I tried the $1 drug hailed as BETTER than Ozempic... the weight-loss results don't lie but now I can't stop

They’re tiny — no bigger than a thumb nail — and discreet.

That’s what makes Zyn nicotine pouches so appealing to former smokers like me, especially on nights out when cravings hit hard.

The compact white sachets containing nicotine salt are placed between your gums and lips, releasing nicotine gradually into your bloodstream.

Recently, as these small pouches transitioned from an occasional indulgence to a regular habit for me, I have observed an unexpected bonus: they suppress your hunger.

We’ve known about the appetite-suppressing effects of cigarettes forever — hence the cliche about people getting fat when they quit smoking.

Nicotine speeds up your heart rate and floods your system with adrenaline, tricking your body into thinking something urgent is about to happen. 

This minor ‘fight-or-flight’ mode triggers a surge of enjoyable nervous vitality that typically attracts smokers. In this condition, the body loses its desire for food.

With cigarettes, the effect lasts only a few minutes. Zyn pouches, on the other hand, deliver a slow release of nicotine that can linger for up to an hour. 

Zyn nicotine pouches so appealing to former smokers like me, especially when alcohol is involved and cravings hit hard

Zyn nicotine pouches so appealing to former smokers like me, especially when alcohol is involved and cravings hit hard

The result? A prolonged feeling of alertness — and, in my experience, a total drop in appetite. 

It’s not unlike what you hear from people on weight-loss drugs like Ozempic: not only are you not hungry, but the constant chatter about food in your brain — known colloquially as ‘food noise’ — also fades away. 

For the first time in my life, I’ve been able to successfully commit to intermittent fasting — which is a fancy way of saying I skip breakfast, eating two meals a day instead of three. 

I’d tried it before, but the morning hunger pangs were always too intense to ignore. 

Now, with the help of a few morning Zyns, the shift has been effortless. 

I’ve lost two pounds in two weeks, despite still eating out and drinking alcohol a few nights a week.

Meanwhile, the average weight loss you can expect from Ozempic is about one to two pounds per week, according to clinical studies. 

And there’s a massive difference in cost. A pack of 15 Zyn pouches sells for $5-$10. A month supply of Ozempic will set you back around $1,000.

But, to use a food pun, there’s no such thing as a free lunch, and Zyns come with some pretty severe side effects.

The most obvious is nicotine addiction. Cravings, irritability and restless legs can make you unpleasant to be around.

Being bound to a vice also makes you feel weak – I remember this vividly from my smoking days.

If you’re prone to anxiety, the stimulant effect of nicotine will likely make it worse.

The Zyn pouches look like tiny tea bags filled with nicotine. Placed discretely between your lip and gum, the nicotine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream (stock image)

The Zyn pouches look like tiny tea bags filled with nicotine. Placed discretely between your lip and gum, the nicotine is absorbed directly into the bloodstream (stock image)

Then there’s the oral health toll: receding gums, flare-ups of gum disease and painful mouth sores are to be expected when putting an irritant in your mouth for hours on end.

There’s also the unknown. Zyns are marketed as safer than cigarettes, and technically they are — there’s no combustion, no smoke, no tar. 

But they’re still relatively new. Remember when people said vaping was safe?

Personally, I’ve experienced occasional bouts of blurred vision and a weird sense of losing track of time — like I’m slightly spaced out.

I haven’t seen this reported widely elsewhere, but it’s hard to ignore when it’s happening to you — so bear that in mind.

They have also been linked to heart trouble in teenagers and young people, who have quickly become the group most likely to use them.

Some researchers have also linked their use during adolescence to harm to brain development and problems with learning, memory and attention.

Despite being sold in bodegas, smoke shops, and 7-Elevens for years, Zyn was only officially authorized by the FDA in January. 

The decision doesn’t mean that Zyn is safe, just less harmful than older alternatives. 

The agency cited evidence that they expose users to significantly fewer harmful chemicals than cigarettes and could help reduce smoking rates.

