Foods to Avoid While Using Ozempic

Ozempic is a medication designed to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels in those with this chronic illness.

It has been scientifically proven that one of the functions of this prescription drug is weight loss, which is why it has become so popular.

In a 2021 study, participants took one milligram of Ozempic per week and adhered to healthy lifestyle interventions for two years.

This was compared to a group of individuals who only adhered to lifestyle changes. It was found that participants taking Ozempic lost over 11 pounds in 68 weeks.

Another trial saw 63% of participants lose 5% or more of their body weight. Over 27% of participants lost up to 10% of their body weight after one year of treatment.

If you have been prescribed Ozempic for weight management or to treat diabetes, it’s important to know that certain substances — including food — may interact with the medicine and cause side effects.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at which foods to limit while taking Ozempic, and what you can do to maximize your weight loss results and manage your blood sugar.

What is Ozempic and How Does it Work?

Ozempic is a brand name for an active ingredient called semaglutide, which is manufactured by a company named Novo Nordisk.

It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it imitates the GLP-1 hormone that occurs naturally in our bodies.

The GLP-1 hormone is responsible for normalizing and regulating blood sugar levels in the body.

Ozempic acts just like GLP-1 would on the brain and the digestive system, helping people feel fuller for longer. This may lead to a lower intake of calories which could result in weight loss.

It also slows down the speed at which food is eliminated from the stomach, leaving people feeling more satisfied after eating.

Ozempic is administered in a pre-filled injector pen, designed to make using the medication simple and convenient.

The injection is usually prescribed to be taken once per week at various doses between 0.5 and 2 mg.

Who can take Ozempic?

Ozempic is suitable for individuals with type 2 diabetes as part of their treatment plan.

People who are obese can also take Ozempic. To be classified as obese, an individual would need to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.

People with weight-related health conditions can also take this drug. These conditions include:

• Heart disease
• Osteoarthritis
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Should I Go on a Diet While Taking Ozempic?

There is currently no evidence that suggests certain foods should be avoided entirely while taking Ozempic.

However, adopting a healthy diet and making lifestyle changes are crucial aspects of managing diabetes and weight effectively.

Individuals using Ozempic are also advised to take proactive steps in supporting their metabolic health and preventing weight regain.

Metabolic health refers to the body's ability to respond appropriately to food, reducing the risk of developing conditions like obesity and diabetes.

Optimal metabolic health contributes to increased energy levels, blood sugar regulation, and reduced inflammation.

If you are thinking of using Ozempic for obesity or diabetes management, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about lifestyle modifications that can support weight loss and blood sugar control.

Foods to Avoid While Taking Ozempic

While there are no specific foods that will have a negative impact on how Ozempic works, it’s important to incorporate a healthy diet into your weight loss journey.

If you are diabetic, there are also certain foods you should avoid, as these can make controlling your blood sugar levels more difficult.

If you are taking Ozempic, foods you might want to limit include:

High-sugar foods

Sugary foods like candy, soda, and desserts are problematic for those with diabetes as they create a spike in blood sugar levels.

Eating these foods puts your body under pressure, making blood sugar management far more challenging.

Calorie-dense foods like those that contain high amounts of sugar can also contribute to weight gain when consumed regularly.

If you’re taking Ozempic for weight loss, it’s recommended that you avoid eating sugary foods as they are known to contribute to weight gain.

Greasy foods

Refraining from eating fatty foods while taking Ozempic may help reduce certain side effects — like nausea, indigestion, and an upset stomach — and can contribute to better blood sugar control.

Trans fats (or trans-unsaturated fatty acids) occur naturally in foods like whole milk, ice cream, and butter. These are the fats you should try to steer clear of.

Instead, focus on getting more healthy fats into your diet, such as lean chicken, fish, eggs, nuts, beans, and soy.

Healthy fats have been scientifically proven to lower the risk of developing medical conditions like heart disease and high cholesterol. They also assist with regulating blood glucose levels and reducing inflammation.

Alcohol

You can drink alcohol while taking Ozempic, as it does not interact with how the drug works.

However, alcohol consumption can impact blood sugar levels, especially in people with diabetes.

If you have diabetes and take both insulin and Ozempic, consuming alcohol can considerably decrease your blood sugar levels, which can pose a risk to your health.

Caffeine

Although you can consume caffeine while taking Ozempic, it’s important to stay hydrated since caffeine can increase urine production, which may lead to dehydration.

Besides dehydration, caffeine may also cause lower blood glucose levels, especially when consumed in conjunction with Ozempic.

The FDA recommends that adults should not drink more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day — which is about four or five cups of coffee.

Fried foods

As most of the side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal, greasy and fried foods can make you feel worse if you’re experiencing them. These foods include french fries, fried chicken, crisps, and other fatty snacks.

Refined carbohydrates

While some carbohydrates are necessary for the body to function normally, overconsumption can lead to high blood glucose levels when taking Ozempic.

Aim to eat complex carbohydrates that are typically found in foods like fruit, vegetables, seeds and nuts, whole grains, and legumes.

Avoiding simple carbohydrates like white bread and processed foods is important if you want to lose weight and regulate your blood sugar.

Living a Healthy Lifestyle with Ozempic

Whether you’re taking Ozempic for chronic weight management or for diabetes, eating healthy and being physically active are important.

Foods to eat while taking Ozempic

Healthy eating isn’t only about avoiding certain foods, it also includes eating foods that can regulate blood sugar levels and keep you feeling fuller for longer. Here are some guidelines:

• Swap out fast-digesting simple carbohydrates and focus on eating foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats
• Healthy fats can be found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds
• Whole grains are effective sources of complex carbohydrates and can include oatmeal, whole wheat bread, and brown rice
• Aim for lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, beans, and tofu. Lean meats typically contain less fat
• Try to eat about two ounces of protein per day, spread out across meals and snacks
• Vegetables and fruits are the foundation of healthy eating and are packed with important minerals, vitamins, and fiber

Ozempic will likely decrease your appetite, so you may naturally want to eat less. It’s important that the food you do consume improves your blood sugar levels and supports metabolic health.

Physical activity while taking Ozempic

Exercise plays an important role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle while using Ozempic. Physical activity helps naturally lower blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

This could be broken down into 30 minutes of exercise each day, five days a week.

The CDC also advises that sitting less and moving more is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. They say that adults who sit less and do any amount of physical activity gain health benefits.

What to Tell Your Doctor Before Taking Ozempic

If you are considering taking Ozempic, it’s important to give your doctor all the information about your health and any medications you’re currently on.

This is because a family history of certain conditions as well as certain medications can put you at risk if you take Ozempic.

Let your doctor know if you:

• Are taking other diabetes medications
• Are taking any over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• Have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome
• Have any medical conditions
• Have had any problems with your pancreas or kidneys in the past
• Have a history of diabetic retinopathy
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning to conceive in the future
• Have an active gallbladder dise

Where Can I Learn More About Taking Ozempic?

Interested in learning more about Ozempic for weight loss? You may be interested in enrolling in the LifeMD Weight Management Program.

Enrolling in the program means you’ll be working closely with licensed clinicians who will provide ongoing support on your weight loss journey. You may be prescribed medication like Ozempic or another GLP-1, if you qualify.