A recent trend on social media has encouraged hundreds of individuals to attempt weight loss by consuming a juice derived from water in which rice has been soaked overnight. Influencers across platforms like TikTok have advocated for this method, combining the rice-soaked water with lime juice before meals, asserting its efficacy in reducing weight, comparable to the popular diabetic and anti-obesity medication, Ozempic. However, experts caution against this trend, labeling it as a 'misconception' rather than a miraculous solution.
Dr. Grace Fabrizia Graziani, a Specialist Family Medicine at Aster Royal Clinic, explains that while rice water contains resistant starches that might slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness, it lacks the comprehensive metabolic benefits of medications like Ozempic. She highlights that Ozempic works by activating brain receptors to boost satiety, decrease appetite, and slow gastric emptying, along with enhancing insulin secretion and offering cardiovascular advantages, all of which are beyond what rice water can achieve.
Dr. Laura Holland, a Nutritionist and Integrative Medicine Expert, concurs, noting that the drink might temporarily suppress appetite but does not replicate the metabolic effects of drugs like Ozempic. She advises against using rice-zempic as a long-term solution for weight management, emphasizing its potential risks and lack of scientific backing.
Experts like Dr. Dana Hamwi, a Clinical Dietitian, warn about the potential dangers of rice-zempic, including exacerbated acid reflux and the risk of consuming harmful levels of arsenic from large amounts of rice water. She also points out that any weight loss achieved would be temporary and cease once the consumption of the juice stops.
Dr. Grace further criticizes the oversimplification of complex metabolic processes by social media diet trends, urging caution and a focus on scientifically supported methods. She recommends a whole plant-based diet as a proven method for weight loss, emphasizing nutrient-rich plant foods and a balanced approach to dietary habits.
