Key Takeaways

Ozempic (semaglutide) can be a helpful tool in managing weight loss and type 2 diabetes. However, the right diet can make a big difference in your experience with the medication. Common indulgences like fried, greasy foods, sweet treats, carbonated beverages, and alcohol can be key offenders in worsening bad side effects from Ozempic and potentially reduce  its effectiveness. It is crucial to maintain a healthy balanced diet while taking Ozempic. These are helpful general recommendations, but it is always best  to consult with a registered dietitian to personalize your unique nutrition profile. Ahara offers ongoing support from registered dietitians in addition to medication guidance from licensed medical professionals making it possible to have the best of both worlds in one easy-to-access place.

Foods to avoid while taking Ozempic (Semaglutide)

While Ozempic can be  effective for type 2 diabetes and weight gain, your diet will still play a key role in avoiding potential side effects and ensuring the medication works properly. Adjusting your diet to avoid certain foods while taking Ozempic can improve your experience with the medication. 

We’ve put together this helpful food guide to help you stay on track. We’ll explore the types of foods you should avoid while taking Ozempic and touch on recommended replacements from our team of registered dietitians at Ahara.  Making these changes can support your overall health and treatment success. 

What is Ozempic (Semaglutide) and How Does it Work?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication that is prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes It helps control  blood sugar levels as well as mitigate long-term health risks associated with type 2 diabetes like excess weight gain, hypertension, and heart disease. Due to its effectiveness in preventing complications associated with excess weight in diabetes patients, it’s also prescribed off-label for weight loss by some medical providers. 

Semaglutide is the active ingredient found in Ozempic—other brand-name drugs that contain semaglutide are known as Wegovy and Rybelsus.  These medications are called  GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic the effects of a hormone called GLP-1. 

GLP-1 medications do three key things to assist with weight loss: they work in the gut to slow gastric emptying, which helps you stay fuller longer; they control insulin release providing blood sugar-stabilizing benefits; and works in the brain to control appetite.

Ozempic has only been approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes.. But it is often prescribed off-label for weight loss.  And compounded semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, may be more cost-effective and accessiblethan Ozempic. d. 

Alongside ongoing support from registered dietitians, Ahara offers compounded semaglutide solutions online. Prescribed by licensed medical providers, Ahara’s compounded semaglutide considers your whole health profile making it a viable alternative to Ozempic. 

Try the compounded semaglutide weight loss plan with Ahara Med for as low as $45 per month with Affirm.

Which foods should you avoid while taking Ozempic (semaglutide)?

When it comes to what foods to avoid on Ozempic or semaglutide, you’ll want to avoid these common indulgences as much as possible. The good news is that GLP-1 medications are actively working in your gut and brain to change the way you process and respond to food and drink—making it easier to find control. 

Sugary foods and drinks

Foods high in sugar, such as candies, pastries, and sugary drinks, cause rapid blood sugar spikes, which GLP-1 drugs aim to prevent. Overloading your system with sugar can lead to unwanted blood sugar fluctuations, reducing the effectiveness of the medication. If you’re living with diabetes, they can also worsen blood sugar control. 

Carbonated beverages

Since Ozempic slows down digestion, it can make it difficult for your body to handle carbonation. It’s OK to drink carbonated beverages sometimes. But in some cases you may experience an increase in reflux, extra gassiness and bloating, and stomach pain.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic can  can exacerbate irritation in the gastrointestinal system. That can cause an upset stomach, nausea, and vomiting. It may also increase the risk of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, and can also increase cravings and appetite when combined with semaglutide.

Foods that are high in unhealthy fats

One of the main effects of GLP-1 drugs is slowing down how quickly food moves through your stomach. While this helps you feel fuller longer, it can also lead to gastrointestinal discomfort like nausea and bloating. Fried and greasy foods are hard to digest and may make these issues worse. Foods high in saturated fat can also derail your weight loss and wellness goals. 

