“Rice-Zempic,” a peculiar concoction of rice, water, and lime juice, has gained popularity on TikTok as a supposed weight loss solution. This TikTok weight loss trend is being promoted as a cheap alternative to medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which aid weight loss by mimicking a hormone produced naturally during eating. However, experts assert that the drink has “zero scientific backing,” and any weight loss resulting from it will be short-lived.
“While rice water may have some nutritional benefits, such as providing 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,” said Scott Keatley, a registered dietitian and co-owner of New York City’s Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy.
One TikToker claimed to have lost 7.2 pounds by drinking a glass of rice water on an empty stomach every morning for a week. This TikTok weight loss product, however, did not offset the weight gained from consuming beers and junk food, admitted another TikToker.
Dr. Mir Ali, the medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center in California, stated that while rice water is “relatively low calorie,” it lacks the hormonal effects of Ozempic. “I don’t want people to misconstrue this as Ozempic,” he said. “It’s not.”
Rice-Zempic seems to mimic Oatzempic, another TikTok weight loss drink made from a blend of oatmeal, water, and lime juice. Tara Schmidt, a registered dietitian and nutrition instructor at Mayo Clinic, noted that oats have nutritional value, being rich in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that may reduce cravings, and containing antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
“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 worse,” Schmidt said. “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,” she added.
Despite its low-calorie content, the starchy rice water does not replicate the hormonal effects of Ozempic. Experts urge caution and recommend sticking to balanced diets and evidence-based weight loss methods.
