The overlooked food dubbed a ‘poor man’s Ozempic’ that ‘mimics’ the miracle weight loss jab for just 58p a day

A CHEAP fiber supplement called “Poor Man’s Ozempic” suddenly has everyone talking.

It’s called psyllium husk and is designed to mimic the fat-breaking effects of the revolutionary vaccines Wegovy and Ozempic.

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And it’s cheap to buy too – you can find 200g of it on Amazon for £7.49 or in capsule form for £14.49 at Holland and Barrett.

But does psyllium husk live up to the hype?

Here you will find everything you need to know about the dietary supplement.

What is psyllium husk?

Psyllium husks are a naturally occurring plant source of fiber.

It is a soluble fiber, meaning it passes through the small intestine without being completely broken down or absorbed.

Psyllium husk also attracts water when digested and becomes a viscous gel.

According to LloydsPharmacy, it is known as a “bulk-forming laxative” because it absorbs water in your digestive system and makes your stool softer and easier to pass, making it a good treatment for constipation.

Medical News Today also claims that the tiny seeds come from the herb Plantago ovata can help with diarrhea, cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.

But can you lose weight by doing this?

The short answer is no, say nutritionists.

Is psyllium husk like Ozempic?

According to registered dietitian Jessica Cording, you can’t actually lose weight by consuming fiber.

She told Women’s Health, “If someone makes other changes to their diet or exercise routine while using psyllium husk, it may aid in weight management due to its effects on satiety and blood sugar regulation.”

“But simply introducing psyllium husk is not enough to induce weight loss.”

But fiber can make you feel full longer, which can keep you from overeating, the nutritionist said.

This is why psyllium husks can be found in weight management products or weight loss supplements, she explained.

When asked if it was right to call it “Poor Man’s Ozempic,” Jessica said it doesn’t work the same way.

Both the diabetes vaccination Ozempic and the fat loss vaccination Wegovy contain the ingredient semaglutide.

They mimic a naturally occurring protein in your body called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), which signals your brain that you are full and slows digestion by increasing the time it takes for food to digest to leave the body.

As for psyllium husk, Jessica said it “can help lower blood sugar and help you feel full, so you may not be as inclined to snack or eat as much.”

But she says, “It’s not the same as Ozempic.”

Medical News Today said the fiber may “support weight loss” by “slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite,” which in turn may limit calorie intake.

It cited a 2016 study that found that consuming up to 10.2 g of psyllium before breakfast and lunch resulted in a significant reduction in hunger, cravings, and increased satiety between meals.

However, a 2020 study of 22 people who used the fiber found no overall effect on body weight, BMI, or waist circumference.

Are there any risks when consuming psyllium husks?

A possible side effect of adding psyllium husk could be a little extra gas, nutritionists said.

Registered nutritionist Keri Gans told Women’s Health: “If a person is not used to consuming fiber in their diet, they may initially experience bloating and bloating.

“So I would recommend starting slowly, less than the recommended dose and also drinking plenty of water to acclimate the body.”

Otherwise, it is generally considered safe to consume, although Keri recommends speaking to a doctor or nutritionist before adding it to your diet.

She also advised you not to exceed the recommended daily dose – between 5 and 10 grams per day.