Oats could mimic effects of weight loss drugs, new study finds

Laura Hampson
Updated ·3-min read
oats weight loss drugs
Oats could mimic the effects of GLP-1 weight loss drugs. (Getty Images)

If you haven’t already jumped on the overnight oat craze, you may just want to reconsider your breakfast of choice.

New research has found that the humble oat could actually mimic the effects of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, which were designed to treat type 2 diabetes.

The study, led by Frank Duca, an associate professor at the University of Arizona, looked at how different types of fibre can impact our gut microbiome.

They found that beta-glucan, the type of fibre found in oats and rye, was spades above the rest when it came to naturally fighting obesity.

The study authors determined that the animals on the 10% beta-glucan diet saw significantly less weight gain than those consuming the other types of fibre, despite being on a high fat, high sugar diet.

Rolled oats in wooden bowl on old wooden table. Rustic style. Healthy eating, healthy lifestyle, dieting and fitness menu concept
Oats are a great source of dietary fibre. (Getty Images)

The beta-glucan group also saw sustained energy expenditure over a 24-hour period, compared to the other groups. This group was also the only group to show improved insulin sensitivity and beneficial blood sugar levels across the 18-week trial period.

"We know that fiber is important and beneficial; the problem is that there are so many different types of fiber," Duca said.

"We wanted to know what kind of fiber would be most beneficial for weight loss and improvements in glucose homeostasis so that we can inform the community, the consumer and then also inform the agricultural industry."

Researchers also determined that the animals on the beta-glucan diet developed a gut microbiome that could set them up for positive health outcomes. This can also encourage production of the metabolite butyrate, which stimulates the release of GLP-1.

GLP-1 is what is used in the so-called ‘weight loss drugs’ to tell your brain that you are full, so you don’t eat as much.

"Part of the benefits of consuming dietary fiber is through the release of GLP-1 and other gut peptides that regulate appetite and body weight," Duca explained.

Winter breakfast concept. Overnight oatmeal with banana, berry, chia seeds, sesame tahini, cinnamon and syrup in bowl, top view, dark background.
Oats are a great option for breakfast. (Getty Images)

"However, we don't think that's all of the effect. We think that there are other beneficial things that butyrate could be doing that are not gut-peptide-related, such as improving gut barrier health and targeting peripheral organs like the liver."

Oats have some of the highest concentrations of beta-glucan, which is why scientists are pinpointing this as a natural alternative to the GLP-1 drugs.

Besides its beta-glucan properties, oats are also rich in antioxidants, can promote balanced blood sugar, is filling, and a good source of fibre that can help to relieve constipation.

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