Tucker Carlson slips a Zyn into his mouth at the Republican National Convention last July

Tucker Carlson slips a Zyn into his mouth at the Republican National Convention last July

Unlike chewing tobacco or snus, Zyn pouches contain no tobacco leaf. 

They are filled with nicotine salts, flavorings, and plant-based fibers which work together to provide a controlled release of nicotine.

They are sold in two different strengths of nicotine: 3 milligrams and 6mg. 

There are other brands, too, like Rogue, VELO and Tucker Carlson’s company Alp.

They come in an array of flavors including mint, coffee, cinnamon and lemon.

Millions of Americans now use nicotine pouches, with sales more than doubling in recent years. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was reprimanded by the NFL for putting a Zyn in his mouth while on the sidelines of a game.

Actor Josh Brolin has shared he’s so addicted to an unspecified brand of nicotine pouches he sleeps with them in his mouth.

But the rise has been especially notable among young adults and former smokers, many of whom see it as a cleaner, more discreet alternative to cigarettes or vaping. 

And yes, there’s evidence that nicotine pouches are contributing to falling smoking rates — though health experts warn that swapping one addiction for another isn’t exactly a win.

You May Also Like
Stunning reason why mother gave marijuana edibles to 6-year-old daughter

Surprising explanation for why a mother provided cannabis-infused treats to her 6-year-old child

Deanna Sue Woods, 36, was sentenced to prison on Wednesday after allegedly…
Eric Trump drops big time hint about possible successor to father's presidency in 2028

Eric Trump hints at potential 2028 presidential successor

Donald Trump’s second son has sparked rumors concerning his family’s interest in…
CNN's Scott Jennings rips liberal apart by using her own words against her

Scott Jennings from CNN criticizes a liberal by using her own words against her

CNN’s Scott Jennings ripped a liberal apart by using her own words…
2 arrested at LA home linked to Iranian 'human smuggling hub': CBP

CBP: Two people arrested at Los Angeles residence tied to Iranian ‘human smuggling center’

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Federal officials apprehended two…
New: GOP Senator Thom Tillis Won't Seek Reelection in 2026

GOP Senator Thom Tillis has decided not to run for reelection in 2026.

The main legislation of President Trump, known as the One Big Beautiful…
‘Twilight’ Is Leaving Netflix: Where To Watch The Beloved Fantasy Franchise Online

Where to Watch ‘Twilight’ After It Leaves Netflix: Online Platforms for the Beloved Fantasy Franchise

We have a ton of exciting new TV shows and movies to…
New satellite imagery shows ongoing activity at Iran's Fordow nuclear complex after US airstrikes

Ongoing Activity at Iran’s Fordow Nuclear Complex Revealed in New Satellite Imagery Following US Airstrikes

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Recent satellite imagery has…
Putin visits Kursk region for first time since booting Ukrainian forces from territory

Ukraine reports that Russia initiated its most extensive air assault of the conflict

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Russia launched its biggest…
Tropical Storms Barry and Flossie form off Mexico's southeast and southwest coasts

Formation of Tropical Storms Barry and Flossie on the southeastern and southwestern coasts of Mexico

MIAMI — Tropical Storm Barry formed Sunday near Mexico’s southeast coast and…
Uncomfortable staff in the background of Lauren Sanchez's bridal photos go viral

Awkward employees caught in the background of Lauren Sanchez’s wedding pictures become an internet sensation

Behind-the-scenes snapshots of Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos’ wedding have started going…
'One Big Beautiful Bill': Senate Republicans advance Pres. Donald Trump's tax, spending cuts bill after dramatic late-night vote

Senate Republicans Advance President Donald Trump’s Tax and Spending Cuts Bill After Late-Night Vote

Senate Republicans made progress in advancing President Donald Trump’s tax breaks and…
Todd and Julie Chrisley Break Silence After Trump Pardons: “God Touched President Trump’s Heart”

Todd and Julie Chrisley Speak Out After Trump Grants Pardons: “Trump was Influenced by God”

Todd and Julie Chrisley are no longer behind bars — and they’re…