Foods to avoid while taking Ozempic.
If you take Ozempic—one of a newer class of diabetes medications called GLP-1s—you may sometimes experience side effects such as nausea and upset stomach. While there aren’t any foods that interact dangerously with Ozempic, altering your diet may help you avoid or lessen some unpleasant side effects and possibly even help improve the success of the drug.
Here’s a look at which foods you may want to avoid while taking Ozempic and why.
Get access to GLP-1 medication (if prescribed) and 1:1 support to meet your weight loss goals.
Get access to GLP-1 medication (if prescribed) and 1:1 support to meet your weight loss goals.
What is Ozempic used for?
Ozempic (semaglutide; see Important Safety Information) is a prescription medication that’s injected once a week to treat type 2 diabetes. It’s typically prescribed when first-line treatments like metformin and lifestyle changes aren’t effectively controlling blood sugar levels. Ozempic is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
Though Ozempic is not approved as a weight-loss drug, the medication can lead to significant weight loss. In one trial, people with diabetes taking 1.0 mg of Ozempic dosage, along with diet and exercise, saw an average weight loss of 7% of their body weight over 68 weeks. That’s why some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label (for use outside of its FDA-approved purpose) to those struggling with obesity and weight loss.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic is a type of medication called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These medications (other brand names include Trulicity, Rybelsus, Saxenda, and Wegovy; see Important Safety Information) work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates blood sugar. GLP-1 causes the release of insulin, which tamps down high blood sugar. It also slows stomach emptying and reduces appetite.
What types of food should you avoid while taking Ozempic?
No foods are “off-limits” when you’re taking Ozempic, meaning no foods interact with the medication in a dangerous way. However, some foods and drinks can cause symptoms similar to the medication’s side effects, and others might make weight loss or diabetes control more challenging. Here are six types of food to avoid or limit to get the most out of Ozempic:
1. Fried, greasy foods.
Many of the most common side effects of Ozempic are stomach related—things like nausea, bloating, and gas. Greasy fried foods can cause these symptoms on their own, so combining them with Ozempic may increase the odds that you experience them. Greasy foods are also usually high in trans fats, which can increase weight and worsen diabetes.
2. Sugary foods and drinks.
Sugary foods and beverages—like soda, candy, and many pre-packaged desserts—can pose extra problems for those working to manage diabetes or obesity. Sugar quickly spikes blood sugar levels and can make it hard to manage these conditions, potentially countering the benefits of Ozempic. Read nutrition labels and watch out for hidden sugars in items that may not taste sweet. For example, many people don’t realize that many commercial breads on grocery store shelves are actually loaded with sugar.
3. High sodium foods.
Packaged snacks like potato chips and premade meals like soup or frozen dinners often contain incredibly high amounts of salt. According to the CDC, 90% of Americans 2 years and older consume too much sodium–too much salt in your diet can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. In adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease, Ozempic can lower the risk of heart attacks, and strokes, so a high sodium diet can potentially thwart this effect. If you’re working to manage type 2 diabetes and/or achieve weight loss goals, opt for low-sodium options at the grocery store or prepare your own food when possible.
4. Refined carbohydrates.
While white pasta, bagels, or breakfast cereals may seem like healthy food choices, they usually fall into the category of high glycemic foods. This means the body absorbs them quickly and converts them into glucose, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise sharply. Refined carbohydrates tend not to be wise choices when eating to manage diabetes or reach a healthy body weight.
When eating carbs, it’s helpful to check the glycemic index, which scores carbohydrates, including sugars, on a scale of 0 to 100. It’s best to choose low glycemic index foods, such as whole grains, if you’re trying to avoid spikes in blood sugar.
5. High-glycemic starchy vegetables.
You may be surprised to hear that all vegetables are not created equal when it comes to blood sugar management, as some sneaky vegetables can be high glycemic index foods.
For instance, starchy vegetables like potatoes or corn are high-glycemic foods, while leafy greens, beans, carrots, and tomatoes are low-glycemic foods. All can contain important nutrients and may still be a key part of your diet, so it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about which vegetables you may wish to limit. That being said, any vegetable, even the starchy ones, still makes a better snack than any of the foods mentioned earlier—fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and sugary foods.
5. Alcohol.
Drinking alcohol is not forbidden when taking Ozempic. However, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about how much alcohol you can consume and how to best monitor it. There aren’t any clinical studies evaluating the use of Ozempic with alcohol. However, both Ozempic and alcohol can lower blood sugar, so combining them could potentially lead to low blood sugar, especially if you have type 2 diabetes and are also taking insulin.
Those with type 1 diabetes also have to monitor alcohol while on insulin. It’s recommended that women drink no more than one drink daily, and men drink no more than two drinks daily, preferably with a meal.
