Key takeaways
- While no foods are strictly off-limits, limiting added sugars, saturated fats, and high sodium items can help with managing blood sugar levels during Ozempic treatment.
- To minimize potential digestive side effects from Ozempic, such as nausea or diarrhea, consider limiting or avoiding greasy, spicy, or sweet foods. It may also be helpful to limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Healthcare professionals recommend a balanced diet featuring vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy oils during Ozempic treatment. Be sure to talk with your doctor so they can help tailor a specific plan to meet your needs.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription drug approved to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It’s also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and manage chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Doctors may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. (With off-label use, a doctor prescribes a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.) Ozempic belongs to a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
To manage blood sugar levels and help with weight loss, it’s important to use Ozempic along with regular exercise and a balanced diet.
While no specific foods are strictly forbidden during Ozempic treatment, limiting certain items can significantly reduce gastrointestinal side effects of Ozempic and help you reach your weight loss or blood sugar goals.
At a glance: Foods to limit or avoid
| Category | Foods to avoid or limit | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| High-sugar foods | • sodas • candy • cakes • cookies • sweetened breakfast cereals | to better manage blood sugar and support weight loss |
| High-fat and fried foods | • fried foods • fatty meats (beef, pork, lamb) • heavy dairy | to help prevent nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain |
| Ultra-processed foods | • frozen meals • canned soups • processed meats | these are often high in sodium and saturated fats |
| Common irritants | • spicy foods • caffeine • alcohol | can cause heartburn and acid reflux, or worsen diarrhea |
Managing nausea and digestive issues
If you’re experiencing nausea (a common side effect when starting or increasing your dosage of Ozempic) focusing on bland, easy-to-digest options can help.
- Choose dry, starchy foods: Reach for toast, crackers, or breadsticks.
- Prioritize lean proteins: Opt for boiled skinless chicken breast or poached eggs.
- Stay hydrated with “safe” liquids: Stick to broths, ginger-based drinks, or water.
- Eat “gentle” fruits and veggies: Try applesauce, bananas, or boiled potatoes.
- Watch for high FODMAP triggers: If you experience bloating or diarrhea, temporarily limit broccoli, cabbage, wheat, and legumes.
Other general tips include avoiding food that’s strong smelling, high fat, very spicy, or super sweet. Also, eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day (rather than three large meals) helps prevents your stomach from becoming too full, which is a major trigger for Ozempic-related discomfort.
This section highlights the
Ozempic-friendly grocery list
Focusing on nutrient dense, whole foods helps ensure your body gets the nutrition it needs while Ozempic works to regulate your appetite and insulin levels.
1. Lean Proteins
Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass during weight loss.
- Seafood and poultry: Fish and skinless chicken or turkey.
- Eggs: One egg per day is considered a safe, nutrient-rich protein source.
- Plant-based options: Beans, peas, lentils, and soy products like tofu.
2. Nonstarchy and fibrous vegetables
Aim for a variety of vegetables to support digestive health.
- Leafy greens: Spinach and kale.
- Cruciferous veggies: Brussels sprouts and broccoli (unless you’re experiencing bloating).
- Root vegetables: Carrots and boiled or baked potatoes.
3. Whole fruits
Stick to whole fruits rather than juices to get the benefit of fiber.
- Fresh choices: Apples (with skin), peaches, and pears.
- Gentle options: Bananas and applesauce (ideal if you feel nauseated).
4. Whole grains and healthy fats
Replace refined carbs and saturated fats with these heart-healthy alternatives.
- Grains: Brown rice, whole-wheat pasta, oats, and quinoa.
- Oils: Olive, canola, and peanut oils.
- Nuts and seeds: Walnuts, almonds, and chia seeds.
5. Low-fat dairy
You can still enjoy dairy, but opting for lower-fat versions helps prevent GI distress.
- Yogurt: Non-fat yogurt is a great cold food for soothing the stomach.
- Cheese: Select low-fat cheese varieties over full-fat options.
Note: Because your body’s response to Ozempic is unique, always work with your doctor to tailor a meal plan that fits your specific health needs and budget.
It’s safe to drink coffee during your Ozempic treatment. There’s no known interaction between Ozempic and coffee.
However, drinking coffee may increase your risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Caffeine and other compounds in coffee can cause upset stomach in some people, leading to symptoms like stomach gurgling or nausea. This could be because coffee
Coffee can also stimulate contractions of the muscles in your gastrointestinal tract. This may contribute to cramping or diarrhea for some people.
It’s not necessary to completely avoid diet soda during your Ozempic treatment. However, it may be a good idea to limit your consumption of these drinks.
Although they’re low in calories, diet sodas do not provide any nutritional benefits. In addition, these drinks may counteract or reduce some of the benefits of Ozempic.
For example,
The exact effect of artificial sweeteners on metabolism is unclear. However, a
See below for answers to some other frequently asked questions about Ozempic and food.
Yes, fruit is an important part of a balanced diet. Aim to focus on whole, fresh fruit, which may help with weight maintenance or weight loss.
Research
During your Ozempic treatment, doctors recommend that you follow a balanced diet. This involves limiting your intake of alcohol (if you drink) and foods that are high in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium.
Limiting or avoiding certain foods can also help lower your risk of gastrointestinal side effects from Ozempic. Examples include spicy, high-fat, or high-sugar foods. Before starting Ozempic treatment, talk with your doctor about what a balanced diet looks like for you.
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