If you’re considering starting Ozempic or have recently begun this treatment, you might be curious about the foods you should avoid to minimize nausea-related side effects. This article provides a comprehensive guide, including:
- Foods to avoid
- An overview of Ozempic and its uses
- Individuals who should not use Ozempic
- Our top five foods to avoid while on Ozempic
- Our top four foods you can consume while on Ozempic
- Foods that help prevent nausea
- Our best tips for achieving optimal results with Ozempic
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s get started!
Which Foods Should You Avoid While Taking Ozempic?
Ozempic, a drug produced by Novo Nordisk, works by reducing your blood glucose levels. Therefore, you should avoid foods that could cause a significant increase in your blood sugar levels, allowing the medication to work most effectively. These include:
- Foods rich in sugar (e.g., ice cream, cake, candy, or soda)
- Foods high in fat (e.g., pizza, tacos, chips, cheese, milk, bacon, sausages, steak, lamb, ham, nuts)
- Alcohol (e.g., wine and beer)
- Carbohydrates (e.g., pretzels, cereal, and white bread)
- Caffeine (e.g., coffee and tea)
- Fruits or vegetables high in sugar (e.g., sweet corn, mangoes, grapes)
By limiting these foods and making healthy dietary changes while on Ozempic, you will not only feel your best, but it will also help you achieve the best results. It’s also important to note that fried foods, which are typically high in unhealthy fats, should be avoided.
What is Ozempic and What is it Used For?
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a once-a-week injectable medication used for treating type 2 diabetes. It’s marketed by Novo Nordisk and may also be found under other brand names, including Wegovy or Rybelsus.
Semaglutide stimulates insulin production, which lowers blood glucose levels, leading to positive health outcomes for diabetics. Compared to other diabetes medications, such as Metformin, semaglutide shows a greater reduction in insulin resistance.
A side effect of Ozempic is that it can promote effective weight management, especially when paired with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Therefore, in addition to being approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, the drug is also approved for use by those with a BMI over 27.
Moreover, Ozempic’s benefits include helping to reduce the risk of severe cardiovascular events, such as heart disease, stroke, or even death. It’s also worth noting that the FDA has approved this medication for its benefits.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic works by mimicking the bodily actions of the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin production.
When insulin levels are high in the bloodstream, they process glucose into energy instead of storing it in your cells. Since Ozempic mimics this hormone, it lowers your blood glucose levels.
It can also suppress appetite and increase satiety (a feeling of fullness following meals), which can help with weight management in patients.
Who Should Not Take Ozempic?
You should not take Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or thyroid cancer. Additionally, if you are considering conceiving, or are pregnant, you should discuss your plans with your healthcare provider.
More serious known side effects of Ozempic may also include:
- Hypoglycemia (typically seen if you overdose on semaglutide)
- Kidney problems
- Alterations in vision
- Allergic reactions
If you experience any of these more serious side effects, stop your use of Ozempic immediately, and contact your medical team, or go to the ER at your local hospital.
Additionally, there are a number of medications, supplements, and conditions that interfere with Ozempic or stop it from working at maximum efficiency.
Be sure to discuss your medical history and any prescribed drugs you may be taking with your medical team before starting the medication.
5 Foods to Avoid While Taking Ozempic
You may find that avoiding certain foods helps with any side effects, including nausea (commonly reported among Ozempic users, especially when beginning the drug).
As always, consult with your medical team to come up with the best nutrition and medication plan for you.
Fried, Greasy Foods
Foods that are high in fat, such as fried or greasy items, can exacerbate some side effects of Ozempic, such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or other stomach symptoms.
Refined Carbohydrates
This group includes common foods such as white bread and pasta. While these are fine in moderation, they are generally high on the glycemic index
Sugary Drinks and Foods
Consumables high in sugar, particularly those found in sodas and high-sugar foods, can
make Ozempic less effective
High-Glycemic Vegetables
While still great to enjoy in moderation, high-glycemic (meaning quickly converted to sugar) vegetables are not ideal when taking Ozempic.
