A new beverage dubbed Rice-Zempic, a blend of rice, water, and lime juice, is gaining popularity on TikTok as a potential weight loss aid. This drink is being compared to prescription medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are known for their weight loss and diabetes management benefits.
What is Rice-Zempic?
Rice-Zempic is essentially a mixture of rice water and lime juice. Proponents claim it can help reduce appetite, curb sweet cravings, and aid in weight management. The drink has garnered attention from numerous TikTok users sharing their weight loss stories, claiming significant weight loss in just a week.
Expert opinions on Rice-Zempic
Despite its rising popularity, medical experts are skeptical about the effectiveness of Rice-Zempic in weight management. According to Mir Ali, MD, medical director at MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center, while the drink is low in calories and may help temporarily reduce appetite, it lacks scientific backing to support the claims of long-term weight loss benefits. Scott Keatley, RD, from Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy, also noted that there is no substantial evidence to suggest that rice water can impact weight loss significantly as anti-diabetic medications do.
Kunal Shah, MD, an assistant professor at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, mentioned that the starch in the drink could lead to a temporary feeling of fullness. However, it does not compare to the metabolic benefits of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Health considerations and recommendations
While Rice-Zempic is not harmful per se, it might not be effective for everyone and could exacerbate conditions like acid reflux due to the lime juice content. Moreover, any weight loss achieved through this drink is likely temporary. Experts like Mir Ali and Kunal Shah advocate for more sustainable weight management strategies that involve long-term dietary changes and regular exercise rather than quick fixes.
Ultimately, while it might be tempting to try out viral health trends like Rice-Zempic, it is essential to approach them with caution and seek advice from health care professionals to achieve safe and effective weight management.