Refined carbohydrates

White bread, pasta, and other refined carbs break down quickly into sugar in the body, leading to blood sugar spikes. They also lack the fiber necessary to support healthy digestion, which is especially important when taking GLP-1 medications that slow digestion.

Starchy vegetables

Starchy vegetables such as corn, potatoes, and beets  are vegetables that break down into sugars in your body more quickly than non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and leafy greens. It’s OK to  eat starchy vegetables, and they can be a healthy part of your diet. But if you’re living with diabetes, it may be best to limit these. Talk to your dietician or healthcare provider for their recommendation. 

Heavy meals, large portions

High-fat meals and large portions, especially those that combine a lot of fat and carbohydrates, can worsen nausea and delay digestion even further, leading to more discomfort. These types of meals can also cause higher blood sugar spikes, which counteracts the blood sugar-stabilizing benefits of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide

Foods you should eat while taking Ozempic (semaglutide)

Semaglutide, or Ozempic can be an effective tool for managing weight and blood sugar, but the right diet is essential for minimizing side effects and optimizing results. Avoiding fried foods, large portions, sugary snacks, and refined carbs will not only make the medication easier to tolerate but also support your long-term health goals.

Ahara’s in-house team of registered dietitians has made the following recommendations to help you stay on track and feel your best while taking semaglutide medications. These are general recommendations, but Ahara offers ongoing support from registered dietitians for a truly personalized, whole-picture approach to helping you achieve your weight loss goals. 

Try Ahara Med weight loss plans for as low as $45 per month with financing.

Instead of eating heavy meals high in fats opt for more balanced meals, with smaller portions, and healthy fats: eat more lean proteins like fish and chicken. Try to eat more healthy fats, or foods high in omega 3’s, like avocados, nuts, salmon, eggs, and high-quality oils like avocado and olive oil. Think of eating balanced plates at every meal with good portion sizes—smaller portions of healthy fats, lean protein, and whole grains can help keep digestion smooth.

Instead of high-carb highly processed white pasta and breads, opt for more nutrient-dense alternatives: whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, oats, and whole wheat pasta offer more fiber and nutrients, keeping you full and stabilizing your blood sugar. Incorporate fiber-rich vegetables like leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and beans to boost your intake further.

Instead of indulging in fried or greasy foods, try reaching for different versions of these foods: opt for baked, grilled, or steamed options. Instead of fried chicken, try grilled chicken with herbs and spices. For snacks, swap potato chips for air-popped popcorn or roasted chickpeas.

If you’re craving something sweet, instead of reaching for a sweet treat or sugary drink, try opting for more naturally sugary foods like fruits—berries, apples, and oranges are all great options. You can also enjoy dark chocolate or yogurt with a drizzle of honey as a more nutritious option. Choose water, herbal teas, or sparkling water with lemon or lime instead of sugary sodas or fruit juices.

How Ahara can help

Insatiable appetite and uncontrollable cravings have rendered us all helpless at some point or another. Reminding yourself of the negative repercussions from the last time you felt a sudden urge to indulge can be a powerful tool to make sure you feel great and your medicine works effectively. 

A person’s individual needs for their unique diet vary greatly, so it is also recommended to work with a healthcare provider or dietitian to help create a personalized approach to nutrition while taking Ozempic or compounded semaglutide. With options to work with registered dietitians throughout treatment alongside the support of compounded semaglutide prescribed online by licensed medical professionals, Ahara is truly here to offer a personalized approach to weight loss. Reach out today to schedule a consultation, so you can start feeling better tomorrow.

FAQs

Common questions often arise about which foods to avoid while taking Ozempic. Here are our answers.

Is an Ozempic diet good? 

Ozempic  is not a type of diet. Ozempic is a type of medication that is prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes and can also help with weight loss when taken alongside a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Maintaining a balance and a whole diet while taking Ozmepic is crucial to the medication's success. 

Does Ozempic have bad side effects?

Like all medications, Ozempic can have  side effects.. Some of the most common side effects of Ozmepic are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pains. Low blood sugar is rare, but possible, especially if you take Ozempic with insulin or sulfonylureas. 

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