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DIY TikTok Weight Loss Drug Alternatives: Genius or Dangerous?

Published on Jul 07, 2024 | 9:30 AM

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TikTok is a hub for trends, and recently, DIY weight loss drug alternatives have surged in popularity. These alternatives* promise results similar to prescription medications but come with significant risks.

DIY Weight Loss Drug Alternatives

As TikTok trends continue to grow, many users turn to DIY weight loss drug alternatives. While these trends may seem harmless or even ingenious, they often carry hidden dangers.

O-Zyn-Pic

O-Zyn-Pic is a TikTok trend where people use Zyn nicotine pouches as a weight loss supplement, attempting to mimic the effects of the prescription drug Ozempic. Marketed as a tobacco-free alternative to smoking and chewing tobacco, Zyn pouches are now being used by consumers for weight loss due to nicotine’s appetite-suppressing properties.

The Claims

  • Promises significant weight loss
  • Claims to reduce appetite and food cravings
  • Marketed as a cheaper, accessible alternative for Ozempic
  • Portrayed as safer than smoking because it’s tobacco-free

The Reality and Risks

  • Potential for nicotine addiction and dependence
  • Even without tobacco, oral nicotine may damage teeth, cause gastrointestinal distress, and potentially lead to certain kinds of cancer
  • Trades moderate appetite suppression for an addictive, unhealthy substance

Using Zyn for weight loss without medical supervision is dangerous and can lead to severe health complications, making it an unwise choice for weight loss.

Berberine, a.k.a. “Nature's Ozempic”

Berberine, often referred to as “nature's Ozempic”  is a naturally occurring compound extracted from the roots, stems, and bark of various plants.This extract is most commonly consumed in supplement form, with capsules being the most common method of intake. People use berberine primarily for its potential to support weight loss and regulate blood sugar, though it is also marketed for broader health benefits like improving cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation.

The Claims

  • Advertised as a natural weight loss aid
  • Believed to improve insulin sensitivity
  • Marketed as a safer, natural alternative for Ozempic

The Reality and Risks

  • Effectiveness as a weight loss drug is not well-established
  • Overdosing can cause severe gastrointestinal issues
  • Potential for liver damage and other health complications

Relying on berberine without proper guidance can lead to significant health risks, outweighing its potential benefits.

Oatzempic

The “Oatzempic Challenge” involves consuming large quantities of oats in an attempt to mimic the effects of Ozempic. This trend leverages the high fiber content of oats to promote a feeling of fullness.

The Claims

  • Promotes weight loss by making people feel fuller, longer
  • Claims to be a healthy, natural alternative
  • Easy and inexpensive to implement

The Reality and Risks

  • Can lead to nutritional imbalances
  • Excessive fiber intake causes bloating, gas, and digestive discomfort
  • Not a sustainable weight loss method

While oats are healthy, consuming them excessively as a weight loss strategy is neither effective nor safe.

oatzempic

Rice-zempic

Rice-Zempic is a TikTok trend where users drink rice water as a weight loss solution. This practice is based on the belief that a rice water diet can help control appetite and promote weight loss.

The Claims

  • Advertised as a simple and natural weight loss aid
  • Believed to provide essential nutrients
  • Marketed as a gentle, easy-to-make alternative

The Reality and Risks

  • Ineffective for significant weight loss
  • Can lead to an imbalanced diet and malnutrition
  • Potential health issues from relying on rice water alone

Relying on rice water for weight loss is not only ineffective but also poses serious risks to your nutritional health.

Budget Ozempic (Laxatives)

The “budget Ozempic” trend involves using laxatives as a weight loss alternative. This method is particularly dangerous and involves significant health risks.

The Claims

  • Promises rapid weight loss
  • Marketed as a quick and cheap solution
  • Claims to cleanse the body

The Reality and Risks

  1. Causes dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
  2. Long-term gastrointestinal damage
  3. Does not address underlying causes of weight gain and is unsustainable

Using laxatives for weight loss is highly dangerous and can lead to long-term health problems, making it an unsuitable and unsafe method for losing weight.

Why People Are Seeking Alternatives

Despite the risks, many people turn to these DIY TikTok weight loss trends. The following are some of the major reasons why these dangerous methods are still spreading.

It Costs Too Much

Prescription weight loss medications can be expensive. TikTok users often seek budget-friendly alternatives like O-Zyn-Pic or laxatives, hoping for similar results without the high price tag. However, these cheaper options can lead to more significant health expenses in the long run due to potential side effects and health complications.

They’re Afraid of Needles

Many people fear needles, making injectable weight loss medications like Ozempic less appealing. DIY alternatives such as berberine or Oatzempic seem more accessible and less intimidating. Unfortunately, these alternatives do not provide the same medical benefits and can pose serious health risks.

They Want a Natural Alternative

The desire for natural remedies drives people to trends like berberine, marketed as “nature's Ozempic.” While natural supplements can be beneficial, they are not always safe or effective substitutes for prescription medications. The lack of regulation and clinical studies means users are taking significant risks with their health.

It’s Hard to Get

Prescription weight loss drugs can be challenging to obtain due to strict regulations and the need for a doctor's prescription. TikTok alternatives like Rice-Zempic or O-Zyn-Pic appear to offer an easier, albeit dangerous, solution. The convenience of these trends often outweighs the perceived risks for many users.

They Have a Prescription, But There’s a Shortage

Occasional shortages of prescription medications push people to seek out DIY solutions. When faced with a lack of access to their prescribed drugs, individuals may turn to unsafe alternatives promoted on TikTok. These DIY methods, however, do not offer the same efficacy and can have severe health consequences.

why-people-are-seeking-alternatives

The Importance of Understanding Why You Want to Lose Weight

Understanding why you want to lose weight is crucial for setting healthy goals. Using risky DIY options without a doctor's help is dangerous and unsustainable, and can harm your relationship with food and weight. Some DIY methods, like using laxatives, are similar to tactics seen in individuals with eating disorders. Always talk to a doctor about your goals to make sure both your mindset and your weight loss strategies are healthy and safe.

Get Safe, Effective Weight Loss Medication Online Today

Social media trends may seem appealing, but they often mask the serious risks involved with DIY weight loss methods. It's essential to prioritize your health and seek guidance from a medical professional who can provide safe, effective, and personalized weight loss solutions.

At Call-On-Doc, we make it easy to get legitimate prescription weight loss medication under a doctor's supervision. Our platform offers a convenient and affordable way to access the best weight loss prescriptions for your needs. With our medical guidance, you can avoid the risks of DIY alternatives. We offer compounded solutions as well as other weight loss medications, providing an excellent option for individuals facing shortages of their current prescriptions or seeking more affordable alternatives.

Get your weight loss prescription online with us today and start your journey toward safe and effective weight loss.

 

*Disclaimer: CallonDoc does not endorse the DIY weight loss drug alternatives mentioned in this article. This is purely informational and not a guide on usage. Our aim is to keep you informed and safe. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying any weight loss methods.

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Wayne C. Hahne,

English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.

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