High glycemic vegetables may include:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Corn
Alcohol
Unfortunately, alcohol can cause significant spikes or drops in your blood glucose levels. This means that anyone monitoring their blood glucose (aka, diabetics) or those taking semaglutide medication for weight management should moderate their alcohol intake.
If you’re unable to omit alcohol from your diet completely, be sure to drink in moderation only.
What Foods Can I Eat While Taking Ozempic?
While taking Ozempic you should aim for a balanced and healthy diet, accompanied by plenty of water (around half a gallon a day).
As well as including the following in your diet, be sure to consult your medical team, as they may have further recommendations, or be able to put together a personalized plan for you.
Low-Glycemic Vegetables
Low-glycemic vegetables are full of nutrients, fiber, and taste amazing!
Try adding greens, onions, tomatoes, or cucumbers into your diet for all of the added flavor
Low-Glycemic Fruits
While you should avoid certain fruits, you can still enjoy many others. Low-glycemic fruits you can enjoy include:
- Grapefruit
- Cherries
- Pears
- Apples
- Oranges
Whole Grains
Maximizing your health doesn’t necessarily mean cutting out all carbs. Instead, choose a little more carefully.
This may mean opting for whole grains and seeds when you can (e.g., brown bread over white, or brown rice over white), as well as using other grains, such as barley and quinoa, as your meal base.
Lean Proteins
To optimize your health, forgo fatty meats and opt for lean proteins instead.
These include:
- Eggs (especially egg whites)
- Fish
- Chicken
- Turkey
Additionally, there are many plant-based lean proteins, such as:
- Lentils
- Tofu
- Beans
What Foods Can Help Me Avoid Nausea While Taking Ozempic?
Unfortunately, nausea is a common side effect of taking Ozmepic. However, there are many things you can do to minimize this.
If experiencing nausea, try to eat plain, bland, low-fat foods, such as crackers, toast, or rice, and abstain from fried, greasy, or overly sweet foods.
Foods high in water content, such as soup or jello, will also help to combat nausea while also hydrating you.
Additionally, avoid lying down after eating, eat slowly, and drink plenty of water.
Going outside for some fresh air and moderate exercise may also minimize the effects of nausea caused by Ozempic.
How to Obtain the Best Results While Taking Ozempic?
If weight management is one of your key reasons for taking Ozempic, be sure to consult your medical team to put a plan in place along with your medication. This will likely involve implementing a healthy diet and regular exercise into your routine.
You should aim to lose around two pounds a week until you reach your weight goal. This is considered to be the safest and most sustainable way to manage your weight.
In general, eating healthily (featuring lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein), as well as regular exercise will help you achieve the best results for you. Stay consistent and listen to your body, as well as following the advice of your medical team.
Key Takeaways
While on Ozempic, you should consider your diet carefully to maximize the benefits of the drug and minimize unpleasant side effects, such as nausea or stomach issues.
This involves staying away from:
- Greasy and fried food
- Sugary food or drink
- Refined carbohydrates
- High-glycemic fruits and vegetables
- Alcohol
However, you can still enjoy plenty of delicious food, with moderation. These include:
- Low-glycemic fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Lean protein
Be sure to consult with your medical team before starting Ozempic, as there are a number of more serious side effects you should be aware of, especially if you are on any other prescription medications or have a significant personal or family medical history.
Ozempic Foods to Avoid FAQs
What should I not eat while having Ozempic?
If you’re taking Ozempic, you should avoid:
- Fatty fried foods
- Refined carbohydrates
- High-glycemic vegetables
- Sugary foods and beverages
- Alcohol
What are the best foods to eat while having Ozempic?
You should aim to eat a healthy and balanced diet while using Ozempic. This will not only assist with glucose management for type 2 diabetes, but will also aid your weight management and overall cardiovascular health.
Choose:
- Low-glycemic fruits and veggies
- Lean proteins
- Whole grains
How can I maximize my weight loss on Ozempic?
As Ozempic is a prescription medication, you should talk to your medical team to come up with a weight loss plan that suits your individual needs. Generally speaking, supplementing Ozempic with a healthy diet and regular exercise are excellent and safe ways to support your weight management.
