If you take Ozempic or Wegovy (semaglutide), you are probably aware that medication is most effective when paired with healthy lifestyle modifications. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial for controlling weight.
Unwanted side effects with this medicine, however, include bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a desire to skip meals.
Consuming foods that promote semaglutide may improve general health outcomes and lower the likelihood of adverse consequences. Most providers do not expect patients to completely avoid particular food categories, even though dietary changes might help lessen semaglutide side effects. It’s more about exercising moderation, particularly during the first few doses of medicine.
Find out what kinds of foods work best with semaglutide and which ones you should avoid when taking it.
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide belongs to the group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Type 2 diabetes and obesity are two serious medical disorders that it is recommended to treat.
The active ingredient in the name-brand medication Ozempic is semaglutide. The FDA-approved Ozempic injection lowers blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes and lowers the risk of significant cardiac events, such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as mortality in those with diabetes and heart disease. Between 0.25 and 2 milligrams are the medication doses administered once a week.
Another brand name for semaglutide that is authorized for weight reduction is Wegovy, Weekly subcutaneous administration between 0.25 and 2.4 milligrams is the typical dosage range.
Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or above, or those with a BMI of 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related ailment, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure, are eligible to use Wegovy for obesity which reduces the risk of heart problems.
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Semaglutide functions as an agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, simulating the release of the hormone GLP-1 in the gastrointestinal tract following meals.
GLP-1 reduces blood sugar by assisting the body in producing more insulin. Consequently, semaglutide has been utilized for more than 15 years by medical professionals to treat Type 2 diabetes.
GLP-1 interacts with brain regions that indicate fullness and lessen cravings at greater dosages. In addition to lowering the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, semaglutide can help obese or overweight individuals lose a considerable amount of weight when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.
Semaglutide increases your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels and fat storage, prolongs feelings of fullness, and decreases your appetite and desire to eat additional food.
Foods to Avoid While Taking Semaglutide
Patients on Wegovy or Ozempic are not entirely prohibited from eating any food. Limiting some food kinds, however, can help you reduce the amount of gastrointestinal discomfort and adverse effects that you experience while undergoing therapy.
Reducing consumption of the following foods may lessen the chance of experiencing gastrointestinal distress, such as reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.
- Sugar-Rich Food
Excess sugar consumption is detrimental to semaglutide users, particularly those with type 2 diabetes or obesity. High sugar intake might produce blood glucose rises, counteracting semaglutide’s blood sugar-regulating benefits and taxing the body’s insulin response, perhaps increasing insulin resistance over time.
High sugar consumption can also lead to weight increase, making it more difficult to meet semaglutide-supported weight loss targets. A high sugar diet has also been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, fatty liver disease, and other metabolic problems, complicating diabetes and obesity treatment.
As a result, you should restrict or avoid items that contain added sugars, such as sodas, fruit juices, candies, baked goods, and desserts.
- High-Fat Food
High-fat diets, particularly those high in harmful fats such as trans-fats and saturated fats, can have a detrimental influence on semaglutide’s efficacy and general health.
Diets rich in unhealthy fats have been associated to insulin resistance, potentially complicating semaglutide’s blood sugar-regulating benefits.
Unhealthy fats can also raise bad cholesterol (LDL) while decreasing good cholesterol (HDL), raising the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and strokes.
Research has also shown that even people who do not have diabetes or obesity might feel stomach upset and digestive issues when eating deep-fried foods, indicating that those on semaglutide medicines are more likely to develop GI distress if they consume fried, fatty meals on a regular basis.
High-fat foods to avoid include items such as fried chicken, french fries, whole milk, full-fat cheeses, ice cream, and red meat.
- High-Carbohydrate Foods
Carbohydrates are converted into glucose during digestion, which raises blood sugar levels. Large quantities of high-carbohydrate meals can induce rapid jumps in blood glucose, testing your body’s capacity to efficiently control these levels.
Increased blood sugar levels caused by increased carbohydrate intake can overpower semaglutide’s glucose-lowering activities, making blood sugar stabilization more challenging. This may also raise the risk of problems linked with poorly managed diabetes.
High-carb meals such as white bread, cakes, white rice, pasta, and potatoes can increase blood sugar levels.
