwide recognition after viral claims of its apparent benefits in weight loss. Despite warnings from doctors, many are still using it for quick weight loss even though the drug’s real purpose is to treat type 2 diabetes. Due to its high price and associated side effects, some people shy away— and rightly so– from using the injectable. However, a much cheaper and “safer” alternative to Ozempic is making rounds on social media after a video posted on TikTok went viral. Dubbed rice-zempic, the proponents of this homemade remedy claim that it is as effective as Ozempic.
As its name suggests, the main ingredient in rice-zempic is rice. It is made by soaking rice in room-temperature water. After a couple of hours, one should strain the rice water and add some lemon juice to it, and just like that, the rice-zempic is ready. Some “recipes” suggest that one should soak the rice overnight for best results. In simple words, one can also describe this drink as starchy rice water.
Due to its high starchy content, rice-zempic can help one feel full and thus reduce the need to snack or have meals. The lowered appetite can support weight loss. Other than its appetite-suppressing effect, there is nothing in common between Ozempic and rice-zempic.
Ozempic, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, works by mimicking the body’s naturally occurring hormones that stimulate insulin release. It also slows digestion. Rice-zempic in turn has none of this hormonal effect.
Scott Keatley, the co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, told Health, “While rice water may have some nutritional benefits, such as providing a source of energy from its starch content, there is no evidence to suggest it has any properties that would significantly impact weight loss, especially in the manner that anti-diabetic medications like Ozempic do.”
This makes it clear that the over-the-top claims that equate rice-zempic with a medical-grade drug are untrue.
When it comes to side effects, rice-zempic is not dangerous as it is simply made of rice water. However, as is with everything, its excess consumption can be detrimental to health. Drinking too much rice water can lead to issues like acid reflux. According to Healthshot, consuming excess rice water can also cause bloating and gas. These issues can be exacerbated if one has a sensitive stomach.
Nutritionists and fitness experts have long argued that the best way to lose weight is to have a low-carb, high protein and high-fibre diet. This diet should be accompanied by regular exercise. Any shortcut to weight loss is not believed to have a long-lasting effect.
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