Poor mans ozempic

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A fiber that's been used for centuries is gaining popularity in the US as a anti-diarrheal agent, a constipation buster, and a cheap weight loss supplement. Psyllium husk is a powder derived from the seeds of Plantago ovata, a shrub native to South Asia. It can be stirred into drinks and baked into foods. While this ingredient has been used for generations across the world, the New York Times ' Priya Krishna reports that it is newly becoming a wellness trend in the United States — with over new psyllium products released in the US between and , according to market research from the company Mintel. Crucially, as the Times reported, it meets the demand of an "Ozempic generation" that is hungry for cheap ways to lose weight by curbing cravings. Hence Mumsnet dubbing psyllium husks " the poor man's Ozempic.

Poor mans ozempic

While Ozempic is currently only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes , its off-label use for weight loss has created much media buzz as well as skyrocketing demand for the drug. This demand has contributed to shortages of the medication. This has left eager consumers searching for cheaper substitutes. It is also easy to obtain at your local grocery, drug store, or discount department store. Proponents of psyllium like TikToker masteringdiabetes claim that the bulk created by psyllium can trigger stretch receptors in your small and large intestines, sending a signal to your brain to reduce your appetite in a similar way to how drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy work. Robert Alesiani, Chief Pharmacotherapy Officer at Tabula Rasa HealthCare , said that both fiber supplements like psyllium and medications like Ozempic can suppress appetite. However, they do so by two different mechanisms. On the other hand, Alesiani said, semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 agonist. It can target the appetite centers of the brain, creating prolonged satiation and feelings of fullness. It can also slow stomach and intestinal emptying, which can extend the feeling of fullness after eating.

You can even end up constipated if you take too much psyllium husk and not enough water, Cording says—so make sure you're having plenty of H2O if you use the supplement.

Called psyllium husk, it's said to mimic the fat-loss effects of revolutionary jabs Wegovy and Ozempic. Here's everything you need to know about the supplement. It's a soluble fibre, which means it passes through the small intestine without being completely broken down or absorbed. Medical News Today also claims the tiny seeds derived from from the herb Plantago ovata can help with diarrhoea, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure. According to registered dietitian Jessica Cording, you can't actually lose weight by taking the fibre. But fibre can make you feel fuller for longer, which can help deter you from overeating, the dietitian said. This is the reason you might spot psyllium husk in weight management products or supplements for weight loss, she explained.

As medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy skyrocket in popularity, many people are searching for natural, over-the-counter supplements that can lead to similar results. In particular, TikTokers are interested in psyllium husk—better known as Metamucil —for its ability to promote satiety, or feeling full. Semaglutide, the medication in Wegovy and Ozempic, can have a similar effect. Psyllium husk is fairly common, and can be purchased as a powder, capsule, or tablet at any online retailer or grocery store, Irene Sonu, MD , clinical associate professor of gastroenterology at Stanford Medicine, told Health. In other words, psyllium husk can help a person feel full for long periods of time, similarly to Ozempic or Wegovy. Psyllium husk has also been shown to help control blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes , Sonu said. The same is true for Ozempic—along with diet and exercise, the medication has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels. Despite these two similarities, experts are hesitant to say that psyllium husk is similar to Ozempic, or that it could stand in for the drug. Most basically, Sonu said, there doesn't seem to be any studies putting the two head to head.

Poor mans ozempic

Jennifer Ashton discusses the dangers of using laxatives to lose weight. Amid continued demand for drugs used for weight loss , including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro , some people are instead turning to laxatives. The trend of using over-the-counter laxatives as alternatives to the drugs is touted on social media as "budget Ozempic," but it's a trend that doctors say is dangerous, as laxatives don't lead to weight loss and can carry significant health risks if misused. According to the National Institute of Mental Health , laxative misuse is recognized as a type of extreme weight loss behavior and can be a sign of a serious eating disorder. Medications like Ozempic that mimic hormones found in the body have grown in popularity thanks to reported use by celebrities and posts from everyday people on social media about successful weight loss. Both Ozempic and Mounjaro are approved by the U. Food and Drug Administration to treat Type 2 diabetes, but some doctors prescribe the medication "off-label" for weight loss, as is permissible by the FDA.

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It symobilizes a website link url. The effects of psyllium supplementation on body weight, body mass index and waist circumference in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Most basically, Sonu said, there doesn't seem to be any studies putting the two head to head. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. On the other hand, Alesiani said, semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 agonist. Then, you can gradually increase your dosing as needed. It cited a study , which found that taking up to October Was this page helpful? The medication has faced shortages for months. You can even end up constipated if you take too much psyllium husk and not enough water, Cording says—so make sure you're having plenty of H2O if you use the supplement. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. Crucially, as the Times reported, it meets the demand of an "Ozempic generation" that is hungry for cheap ways to lose weight by curbing cravings. To lessen the risk of constipation in particular, Alesiani advises drinking plenty of water when you take psyllium. Experts weigh in.

Data from Novo Nordisk , which makes Ozempic, suggests that U.

Health Conditions A-Z. Read this next. Laxative Use: What to Know. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. A small study, for instance, showed that the soluble fiber in psyllium improved glycemic response and body weight in people with type 2 diabetes. Was this page helpful? The biggest risk is the risk of developing gas. Compared to Other Countries The list prices for anti-obesity drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic are significantly higher in the U. Weight News. If you do decide to give psyllium a try, Alesiani said there are a couple of precautions to be aware of. Steven Batash of Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss said there are a couple of ways that psyllium might potentially aid in weight management. It can also soak up excess water, alleviating diarrhea. But a review didn't find that psyllium had any effect on BMI, body weight, or waist circumference. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.