Many people want to lose weight. While diet and exercise can help, they might not be enough. Therefore, they turn to prescription and over-the-counter drugs because those medications delay gastric emptying. Ultimately, you feel full for longer and are more likely to get rid of those unwanted pounds.
You’ve probably heard of Ozempic (semaglutide), which was designed primarily to treat diabetes. However, doctors and scientists learned that it also promotes weight loss and has become a trendy solution for many.
Overall, semaglutide impacts how food interacts with the gastrointestinal tract while lowering high blood sugar levels over time. In a sense, the medication can change your relationship with food.
Before buying or taking Ozempic, it’s important to understand how it could affect your body. There are likely certain foods to avoid while using the medication, and you’ll learn about them today.
Certain Foods to Avoid While Using Ozempic
While taking Ozempic, it’s helpful to moderate certain foods to avoid uncomfortable symptoms and side effects.
Generally, you should avoid highly processed foods and those with added sugar, which you typically refer to as “junk items.”
Reducing how much you consume the following foods could help you prevent gastrointestinal side effects, such as vomiting, nausea, and heartburn:
1. Trans/Saturated Fats
Highly saturated and trans fats are closely related to greasy foods and can make your GI issues worse. Traditional staples, such as most red meats, ice cream, butter, full-fat cheese, heavy cream, and whole milk, could cause gastrointestinal distress if you are on Ozempic.
Therefore, you should focus more on food groups that use polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil, various nuts, and lean fish.
2. High-fat Foods
When taking semaglutide, it’s important to be mindful of the intake of high-fat foods.
High-fat foods are harder to digest and can exacerbate side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, leading to increased discomfort. High-fat meals can also slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to unpredictable blood sugar levels.
If you take semaglutide and consume high-fat fried foods, you will likely face GI distress more often.
3. Starchy Vegetables
It’s important to understand that vegetables are good for you, but some have more nutritional value than others. Those worried about GI distress will find that they must be careful when choosing their veggies.
Starchy vegetables like potatoes often spike blood sugar levels because they have higher carbohydrate counts. You may also wish to limit peas, carrots, and corn.
Though all vegetables are considered healthy, it might be wise to swap out the starchy ones for green beans, zucchini, and broccoli. These might help your medicine work better.
4. Alcohol
Since semaglutide slows digestion, it’s important to restrict or eliminate alcohol intake as much as possible. Otherwise, you might irritate your stomach.
In fact, alcohol consumption is known to irritate the gastrointestinal system. When you combine it with Ozempic, you could develop low blood sugar.
5. Refined Carbohydrates
Many grocery staples are high in refined carbohydrates. These tend to be overly processed and have fewer nutrients that your body needs. Likewise, they might spike blood sugar levels.
High-sugar foods, such as cereals, candy, and snack cakes, are all prime examples of items that could spike blood sugar levels. You should also be wary of boxed pasta and white bread.
Plus, refined carbohydrates simply don’t have the nutritional values you need. Consider whole grains and unprocessed foods, which provide adequate fiber and other nutrients.
6. Spicy Foods
Because Ozempic and other semaglutide-based medications can delay gastric emptying, it’s wise to avoid spicy foods. They could cause acid reflux, which is exacerbated when you take the medication.
7. High-sodium Foods
Typically, high-sodium foods translate into processed meals, such as grab-and-go snacks. These include:
Potato chips
Canned foods, such as soups, fruits, and vegetables
Most items in the frozen aisles at the grocery store
Almost anything purchased from a drive-thru
Most Americans currently consume too much sodium. This can raise blood pressure levels, which could lead to heart disease. If you also deal with type 2 diabetes, you might have an upset stomach all the time.
8. Foods That Might Raise Blood Sugar
Sugar often sneaks into unexpected items, such as salad dressings and sauces. Most ready-to-eat and frozen meals also contain a lot of this sweet substance.
If you have diabetes, high-sugar foods can work against the semaglutide medication you’re using.
Plus, sweets can raise blood sugar levels.
