If you have been anywhere online, you have seen a clickbait headline claiming a gelatin hack is the next great thing in weight loss. If you are like us, you avoid clicking on the clickbait. We’re uninterested in the puffery and bad science.
But the trend has been picking up steam. People are even starting to call gelatin “nature’s Ozempic.” They’re hoping it will curb their appetite.
The trend is to drink warm water with a spoonful of gelatin 15 to 30 minutes before a meal. According to social media, the gelatin will set into gel in the stomach and take up space, cueing a person that they are full.
Right off the bat, without any research, it doesn’t seem probable. Anyone who has ever had a mouthful of Jell-O knows it melts before you swallow it. The likelihood that it would set in the stomach seems low.
"The biggest issue is that most viral claims about gelatin and weight loss are overstated," said Dr. Stephanie Widmer, an emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist. "Gelatin can fit into a healthy diet, but it certainly should not replace balanced meals. It shouldn't replace fiber, fruits, vegetables and other protein sources that may actually help you feel full longer."
She went on to explain that gelatin is mostly protein and can help a person feel fuller. GLP-1s influence hormones and have nothing to do with protein.
Registered dietician Taylor D'Anna said it could work as an appetite suppressant, but “it can be a tool, but there are a lot of misconceptions.” She pointed out that the health hack will not burn fat, tone muscle or aid metabolism, as some of the posts claim.
She also pointed out that there are drawbacks to the hack people aren’t talking about. Gelatin is made of protein, but it is not a complete protein. It is missing vital vitamins and nutrients. Excessive amounts of gelatin can cause gastrointestinal issues, including stomach pain. It can disrupt the body’s natural hunger cues, making intuitive eating and listening to your body more difficult. And, if you use a flavored gelatin, you can add a lot of sugar to your day without realizing it.
There is a second Jell-O that has been making news recently as an AI deepfake video claimed Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Kelly Clarkson and Dr. Oz were all following it. Reality star Kathy Hilton fell for the video and was left bloated and uncomfortable. That diet recommended eating Jell-O prepared with vinegar and baking soda. There is no science behind that diet, and none of the celebrities shown in the video endorsed it.
Before you try an online hack, it’s best to do your own research and check with a doctor or nutritionist about what’s right for you and your goals. Things can sound great on the surface, but they don’t always fit your needs.
