A new weight loss trend called Rice-Zempic is gaining traction on TikTok and other social media platforms. Users claim that this homemade drink, which combines rice, water, and lime juice, is a cheaper alternative to the popular weight loss drug Ozempic.
Ozempic has recently become highly sought after for its weight loss side effects, with both celebrities and the general public trying to get their hands on it. However, its high cost, around $935 per month (approximately ₹78,000), and the need for a prescription have made it difficult for many to access. This has led some to turn to Rice-Zempic as a supposed alternative.
Rice-Zempic is made by steeping unwashed rice and lime juice in warm water for 5 to 30 minutes, or sometimes overnight. After straining out the rice, the drink is consumed. Proponents believe it is an affordable and accessible substitute for Ozempic.
However, experts are skeptical. Scott Keatley, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, stated that there is “zero scientific backing” for the weight loss claims associated with Rice-Zempic. While rice water can provide some nutritional benefits, such as energy from its starch content, there is no evidence that it significantly impacts weight loss in the same way anti-diabetic medications like Ozempic do.
Health experts acknowledge that the drink might help with feelings of fullness, which could lead to eating less. Mir Ali, MD, noted that rice water is low in calories and could help people feel fuller before meals. Kunal Shah, an assistant professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, added that the starch in rice water might expand in the stomach, temporarily promoting satiety.
However, both experts agree that Rice-Zempic does not mimic the effects of Ozempic. Ali emphasized that the drink has no hormonal effects and does not stimulate receptors like Ozempic. In summary, while Rice-Zempic might make you feel fuller for a short period, it lacks the scientific backing and efficacy of the medication it attempts to replace.