It’s best to avoid sugary foods, such as desserts, candy, fruit juice, and soda. The goal is to control insulin production without needing injections (whenever possible).
Why You’re Not Eating Much While Taking Ozempic
Semaglutide-based medications, such as Ozempic, primarily work to suppress your appetite by changing the body’s hormones. Likewise, they cause the stomach to process meals slowly so that you feel fuller for longer periods. Ultimately, people feel less hungry and start eating less, leading to weight loss.
You’re not alone if you experience upset stomach and nausea while taking semaglutide. These are some of the most common side effects reported, especially for Ozempic.
Healthcare providers have found that most of the side effects associated with Ozempic will lessen over time. Some of this has to do with people adjusting to the medication.
Hydration is crucial when taking Ozempic. Drinking plenty of water can minimize or prevent nausea, especially when you start semaglutide. You should consult a doctor for guidance if your symptoms are severe. Usually, they will prescribe a short-term anti-vomit drug to help while you take the first few doses.
The types of foods you eat will also determine how hungry you feel while on Ozempic. Check out the following tips to help you get your appetite under control:
Eat smaller meals throughout the day. You may need to consume snack-size amounts over many hours to avoid stomach problems.
Avoid alcohol whenever possible.
Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly.
Cut out spicy foods.
Keep your blood sugar steady by avoiding processed meals.
Stay hydrated because dehydration often worsens nausea. Drink slowly and consume cold items without any added sugar.
Take frequent walks. Getting some fresh air after eating can help you avoid the side effects of taking Ozempic. Plus, you don’t want to lie down after eating because it can exacerbate stomach pain.
Consider Working with a Dietician
You won’t find a special “Ozempic diet” online, but a healthcare provider might recommend you speak with registered dietitians to understand your specific nutritional needs.
It’s important to note that one type of diet alone cannot treat diabetes or clinical obesity. Generally, though, doctors ask people to eat foods that will not lower or raise blood sugar levels quickly once consumed.
Low-glycemic foods paired with fiber-rich and low-fat staples will be less likely to worsen gas. Overall, the goal is to consume a balanced diet each day while taking the obesity medicine.
Still, if you also have diabetes, you want to eat foods that are high in protein and feature healthy fats. Fiber is important because it helps you feel full for longer periods.
However, you should be aware that too much fiber can make stomach pain worse and lead to bloating and constipation. Ultimately, you must introduce new sources slowly and over time to avoid problems.
Foods to Eat While Taking Ozempic
Though you know that meals high in fat, sodium, and sugar aren’t good for you, there’s no need to only focus on bland foods. You can use spices to make them flavorful without being too spicy.
Alongside controlling portion sizes and lowering caloric intake, you should eat foods that will keep your blood sugar levels steady. Here are a few examples to consider:
Non- and Low-fat Dairy Products – These include cottage cheese, yogurt, and milk.
Vegetables – Though all types are welcome, leafy greens are ideal because they are fiber-rich.
Fresh Fruits – While fruit does have sugar, there are diabetes-friendly options, such as pears, peaches, berries, and apples.
Lean Protein – Red meats might not be the most suitable choice while taking Ozempic, especially if you have diabetes. Instead, consider poultry (chicken and turkey) and fish.
Doctors often say that vegetarian diets are the best choice, but some people simply can’t stay away from meat. Therefore, it’s wise to research low-carb and low-fat diets for the best results.
Final Thoughts on Ozempic Foods to Avoid and What to Eat Instead
When you begin a new medication, including Ozempic, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about your nutritional needs. The best solution is to consume a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Likewise, it’s wise to avoid fatty and greasy foods.
If you’re taking Ozempic primarily for weight loss, you must be aware of the side effects. These include diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Avoiding fatty foods can help, but you must get all the important nutrients your body needs.
You learned about Ozempic foods to avoid and the best foods to eat. Now, it’s time to purchase semaglutide from SEMA.bio. We have both generic and branded versions to help you lose weight easily and safely.
