Study discovers Ozempic alternative: same effects, much cheaper and available in your own pantry
Researchers at the University of Arizona have identified oats as a food that may have effects similar to those of a well-known diabetes medication.

In recent years, prescription drugs for obesity have gained popularity, and Ozempic is one of the most prominent. Originally prescribed for patients with type 2 diabetes, it is administered via subcutaneous injection. The front of the thigh, the abdomen, or the upper arm are common injection sites. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, helps regulate blood sugar, manage glucose levels, and control insulin in the body.
This medication’s effectiveness doesn’t just depend on the dose—a healthy diet and physical activity are also essential. However, researchers from the University of Arizona published a study in The Journal of Nutrition pointing to an alternative that might already be sitting in your kitchen pantry: oats.
These scientists highlighted the fiber content of oats, particularly beta-glucans, which may produce effects similar to those of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic. They found that this fiber improved glucose tolerance and reduced fat accumulation.
A versatile product with powerful properties
The researchers also noted that the other types of fiber used in the mouse study “had no effect.” They concluded that beta-glucan supplementation increased butyrate levels—a fatty acid produced in the colon that plays a key role in strengthening the gut barrier.
Oats are a widely consumed grain and frequently recommended thanks to their high fiber content, protein, and essential nutrients. They’re praised for aiding digestion, lowering bad cholesterol (LDL), and helping to control appetite.
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