The girls Husky.
Instead of spending big bucks on pricey diet injections, people looking to lose weight on a budget are turning to high-fiber plant husks.
And organic alternatives are being hailed as a cheaper solution to a pesky weight gain problem.
“Psyllium husks have become popular as the ‘poor man’s Ozempic,'” says Enaka Yembe, 52, a family physician from Louisiana. Engraved Closed captions for viral TikTok videos.
“Psyllium husk and Ozempic are both very different substances,” she explained to her fanbase of more than 32,000 followers, “but the effects are similar!”
And virtual waist watchers are embracing it enthusiastically.
Amid a celebrity-driven “slimming is fashionable” trend, where fat-melting injectables like Ozempic and Wegobee can cost up to $1,000 a month, thrifty people desperate to shed some extra fat have turned to homemade knock-offs of the drug in the hopes of slimming down.
Homemade blends like “Rice Zenpic” and “Oat Zenpic” were praised on social media earlier this year, with both drinks said to help dieters lose weight with the power of raw rice and oats.
But “tadpole water,” a mix of chia seeds, lemon and water, is now taking the throne from the grain-based drink, with internet drinkers saying the homespun beverage works wonders for slimming their waistlines.
Women who take psyllium husks, which can be bought for as little as $8, make similar claims.
Soluble fiber, which is primarily used in mild laxative products such as Metamucil, offers many benefits, including relieving constipation and diarrhea and helping to manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels. According to the Cleveland ClinicIt may also cause weight loss.
Online, Jembe has noted the similarities between the sawdust-like substance and Ozempic.
“They both make you feel full,” she wrote in the post’s caption, “and they both stabilize blood sugar.”
“Both are scientifically proven to help with weight loss,” the doctor emphasized, before explaining the differences.
“Mechanism of action,” Jembe wrote, is what he called the biggest difference.
“Psyllium husk is a dietary fiber that binds with water to form a gel in the stomach, slowing stomach emptying and making you feel fuller for longer,” she explained. “It also slows down the absorption of sugar.”
“Ozempic signals fullness to the brain, slows digestion and stimulates insulin secretion,” the expert continued.
Jembe further noted that psyllium husk is available as a dietary supplement, while Ozempic injections require a prescription, and listed the medical effects of each supplement.
“Side effects of Ozempic include muscle loss, nausea, vomiting, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, and risk of thyroid disease in some people,” the official advised. “Side effects of psyllium husk [are] Gastrointestinal symptoms, bloating or gas [and] rash.”
However, smaller people are more likely to appreciate the plant’s virtues.
“Sexy girls take psyllium husk every night at 8pm to regulate their bowel movements, help with insulin resistance and lose weight fast,” says internet naturalist Emily. Video footage with subtitles The image of myself drinking up the sweets.
Megan Lingo, a 24-year-old content creator, also praised the powder for helping to regulate her digestive system.
“[Psyllium husk has] It works like magic for me.” She said excitedly With a clip.
However, scientists have yet to officially recognise psyllium husk as a cheaper alternative to injections.
“There haven’t been any clinical trials comparing the two,” registered dietitian Julia Zumpano told Cleveland Clinic, “and while psyllium husk can help with weight loss, it’s not as effective as pharmaceutical drugs.”
“They work differently in the body.”