Side effects of Ozempic.
Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, and injection site pain. Some people might experience more serious side effects such as kidney problems, vision changes, a drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
Ozempic nausea relief.
According to the makers of Ozempic, people who experience nausea while taking Ozempic should avoid foods that are sweet, greasy, or fried and follow these tips at mealtime to reduce nausea:
Eat slowly Eat smaller meals Eat foods that are simple and light Drink cold and clear drinks (for example, unsweetened tea or water)
Is an “Ozempic diet” right for you?
The FDA approved Ozempic to be used along with a healthy diet and regular exercise to manage diabetes, so it’s a valid question to ask if you should follow an Ozempic diet.
If you take Ozempic to treat diabetes, know that according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), there is no single diabetes diet. Rather, some eating patterns can decrease carbohydrates (or carbs), simple sugars, and unhealthy fats in your diet. Generally, this means skipping fatty, fried foods and fast-digesting carbohydrates, such as sugars and white, starchy foods.
So while there is no “Ozempic diet,” a diabetes-friendly diet usually replaces unhealthy and high glycemic foods with whole foods rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Eating high-fiber foods often leads to eating less and staying fuller longer. Lowering your calorie intake and portion sizes can also help control blood sugar and weight.
If you’re struggling with weight loss or are trying to manage your blood sugar levels, talk to your doctor about Ozempic. They will help you determine if the drug is right for you and create a healthy meal plan to support your goals.
Disclaimer.
If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References.
American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2022). Carb counting and diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/recipes-nutrition/understanding-carbs/carb-counting-and-diabetes Collins, L. & Costello, R. (2023) . Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. StatPearls . Retrieved on June 20, 2022 from https://www.statpearls.com/pharmacist/ce/activity/48263 Davies, M., Færch, L., Jeppesen, O. K., et al. (2021). Semaglutide 2·4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet (London, England), 397 (10278), 971–984. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00213-0. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417/ Evert, A. B., Dennison, M., Gardner, C. D. & et al. (2019). Nutrition therapy for adults with diabetes or prediabetes: A consensus report. Diabetes Care , 42 (5), 731–754. doi.10.2337/dci19-0014. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7011201/ MedlinePlus. (2020). Glycemic index and diabetes . MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia . Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000941.htm Novo Nordisk-a. (2022). Frequently asked questions/Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg or 1 mg. Retrieved from https://www.ozempic.com/faqs.html Novo Nordisk-b. (2022). Healthy eating. Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg or 1 mg . Retrieved from https://www.ozempic.com/lifestyle-tips/healthy-eating.html U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA-a). (2021). FDA approves new drug treatment for Chronic Weight Management, first since 2014. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014 U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA-b). (2021). Highlights of prescribing information (Ozempic) . Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/209637s008lbl.pdf.
Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.
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Important Safety Information for Ozempic®
Important Safety Information for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors.
In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. Do not use Ozempic if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is the FDA-approved use of Ozempic?
Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is used:
with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.
Your Ro-affiliated provider may recommend the use of Ozempic as treatment for chronic weight management (obesity or overweight).
Who should not use Ozempic?
You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic).
How should Ozempic be administered?
You can take Ozempic with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks.
You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Ozempic as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Ozempic?
Ozempic has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL) Ozempic causes a delay in gastric emptying so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications. Other GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements.
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes Thyroid cancer Pancreatitis Kidney disease Diabetic retinopathy Depression Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant: Ozempic should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Ozempic during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Ozempic at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time. If you are breastfeeding: Ozempic was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Ozempic.
Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Ozempic?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects can occur with Ozempic. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting. Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision. Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection. Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Ozempic lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat. Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Ozempic right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy. Acute Gallbladder Disease: Ozempic may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools. Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest. Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Important Safety Information for Wegovy®
Important Safety Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) injection.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors.
In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. Do not use Wegovy if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is the FDA-approved use of Wegovy?
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
Wegovy should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established Wegovy has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
Who should not use Wegovy?
You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic).
How should Wegovy be administered?
You can take Wegovy with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks.
You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Wegovy as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Wegovy?
Wegovy has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL) Wegovy causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications. Other GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements.
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes Thyroid cancer Pancreatitis Kidney disease Diabetic retinopathy Depression Suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
If you are pregnant: Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Wegovy during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time. If you are breastfeeding: Wegovy was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Wegovy.
Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Wegovy?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects can occur with Wegovy. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting. Acute Gallbladder Disease: Wegovy may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools. Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Wegovy lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat. Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration. Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Wegovy right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy. Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision. Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest. Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you. Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection.
What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?
Nausea Diarrhea Vomiting Constipation Abdominal pain Headache Fatigue Dyspepsia Dizziness Abdominal distension Eructation Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes Flatulence Gastroenteritis Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
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30 mg cialis too much