A Nutritionist’s Take On The Rice-Zempic TikTok Trend

First it was oat-zempic, a so-called weight loss hack which went viral on TikTok. And now a similar new trend has emerged: rice-zempic, a homemade drink made with rice, water and lime juice which devotees are claiming can mimic the effects of diabetes and weight management drug Ozempic. There are over eight million posts related to the topic on the platform – but how effective is this alleged ‘hack’? We asked Edward Mather, Fuel Hub’s head nutritionist, to share some insight.

What Is The Rice-Zempic Trend?

The rice-zempic trend that has recently emerged on TikTok involves combining unwashed rice with warm water and lime juice. Usually the mixture is steeped overnight, then the rice is removed, leaving a starchy concoction which people are claiming can result in weight loss. However, the experts aren’t so sure. 

‘“Rice-zempic”, a simple blend of rice water and lime juice, has exploded in popularity due to claims of miraculous weight loss,’ says Mather. ‘The name might sound like a clever play on the well-known weight management drug Ozempic, but don’t let the catchy branding fool you.’

He explains: ‘While Ozempic has a proven track record of helping people manage their weight and blood sugar levels through effective appetite regulation, “rice-zempic” doesn’t have any scientific evidence to back up its claims. So, while it might sound appealing, it doesn’t hold up to the same rigorous standards.’

@monikamonroe188There you go… the recipe thank me later♬ original sound – MonikaMonroe188

Can Rice-Zempic Help With Weight Loss?

There’s no evidence suggesting this drink can help with weight loss. However, Mather notes that it’s worth exploring the individual ingredients involved in rice-zempic, and why they’ve caught people’s attention.

• Lime juice: ‘Rich in vitamin C, it boosts immune defence and can cut the duration and severity of colds,’ says Mather. ‘This powerful antioxidant can also support collagen production, essential for skin health, wound healing, and blood vessel integrity. Additionally, lime juice offers a modest dose of potassium for heart health and blood pressure, and a bit of folate for cell growth and development.’
• Rice water: ‘The humble byproduct of our daily carb-loading, rice water, has also been making waves in the beauty and wellness world,’ adds Mather. ‘Rice water is essentially the starchy liquid left behind after rinsing or cooking rice. It’s packed with nutrients like inositol, ferulic acid, and allantoin – compounds known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.’

So the two key ingredients have nutritional benefits of their own – but does combining them create the ultimate weight loss drink? In short: no. ‘Mixing rice water with lime juice might give you a brief sense of fullness due to the liquid and starch from the rice water,’ says Mather. ‘However, it’s a quick fix rather than a long-term solution.’

‘While it’s great that people are looking for alternatives to weight loss drugs like Ozempic, there’s no solid evidence that rice-zempic affects appetite the way Ozempic does. It’s crucial to rely on science-backed methods when it comes to managing weight.’

Ultimately, Mather – like all nutritionists – advises against quick fixes. ‘Weight loss is a journey, and seeking shortcuts often leads to long-term frustration.’ If you are looking to lose weight, he advises focusing on a diet rich in high-quality foods, incorporating protein and fibre-rich meals to support hunger control. A nutritionist or dietician can also help by offering bespoke advice.