4 foods to avoid while on Saxenda

In this article:

• How Saxenda works
• 4 foods to avoid with Saxenda
• Herbs and supplements to avoid with Saxenda
• What should you eat while taking Saxenda?
• Gastrointestinal side effects of Saxenda

In this article

• How Saxenda works
• 4 foods to avoid with Saxenda
• Herbs and supplements to avoid with Saxenda
• What should you eat while taking Saxenda?
• Gastrointestinal side effects of Saxenda

Read any articles on the latest strategies for losing weight or ask any friends who have been trying to shed a few pounds, and you’ll likely notice a trend: The class of weight-management drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists are having a moment. Among these is the brand-name drug Saxenda (liraglutide). This prescription medication is FDA approved to regulate appetite and promote weight loss in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and those with a BMI over 27 who have at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Saxenda is also prescribed to lower glucose levels in folks with Type 2 diabetes. Off-label, it has also been explored as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (now termed Metabolic dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease or MASLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome.

As powerful as Saxenda is, making lifestyle changes will improve its efficacy on your weight loss journey. “When taking Saxenda, it’s essential to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to maximize its effectiveness and minimize potential side effects,” says Paul Daidone, MD, Medical Director at True Self Recovery in Rogers, Arizona. That means there are foods to avoid while on Saxenda, including sugary foods, greasy and fatty foods, alcohol, and processed foods.

Read on to discover how Saxenda helps you lose body weight and how to adjust your diet plan to maximize your results.

How Saxenda works

Each dose of Saxenda is administered via injection, typically in the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. As a GLP-1 agonist, Saxenda jumpstarts a series of actions that contribute to weight management and promote weight loss. “Saxenda helps control blood glucose levels by mimicking the action of a hormone called incretin,” explains Dr. Daidone. “This hormone plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and insulin secretion.” This appetite regulation comes from the way Saxenda slows down the stomach emptying, promoting feelings of fullness that lead to lower calorie intake. “Also, by enhancing the body’s natural release of insulin in response to meals and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver [and decreasing glucagon production], Saxenda aids in maintaining better blood glucose levels,” Dr. Daidone says.

As these mechanisms and their results compound, people see at least some results fairly quickly. “Patients may start to see improvements in blood glucose levels and weight within the first few weeks of treatment,” says Sazan Sylejmani, Pharm.D., owner and manager of Westmont Pharmacy in Illinois. “But it can take several months to see significant changes.”

4 foods to avoid with Saxenda

“The effectiveness of Saxenda in controlling blood glucose levels and promoting weight loss varies among individuals,” Dr. Daidone says. “It is essential to use Saxenda alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for optimal results.” Indeed, what you eat—and more specifically, how those foods impact your blood sugar or your ability to lose weight—will affect how quickly you see results with Saxenda (or other GLP-1 agonists, for that matter).

To that end, you should avoid specific foods while on Saxenda. They include:

1. Foods high in sugar
2. Greasy, fried, and fatty foods
3. Alcohol
4. Processed foods

1. Sugary foods

Sweet treats like candy and baked goods, sugary beverages like soda and sweetened coffee (black is fine), and white bread or pasta should be avoided on Saxenda. “Sugary foods can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels, which counteracts the blood sugar regulation benefits of Saxenda,” Dr. Daidone says. “Consuming excessive sugar can also promote weight gain, which undermines the primary goal of Saxenda, which is weight management.” Indeed, research has shown a strong link between sugar consumption and being overweight or obese. If you’ve reached the stage of taking a prescription medicine like Saxenda to help with weight management, these sugary, carbohydrate-heavy foods and drinks should go in the trash bin.

2. Greasy, fried, and fatty foods

While foods that have been battered and dunked in oil or contain high amounts of saturated fat (like fast food, fatty meats, full-fat dairy, cheese, and butter) don’t directly counteract Saxenda’s appetite-curbing effects, they can make things unpleasant. “These types of foods can be challenging to digest and may cause gastrointestinal (GI) discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea,” explains Dr. Daidone. “Saxenda can cause GI side effects, including nausea and diarrhea [or constipation], and consuming greasy or fatty foods can exacerbate these symptoms.” Avoiding them will help minimize these common side effects of Saxenda, making it possible to take the medication for as long as you need to achieve your desired results. Additionally, nixing these high-calorie foods can help with weight loss.

3. Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can hurt your chances of seeing results on Saxenda. “Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially when combined with Saxenda,” says Dr. Sylejmani. An increased risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a side effect of both GLP-1 agonists and excessive alcohol consumption, so combining the two greatly increases your chances of your blood sugar dropping. If it does, that can lead to symptoms like sweating, nausea, and fatigue, as well as intense cravings for the weight-boosting foods you are trying to avoid.

4. Processed foods

In short, processed foods bring nothing to the table for folks looking to lose weight. “Processed foods are often high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, which can lead to weight gain and poor blood glucose control,” says Dr. Daidone. “They also tend to lack essential nutrients, which are vital for overall health.” The proof: Eating processed foods has been linked to increased consumption of calories, carbohydrates, fats, and increased weight gain, as well as increased Type 2 diabetes risk.

Herbs and supplements to avoid with Saxenda

“There are no specific herbs, vitamins, or dietary supplements that are known to interact significantly with Saxenda,” Dr. Sylejmani says. If you’re taking a multivitamin, probiotic, or other natural supplement, you should be able to continue to do so. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for medical advice before starting any new supplement, Dr. Sylejmani adds.

What should you eat while taking Saxenda?

While taking Saxenda, it’s important to follow a meal plan that contains blood-sugar-lowering foods, promotes a healthy metabolism, and delivers a wide range of beneficial nutrients for overall health. Dr. Daidone recommends enjoying the following foods:

• Lean proteins, such as chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, and legumes
• Non-starchy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and peppers
• Fiber-rich whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats
• Berries, apples, and other fruits like bananas in moderation
• Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, eggs, and olive oil

To reach your weight loss goals, try watching your portion sizes and incorporating low-calorie meals like soups (just watch for excess sodium intake). For best results, pair a balanced diet with healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and plenty of sleep.

Gastrointestinal side effects of Saxenda

GI side effects like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are among the most common side effects of GLP-1 agonists like Saxenda. “These symptoms are often more pronounced when starting the medication but may decrease over time,” notes Dr. Daidone. To avoid them, your provider may start you on a smaller dose of the medicine and gradually increase it as your body adjusts. You can also try eating small, frequent meals and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. And of course, avoiding all the foods mentioned above, which can exacerbate symptoms.

“If you experience severe or persistent GI side effects, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider,” Dr. Daidone says. “Signs that you should seek medical attention include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea leading to dehydration, and inability to keep down fluids or food.” If Saxenda doesn’t work well for you, there are many other effective weight-loss medications available, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.