- Processed Foods
Processed foods frequently include excessive amounts of harmful fats, sugars, salt, artificial additives, and refined carbs. These components can induce fast rises in blood glucose levels, making it harder to keep blood sugar under control.
The bad fat in these meals can also lead to insulin resistance, inflammation, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Consuming or drinking ultra-processed foods, such as sugary beverages, fast food, frozen dinners, or sweetened cereals, is also associated with an elevated risk of weight gain.
- High-Sodium Foods
Excessive salt intake has been related to a variety of health problems, including high blood pressure, a frequent consequence of diabetes and obesity. High blood pressure can raise the risk of cardiovascular illness, including heart attacks and strokes.
Because of this, it is important to avoid meals that are high in salt when you have diabetes. You should also schedule frequent doctor’s appointments to monitor your blood pressure and make sure you’re following all required precautions.
Best Foods to Eat While Using Semaglutide
When taken to lose weight, semaglutide is used with a low-calorie diet. If you’re using semaglutide to treat type 2 diabetes, the company suggests a diet that focuses on blood sugar management.
Some of the most beneficial foods to put into your diet while taking semaglutide are:
- High-Fiber Foods
Fiber-rich meals are great for keeping blood sugar under control and increasing satiety, which aids weight reduction. Dietary fiber reduces the absorption of sugar, avoiding blood glucose elevations. Furthermore, high-fiber meals keep you satiated for longer, which reduces the probability of overeating.
- Lean Proteins
Protein consumption is necessary for everyone, but it is especially vital for those taking semaglutide to incorporate lean protein in every meal. Protein helps to minimize blood sugar surges after meals, making you feel fuller and preventing overeating.
Include lean proteins like skinless chicken breast, salmon, lean beef, or plant proteins to get your protein and feel satisfied. Lean proteins are also lower in harmful fats, which can help you maintain muscle mass while reducing weight.
- Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are vital for cardiovascular health and general well-being. They can boost insulin sensitivity and give sustained energy. Consuming modest levels of healthy fats can aid in weight loss and cardiovascular health.
Nuts and seeds, avocado, olive oil, and fatty seafood are excellent sources of heart-healthy fats.
- Hydration
Drinking lots of water and staying hydrated is important while taking a GLP-1, such as semaglutide. Your small and large intestines absorb water from your food. The longer stomach emptying takes, the drier your solid waste will be.
Dry, firm stools are uncomfortable and difficult to pass. However, drinking enough of water is a great way to avoid this. In general, you should drink 30 mL of liquids per kilogram of body weight, or around 0.5 oz for every pound of body weight.
Certain vegetables, such as cucumbers and celery, fruits like watermelon and strawberries, and soups and broths, can help you stay hydrated while also supplying vital nutrients.
- Snack on Nuts, Seeds, Vegetables, and Fruits
Semaglutide decreases appetite, so you may not feel hungry enough to eat bigger meals. However, you might wish to nibble on smaller meals.
Seeds, nuts, vegetables, and fruits are ideal snack alternatives because they deliver critical minerals and vitamins, fiber, and healthy fats without producing sudden blood sugar increases.
They not only serve to feed your body by delivering energy and keeping you from overeating or eating unhealthy foods, but they are also beneficial.
Nuts and seeds are also high in critical elements like zinc and magnesium, which boost energy and support a strong immune system.
Reach Your Weight Loss Goals with A-OK Vitality & Wellness
At A-OK Vitality & Wellness, we are committed to assisting you in achieving your weight reduction objectives by providing effective weight loss medical treatments. We provide many different medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, phentermine, and fat burner injections to name a few.
At A-OK Vitality & Wellness, our devoted staff has received extensive training in weight loss management. They will monitor your weight reduction progress to ensure you obtain healthy and long-term outcomes.
We recognize that everyone is unique. Our staff collaborates with you to design a tailored food plan that meets your specific needs and interests. We will also go over other important aspects of weight reduction, such as stress management, physical activity guidelines, and sleep quality.
Take the first step toward a healthy you at A-OK Vitality & Wellness. Schedule your appointment now and let us help you achieve your weight reduction goals with the best medications and customized treatment.