Managing Ozempic: Know The Benefits & Side Effects

Last updated on March 2023

What foods to avoid while on Saxenda / Wegovy

By A. Christopher Ibikunle MD FACS

Saxenda® and Wegovy® are prescription medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and help with weight loss. However, both medications can have side effects and certain foods should be avoided while taking them. In this article, we'll discuss the potential side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy, and the foods to avoid while taking these medications.

Most Common Side Effects Of Saxenda Foods To Avoid When Taking Wegovy Or Saxenda What To Eat When Taking Saxenda Or Wegovy

Brand Name	Pros	Cons
Saxenda	Available in a convenient pre-filled injection pen; Effective in helping curb hunger; Approved for long-term use; Can be used for youth as young as 12 years old.	Administered daily expensive; Low weight loss yield; Available as an injection only; No generic available.
Wegovy	Administered once a week; High weight loss yield; Effective in helping curb hunger; Approved for long-term use.	Gastrointestinal side effects; Expensive; Available as an injection only; No generic available.

Ozempic Side Effects

Ozempic is a medication that helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the effects of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which helps lower blood sugar levels.

While Ozempic can be effective in controlling blood sugar, it can also have side effects, including:

• nausea
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• constipation
• lower blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• tiredness (fatigue)
• injection site reaction
• stomach pain
• headache
• dizziness
• change in enzyme (lipase) levels in your blood

If you experience nausea while taking this medication, here are a few tips that may help:

• eat low-fat, bland foods like toast and crackers
• eat foods containing water such as soups and gelatin
• avoid eating larger meals and instead eat smaller amounts more frequently (using smaller plates may help to reduce portion sizes)
• take frequent sips of water
• don’t lie down after finishing to eat
• avoid wearing tight clothing
• go outside for fresh air

How Does Saxenda Or Wegovy Help With Weight Loss

When we eat simple carbohydrates, our digestive system breaks them down and turns them into sugar which goes directly into the bloodstream. When the level of sugar rises too high in the bloodstream, the pancreas makes insulin and releases it to help control the sugar by converting it to energy or storing it out of the bloodstream (turning it into fat).

Taking a medication like Saxenda Or Wegovy that stimulates additional insulin production will help move the sugar out of the bloodstream faster and keep it from converting into fat.

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Foods to Avoid When Taking Ozempic

While taking Ozempic, it's important to avoid certain foods that can affect blood sugar levels. These foods include:

• Sugary drinks, such as soda, fruit juice, and sweet tea
• Processed foods, such as chips, crackers, and cookies
• Foods high in saturated fat, such as butter, cheese, and fatty meats
• Alcohol
• High-carb foods, such as white bread, pasta, and rice

Instead, focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.

Foods to Avoid When Taking Wegovy

While taking Wegovy, it's important to avoid certain foods that can affect appetite and weight loss efforts. These foods include:

• Sugary drinks, such as soda, fruit juice, and sweet tea
• Processed foods, such as chips, crackers, and cookies
• Foods high in saturated fat, such as butter, cheese, and fatty meats
• High-carb foods, such as white bread, pasta, and rice
• Alcohol

What To Eat When Taking Saxenda Or Wegovy

Most people who follow a low-carb lifestyle eat fewer carbs than they did before. A lot of people find that they can lose weight without counting every single thing they put into their mouth. When you're trying to lose weight, it's easy to get discouraged if you start counting points instead of weighing them out. 

Protein-rich Foods

Consuming enough protein in our diets is essential to our health. In addition to supporting almost every function in our bodies, foods that are rich in protein help us feel full longer which helps facilitate a healthy body weight.

Vitamin-rich Vegetables And Fruits

Vegetables and fruits are full of nutrients and are naturally low in fat. Choose a variety of vitamin-rich options to include in your diet.

Whole Grains

Whole grains are high in fiber and complex carbs which help you feel full longer and will not send your blood sugar to the roof. Check the label to ensure it has 3 or more grams of fiber per serving as well as essential nutrients.

Legumes

Legumes like beans and lentils are great plant-based sources of protein. They’re also packed with fiber and beneficial nutrients like iron, magnesium, and folate.

Legumes are a type of starchy vegetable, so they contain more carbs than nonstarchy vegetables. Balancing legumes with non-starchy vegetables and protein can help prevent a spike in blood sugar levels from eating starchy vegetables.

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You just need to know how much protein, fat, and carbohydrate you consume each day. By keeping track of these numbers, you'll see exactly what foods you need to cut back on and what ones you can add back in.

It is important to stick to the recommendations provided by your weight loss physician when taking Saxenda or Wegovy.

Source & Credits:

https://www.ibihealthcare.com/wegovy-vs-saxenda-for-weight-loss/

https://www.nicerx.com/blog/food-to-avoid-while-on-saxenda/

https://www.fithealth.cyou/2022/04/como-podemos-combatir-la-obesidad.html

https://www.bensnaturalhealth.com/blog/diabetes-health/ozempic-diet/

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