• Weight Management

What Foods to Avoid When Taking Wegovy®

Medically reviewed and edited by Dr. Banita Sehgal

Have you tried weight-loss medications without much success in the past? Wegovy® may be a weight-loss solution that works for you.

In 2021, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for chronic weight management in obese and overweight individuals, and studies on the efficacy of this medication have shown promising results.

However, Wegovy® should be combined with a healthy diet consisting of lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and limited sugary drinks and high-fat foods.

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What is Wegovy®?

Wegovy® — which is classified as a GLP-1 agonist — is a medication brand containing the active ingredient semaglutide.

It's commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, helping to increase insulin production. This is essential for people with type 2 diabetes, as they need to control blood sugar levels and prevent harmful spikes.

In addition to its role in managing diabetes, Wegovy® is also used FDA-approved for chronic weight management. Wegovy® prompts your pancreas to realease more insulin — the hormone that tells your brain that you’re full and should stop eating. By enhancing insulin levels, you'll feel satisfied sooner and with less food.

The medication also slows down the digestion process. This leads to a longer-lasting feeling of fullness, thereby reducing your overall food intake and supporting your weight-loss efforts.

It's important to note that a balanced diet is crucial when using Wegovy®. The effectiveness of the medication increases significantly when combined with a nutritious diet.

While you may be eating less, it's vital to ensure that your meals are nutrient-rich for optimal body functioning and to achieve safe, effective weight loss.

Can the Foods I Eat Negatively Impact My Weight Loss Results While Using Wegovy®?

Eating foods high in simple or refined carbohydrates can lead to frequent spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.

Since Wegovy® works to regulate insulin, these spikes can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance. This resistance can affect the medication's effectiveness and negatively impact your weight loss efforts.

Essentially, certain dietary choices can counteract the benefits that Wegovy® provides.

What Foods Should I Avoid for Successful Weight Loss With Wegovy®?

The foods on this list should be avoided when you’re on Wegovy®, as they can slow your weight loss results. Some of these foods may even increase your risk of developing certain health conditions when combined with Wegovy®.

Processed foods

While using Wegovy®, try to steer clear of processed foods. These foods often contain high levels of refined sugars and lack beneficial fiber.

Common examples of processed foods that are best to avoid include:

• Canned fish

• Deli meats

• Sugary beverages

• Alcoholic beverages

• Sugary breakfast cereals

Opting for whole, unprocessed foods instead can significantly enhance your experience with Wegovy® and contribute to better overall health and more effective weight management.

Fried or greasy foods

When using Wegovy®, consider avoiding fried or greasy food — especially those high in saturated fats.

These types of foods can worsen the gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating, nausea, and constipation, that some users of Wegovy® may experience.

Consuming greasy or fatty foods can make your journey with Wegovy® more challenging by exacerbating these symptoms.

Examples of high-fat foods to avoid include:

• Fried chicken or fish

• French fries

• Bacon and sausage

• Deep-fried snacks

• Greasy fast foods

Sugary foods

Sugary foods can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, potentially counteracting Wegovy®'s weight loss benefits.

Foods high in sugar can disrupt your blood sugar balance and hinder your weight loss progress.

Examples of sugary foods to limit include:

• Candies and sweets

• Desserts like cakes and pastries

• Fruit juices

• Pastries and pies

Refined carbohydrates

Carbohydrates fall into two categories: simple/refined and complex/whole.

Simple or refined carbohydrates are high in sugar, low in fiber, and heavily processed. They don’t keep you full for long and often cause you to overindulge.

These carbohydrates can trigger blood sugar spikes and limit your intake of nutritious foods that are essential for people taking Wegovy®.

Refined carbohydrates to limit include:

• White bread and pasta

• Processed cereals

• Baked goods made with white flour

• Snack foods like chips and crackers

Carbonated beverages or sugary drinks

While using Wegovy®, it's best to avoid sodas with a high sugar content, which can increase blood sugar levels.

Plain carbonated drinks are generally acceptable, but added salts, sugars, and chemicals in some carbonated beverages may cause similar issues.

Some individuals on Wegovy® may also find that plain carbonated drinks can worsen Wegovy® side effects — such as abdominal discomfort or bloating.

It's important to monitor your reaction to these beverages and choose your drinks accordingly.

Here's a quick breakdown of the different carbonated beverages, what they contain, and how they may affect someone on Wegovy®:

• Club soda: is plain carbonated water with added minerals. These minerals can neutralize acidity, making it a suitable option for those experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms on Wegovy®.

• Flavored sparkling water: contains sugar, sweeteners, or essences. Fruit-flavored varieties are usually acidic and should be avoided if you have gastrointestinal issues.

• Seltzer water: is simply carbonated water with no added flavors. It’s generally a safe choice for those on Wegovy®, unless the carbonation itself causes discomfort.

• Tonic water: contains additives like sugar and flavors, which might affect blood sugar levels, making it less ideal for Wegovy® users.

Alcohol

There are no specific FDA guidelines regarding the use of alcohol with semaglutide (Wegovy®), but caution is advised as it can lower blood sugar levels and cause the following symptoms:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Sudden fatigue, shakiness and sweating

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

• Severe headache

Due to limited research on the interaction between alcohol and Wegovy®, it's important to monitor alcohol intake carefully while on this medication.

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What Eating Habits Should I Avoid When Using Wegovy®?

To optimize your eating habits while on Wegovy®, follow these tips:

• Practice mindful eating: Eat slowly and savor each bite during meals. Mindful eating helps your body and brain recognize fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating. Eating too quickly can hinder this awareness, often leading to consuming more than necessary.

• Avoid watching TV while eating: Eating in front of the TV can distract you from the amount of food you consume, potentially leading to overindulgence.

• Don’t lie down immediately after meals: Lying down right after eating can worsen gastrointestinal side effects associated with Wegovy®. Additionally, being horizontal soon after a meal may trigger heartburn or acid reflux.

Adopting these practices can help mitigate some common issues faced while on Wegovy® and contribute to a more successful weight management journey.

Should I Speak to a Medical Professional About My Diet When Using Wegovy®?

Consulting a dietitian when going on Wegovy® is highly advisable. This medication may lead to various side effects that can impact your gastrointestinal health and overall nutrition.

A trained professional can offer essential guidance and tailored advice to navigate these changes effectively, ensuring that you enjoy a healthy and balanced diet while striving to reach your health goals.

What is the role of a dietician?

A dietitian is a healthcare expert specializing in diet and nutrition. They conduct personalized assessments of their clients, considering unique aspects like personal preferences and financial constraints.

Using their extensive knowledge of nutrition science, dietitians tailor treatment plans that take clients' food accessibility, allergies, and budget into account.

Their primary objective is to guide individuals toward their health and wellness goals through nutritional means, ensuring safety and promoting optimal bodily health.

Dietitians play a crucial role in devising effective, sustainable dietary strategies and meal plans that cater to individual needs and circumstances.

Where Can I Get Wegovy® and Learn More About Weight Management?

Ready to maximize your Wegovy® journey? LifeMD can help. You shouldn’t have to navigate the complexities of dietary choices alone.

With LifeMD’s Weight Management Program, you can talk to a medical professional who can provide guidance on healthy eating habits, weight loss medications, and other weight management strategies — all from the comfort of your home.

Just answer some questions about your weight loss goals and medical history to find out if you qualify.

Dr. Banita Sehgal

Dr. Sehgal received her medical degree from Western University in Los Angeles and trained as Chief Resident at White Memorial Medical Center, also in Los Angeles. She’s been practicing medicine for 20+ years and has a specific interest in women’s health.

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