Weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Wijovi constitute what some call a “modern medical miracle,” but many patients cannot continue on these medications for a long time due to their side effects and therefore do not lose weight. So how do you deal with them?
Dr. Alexandra Sawa, author of the book “The Ozambik Revolution,” said in statements to Newsweek that these drugs constitute the largest revolution in medicines that we have witnessed, and the greatest progress in recent times.
Ozempic and similar drugs are agonists of the GLP-1 receptor, which mimics the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, which stimulates feelings of satiety, to help control blood sugar, reduce appetite, slow digestion and help people lose weight.
The medications are prescribed for type 2 diabetes and obesity, and studies have shown that they reduce the risk of diseases such as heart disease, as well as helping people lose weight.
“With the tremendous advances in these amazing drugs, a lot of people get a prescription, but they don’t get all the information that goes along with success,” Sawa said. “There is a lot more patients can do other than just take an injection.”
Studies show that many patients struggle to stay on these medications for a long time because they may come with side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. But making specific nutrition and lifestyle changes, and getting behavioral therapy, can help people who take GLP-1s reduce these side effects, Sawa said.
“Side effects shouldn’t be something long-term. They’re something we experience as we start taking each dose of the medication and perhaps with each dose increase,” she said. “But if you understand how these medications work, you can reduce most of these side effects to very small inconveniences.”
For example, she said, nausea may result from overeating because people who are not accustomed to feeling full may not respond to the new cues these drugs stimulate.
For her part, Dr. Patricia Pinto Garcia said in a statement to Healthline: “The drug semaglutide (Ozembic) works to slow down the speed of bowel movements, which means that these foods can remain for a longer period and cause symptoms. These things can also lead to heartburn, which is Common symptoms people experience when taking semaglutide.
Pinto-Garcia says the longer digestion time can also make patients constipated.
With Ozambik…the best and worst foods you can eat
Eating certain foods while taking medications such as Ozempic and Wijovi can trigger or worsen uncomfortable side effects. Foods and drinks high in fat, overly processed, and sugar, such as red meat and soda, are the most notable.
High-fiber foods such as starchy vegetables can also increase side effects.
Bland foods and plain water are less likely to cause discomfort, but experts agree that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for patients taking these medications.
“Semaglutide works by regulating blood sugar, slowing stomach emptying, and reducing hunger signals in the brain,” Dr. Lauren Donangelo, a gastroenterologist and obesity medicine specialist in Atlanta, tells Healthline.
However, these mechanisms may also cause uncomfortable side effects, including nausea, vomiting, bloating, and not wanting to eat at all. Some foods may cause or worsen these side effects.
Foods to avoid while taking Ozambik, Wijovi and similar medicines
It is recommended to reduce or avoid high-fat foods such as fried or fatty foods, foods with a high glycemic index, ultra-processed foods, and foods and drinks high in sugar because they can increase blood sugar.
Examples of these foods include:
- fried chicken
- Hamburgers and other forms of red meat
- Cheese
- Peanut butter
- Butter
- Oil
- Soft drinks, such as soda
- Sugar-sweetened beverages such as juice
- Caffeine and spicy foods because they can also aggravate heartburn.
However, experts stress that people should not feel as if there are any foods they should exclude.
Moreover, some foods, such as broccoli and beans, contain valuable nutrients.
“It is important to note that foods rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats are essential parts of a balanced nutrition strategy for both overall health and weight loss,” Donangelo says. “It is not recommended to completely restrict or eliminate these foods. Instead, patients’ nutritional needs should be closely monitored by Obesity-trained doctors and registered dietitians while taking medications like semaglutide.”
Dr. Florence Comet says in a statement to Healthline: “Think about the foods that usually cause you some digestive distress when you are not taking medication. So, if fatty burgers or french fries affect your intestines, you can expect these foods to cause you problems.” When taking semaglutide: If you are not accustomed to eating high-fiber foods, and eat fruits and vegetables while taking semaglutide, you will likely find bloating, constipation or diarrhea worse.
Foods and drinks that are less likely to cause side effects
“I feel strongly that people should not follow specific diets,” Comet says. “Specific diets are not suitable for everyone because everyone is different. What may work for one person may not necessarily work for another person, even if that other person is your identical twin.”
“Foods that are less likely to cause side effects are lower in fiber, protein, and fat. These types of foods do not cause any additional slowing of stomach emptying and are easier to digest,” Donangelo says.
Pinto-Garcia adds that it’s often a good idea to look for foods with a lower glycemic index to keep your blood sugar stable.
Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic, suggests:
- Foods with a high water content, such as soup
- Cold clear drinks
- Other tips to reduce gastrointestinal upset while taking semaglutide
For her part, Sawa recommends eating protein first to get enough nutrition, prioritizing hydration and electrolytes such as salt to avoid nausea, and finding gut-friendly sources of fiber to improve digestion.
She also said that it is important to increase the dose only when you adapt to the previous dose, to avoid many side effects.
Other ways to reduce side effects when using Ozempic include the following tips:
- Eat slowly.
- Keep your body hydrated.
- Go for a walk after the meal.
- If you experience uncomfortable side effects while taking semaglutide, it is recommended that you speak to the doctor who prescribes this medication for you.