5 foods to avoid while taking Ozempic

In this article:

• Why foods worsen side effects
• Foods to avoid
• Foods to eat
• How to minimize side effects
• The bottom line

In this article

• Why foods worsen side effects
• Foods to avoid
• Foods to eat
• How to minimize side effects
• The bottom line

For people with Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is a game-changer: This FDA-approved drug not only lowers blood sugar but can also help people lose weight. Lower blood sugar and weight loss can lead to better health and wellness outcomes for people with diabetes, who are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.

One of the ways Ozempic (semaglutide) and other GLP-1 receptor agonists work is by decreasing appetite. When taking the diabetes medication, you’ll likely eat smaller quantities of food or eat less frequently—but what you eat still matters. Fatty foods will still raise your cholesterol, and sugary foods will raise your blood sugar levels.

Ozempic works best when you use it alongside other lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise. You may have even less side effects on the medication when avoiding certain foods.

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Why certain foods worsen Ozempic side effects

Certain foods can worsen gastrointestinal symptoms of Ozempic, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and heartburn. For example, alcohol, high-fat and greasy foods, spicy foods, highly processed foods—and even certain vegetables—can trigger digestive issues, making it harder for the body to adapt to the medication.

That’s because Ozempic slows down or delays the emptying of the stomach contents into the small intestine, according to endocrinologist and lifestyle medicine specialist Chhaya Makhija, MD, founder of Unified Endocrine and Diabetes Care in California. This means you should still consider what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat it. A diet rich in fiber, lean proteins, and whole grains is recommended to help minimize side effects while supporting overall health and digestion.

5 foods to avoid with Ozempic

Every person on Ozempic is different and will have different dietary insulin and weight management goals, so it’s a good idea to ask your healthcare provider for dietary counseling before you begin taking the prescription drug. They may even recommend you consult with a dietitian or nutritionist. But in general, these are the five foods most people on some form of semaglutide should limit or avoid:

1. Fried, spicy, and greasy foods

All the experts agree: It’s important to avoid high-fat foods and greasy or fried foods like French fries, potato chips, pizza, and doughnuts when taking Ozempic. These foods are typically high in saturated fat, which people with Type 2 diabetes should reduce to keep their cholesterol low. Fatty, greasy, and spicy foods can also upset your stomach on Ozempic, increasing the risk of GI side effects.

“Ozempic has an impact on delayed gastric emptying, so spicy and greasy can make you burp or feel nauseated,” says Candis M. Morello, Pharm.D., professor of clinical pharmacy at the UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

2. Sugary foods and drinks

Jared Braunstein, DO, an internist with Medical Offices of Manhattan and contributor to LabFinder, says he advises patients not to eat high-sugar foods and drinks while taking Ozempic for two reasons: It can cause nausea and vomiting, and it can also contribute to weight gain, which can lead to diabetes complications for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Remember, though, that sugar doesn’t only come from cakes, cookies, candy, and sweetened beverages like soda and juice. Items like breakfast cereals, white bread, white rice, and regular pasta are simple carbohydrates, which means they’re broken down very quickly into sugar and cause your blood glucose to spike (as opposed to complex carbohydrates, which take longer and offer a slower, smoother rise in glucose).

If you’re tracking your carb intake each day, Dr. Braunstein recommends consuming no more than 50 to 60 grams of carbs per meal and no more than 15 to 20 grams of carbs per snack.

3. Processed foods

Again, all the experts agreed that processed foods should be limited or, better yet, eliminated when taking Ozempic. Frozen prepared meals, packaged crackers and snack bars, bottled salad dressings, canned pasta sauces, and many other processed foods tend to contain higher-than-necessary amounts of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Not only can these types of foods increase your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, but they can also exacerbate diabetes symptoms and side effects for people already diagnosed with the condition. As much as possible, make a weekly meal plan and prepare your foods yourself at home with nutritious, whole ingredients.

4. Cruciferous vegetables

Yes, vegetables are good for you, but some types of vegetables, especially the cruciferous, gas-producing kinds, can aggravate any GI side effects you may be having.

“Vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can cause excessive gas and bloating while taking Ozempic,” Dr. Braunstein says.

That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate them, but like so many other foods, moderation is key; if you have broccoli with lunch, maybe opt for a less-cruciferous vegetable with dinner. (Of course, if any of these specific foods cause you distress, it’s okay to cut them out while you’re taking Ozempic.)

5. Alcohol

While there’s no drug-alcohol interaction between alcohol and Ozempic, the combo can intensify side effects by impacting liver function and blood sugar levels. According to clinical trials, 4% of individuals taking Ozempic experienced hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). When you drink alcohol, the liver stops releasing glucose, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop. Mixing alcohol and Ozempic may result in dangerously low blood sugar levels, increasing Ozempic side effects like dizziness. Alcohol also increases stomach acid production, which can heighten gastrointestinal side effects like acid reflux, indigestion, nausea, and vomiting by increasing stomach acid production.

What should you eat while taking Ozempic?

You know it’s important to avoid certain foods while taking Ozempic, but are there other foods you should definitely eat? Dr. Morello says people taking Ozempic don’t have to eat a lot of any particular food but should instead focus on finding a good dietary balance within an otherwise healthy diet.

“The trick is eating some fiber, protein, and whole grains with every meal, and eating fiber and protein first, then your carbs,” says Dr. Morello, noting that fiber delays the absorption of carbohydrates so they don’t cause sudden blood sugar spikes. If you need help with how to improve your diet, ask your provider for a referral to a registered dietitian who can help you plan smaller meals with the correct portions.

Fill your plate with these diabetes-friendly foods:

• Whole grains carbohydrates like quinoa and spelt
• Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes and plantains
• Fresh fruits like apples, berries, and grapes
• Non-starchy veggies like spinach, eggplant, and bell peppers
• Fiber-rich foods like lentils, black beans, and hummus
• Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts
• Lean protein like chicken, beef, and low-fat cottage cheese

Additionally, it’s important to drink plenty of water and incorporate foods with a high water content, like soups, into your diet, says Dr. Makhija. Dehydration is a common side effect when taking Ozempic if you don’t hydrate well enough.

How to manage gastrointestinal side effects of Ozempic

The most common side effects of Ozempic are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation, according to Dr. Makhija. To minimize these symptoms, follow these tips:

• Avoid fatty, greasy, extra-sugary foods, and alcohol, which can worsen Ozempic side effects.
• Eat bland foods, like crackers or bananas, if you’re experiencing nausea.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of clear drinks (ice-cold temperatures may help) and eating soups and gelatin.
• Eat slowly and avoid lying down after you eat.
• When feeling nauseous, go outside and get some fresh air.
• Work with your provider to titrate your dose, starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it from one week to the next.

If you’re still experiencing a lot of gastrointestinal side effects, seek medical advice—there could be another contributing factor. “If patients have underlying undiagnosed dyspepsia or gastroesophageal reflux disease while on Ozempic,” says Dr. Makhija, “the gastrointestinal symptoms may be exacerbated.” Your healthcare provider may be able to switch you to a different medication, like Mounjaro, that you tolerate better. Or, your provider can prescribe an antinausea medication, such as Zofran, until your symptoms subside.

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The bottom line: No food is off-limits

While taking Ozempic, it’s crucial to recognize that no specific food is entirely off-limits. However, making informed dietary choices can optimize your health outcomes and minimize potential side effects. Striking a balance between enjoying a variety of foods and being mindful of their impact on your body is key.

 

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