The TikTok Rice-Zempic trend for weight loss has been a trendy subject focus lately.
Though Rice-Zempic proponents claim that the practice could result to weight loss, experts say that these are actually not scientifically proven.
TikTok Rice-Zempic Trend For Weight Loss
The Rice-Zempic recipe is a mix of rice, lime juice, and water. TikToker proponents claim that it is a cheaper alternative to weight loss medications Wegovy and Ozempic. These medications trigger weight loss by following a hormone that is naturally produced when eating.
Just last Tuesday, there was a TikToker who claimed to have lost up to 7.2 pounds by following the trend for a week. However, another TikToker also shared that the drink did not appear to offset the junk food she ate and the beers she drank.
Other TikTok users also claim that the starchy drink could dampen their appetite throughout the day, make them use the toilet more often, and help them have less of a sweet tooth.
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Rice-Zempic Has Zero Scientific Backing
However, according to experts, the practice is not backed up by science at all.
Registered dietitian Scott Keatley, who also co-owns Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy in New York, said that though there are nutritional benefits linked to rice water, there is no scientific evidence that suggests that it contains properties that could help with weight loss.
Dr. Mir Ali, who serves as the medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center, also noted that though this starchy water has relatively low amounts of calories, it does not have the hormonal power of Ozempic. The doctor adds that the trend is not something to be misconstrued as Ozempic, as it does not mimic the medication.
However, Dr. Ali also says that the concoction could make people feel full if they drink it before eating. This could make them eat less than normal.
Kunal Shah, MD, an assistant professor in the endocrinology division at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, says that though the drink could cause a feeling of fullness, it would not do so in the same way as anti-obesity and anti-diabetes drugs.
Dr. Shah notes that the feeling of fullness would be extremely short-lived. As opposed to Wegovy and Ozempic, Rice-Zempic does not offer any metabolic help.
Moreover, Dr. Ali also emphasized that being able to potentially lose weight due to Rice-Zempic does not imply that the practice is healthy or that it yields impacts that are close to the effects of Ozempic.
Dr. Shah also explained that for individuals with acid reflux, the lime juice in the Rice-Zempic could end up aggravating it.
Overall, even if weight loss was achieved through Rice-Zempic, it was not a sustainable method. Dr. Ali explained that the alleged weight loss would just be temporary since no permanent, long-term, and healthy changes are being made. When the practice is stopped, the weight would simply return.
Rather than following the TikTok Rice-Zempic trend, individuals are recommended to reduce their intake of carbohydrates and increase protein and vegetable intake. Dr. Shah also noted that the best advice for weight loss is to have a low-calorie, high-protein, low-carb, and high-nutrient diet that is coupled with exercise.
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