While Ozempic has hit headlines due to its weight loss side effects, people have been opting for a cheaper alternative that mimics the same appetite suppressing properties, and it costs just £12
People have been going crazy for a £12 supplement that they say is helping them lose weight.
Ozempic has hit headlines over its weight loss side effects, but with a stricter crackdown on who can get their hands on the drug used for diabetes, many people have been looking at alternative options to weight loss, including taking psyllium husk – a fibre supplement you can pick up for just £12.50.
The ‘holy grail’ looks like sawdust, but when mixed with water, creates a gel-like substance, which can help make you feel fuller for longer, and help to aid weight loss by suppressing your appetite.
US GP Dr Enaka Yembe took to TikTok under the name @drenakayembe1 and nicknamed it the “poor man’s Ozempic” as she discussed the health supplement. She said that even though it’s completely different to Ozempic, they have very similar effects. She explained: “They both induce feelings of fullness. They both stabilize your blood sugars. Both have been scientifically proven to assist with weight loss.”
The expert explained it works as the fibre supplement binds to water to create gel in the stomach, which will then slow the emptying of digested food in the stomach, which will then make you feel fuller for longer. Drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have weight loss side effects as they also help to slow the digestion of food. The drugs reduce cravings by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone naturally made in the body which will keep food in the gut longer, meaning people won’t feel as hungry and therefore won’t eat as much.
However she also said there can be some side effects to taking Psyllium Husk, which include gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, or gas, rash and added: “Note that the effects of Psyllium Husk are not as drastic as those of Ozempic but you can harness the power of their similar effects without running the risk of the major side effects of Ozempic.”
TikTokers have jumped on the psyllium husk, with many raving about the supplement that’s keeping them “snatched for summer”. One woman who goes by the name @lamiyaslimani said it helped her reduce her water weight. She videos how she mixes two teaspoons to some lemon water, along with some powdered cayenne pepper for the ultimate healthy drink to help debloat.
Another post by TikToker @itsvivantural claimed that taking the supplement for five days has left her with a “flat stomach” and said she’s going to be “snatched for summer”. It’s advised to always get a doctor or health care professional’s approval before starting any supplements.
You can buy Psyllium Husk from Amazon for £12 or from Boots for £12.50.
Do you have a story to share? Email Niamh.Kirk@reachplc.com
