For most people, taking a new medication may mean switching up your lifestyle a bit and that includes the foods you eat. A food-drug interaction means that a specific nutrient or compound within the food changes the way your body metabolizes the medication, and this can either enhance or reduce the dose your body gets, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. The potential results: an increased risk of side effects, many of which can be dangerous, or the drug not working as it was intended.
Before introducing a medication, ask your pharmacist about any food interactions, including with alcohol, and any adjustments you may have to make to your diet. In this article, we will discuss taking Ozempic and the foods to avoid while taking it.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ozempic is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke, heart attack, or death, for adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart disease.
Ozempic has not been approved for use as a weight loss medication but some doctors prescribe it off-label for obesity along with diet and exercise. Ozempic should not be used for type 1 diabetes mellitus.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic is from a class of medicines called a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists (incretin mimetics). Ozempic works by binding to GLP-1 receptors which stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when you need insulin, it also helps to reduce the amount of sugar released by your liver and slows down food leaving your stomach. The combination of these effects helps to lower your A1C and blood sugar levels, and may also help reduce your appetite.
Foods To Avoid While Taking Ozempic For Weightloss
While taking Ozempic for weight loss, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that can interfere with your weight loss progress.
Here are some types of foods you should avoid while taking Ozempic for weight loss:
1. High-Calorie Foods: This includes foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients, such as junk food, fried food, fast food, sugary snacks, and processed snacks. These foods can contribute to weight gain and slow down your weight loss progress.
2. Sugary Beverages: This includes soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and other sugary drinks. These beverages can add a significant amount of calories to your diet and contribute to weight gain.
3. Refined Carbohydrates: Foods that are made from refined grains, such as white bread, white rice, and pasta, can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain. It is better to opt for whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread, which are more nutritious and can help you feel fuller for longer.
4. High-Fat Foods: Foods that are high in fat, such as fried food, fast food, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy products, can contribute to weight gain and slow down your weight loss progress.
5. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can add empty calories to your diet and hinder your weight loss progress. It is best to limit or avoid alcohol altogether while taking Ozempic for weight loss.
Overall, it is best to follow a healthy and balanced diet while taking Ozempic for weight loss, which includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Here are some general tips for following a healthy and balanced diet:
1. Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall calorie intake. Aim to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables each day to ensure that you are getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
2. Choose Whole Grains: Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall calorie intake. Opt for whole grain bread, pasta, rice, and other whole grains instead of refined grains to ensure that you are getting all of the essential nutrients your body needs.
3. Choose Lean Proteins: Lean proteins, such as chicken, fish, turkey, and tofu, are low in calories and high in protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall calorie intake. Aim to include lean proteins in each of your meals to ensure that you are getting enough protein to support your weight loss goals.
4. Choose Healthy Fats: Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil, are an important part of a healthy diet and can help you feel fuller for longer. However, it is important to consume healthy fats in moderation, as they are high in calories.
5. Drink Plenty of Water: Drinking water can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your overall calorie intake. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and avoid sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, which can add empty calories.
Can my medications that interact with Ozempic?
Yes, like all medications, Ozempic may interact with other drugs, vitamins, and supplements. Some medications may interact with Ozempic, causing unwanted side effects or reducing its effectiveness. Here are some medications that may interact with Ozempic:
1. Insulin: Ozempic should not be used with insulin or other medications that stimulate the release of insulin because it may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia).
2. Oral Medications for Diabetes: Ozempic may interact with some oral medications used for the treatment of diabetes, such as sulfonylureas (e.g. glipizide, glyburide), meglitinides (e.g. nateglinide, repaglinide), and DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g. sitagliptin, linagliptin). Ozempic may increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken together with these medications.
3. Warfarin: Ozempic may interact with warfarin, an anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. Ozempic may increase the risk of bleeding when taken together with warfarin.
4. Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, may increase blood sugar levels and reduce the effectiveness of Ozempic. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely when taking Ozempic with corticosteroids.
5. Thyroid Hormones: Thyroid hormones, such as levothyroxine, may affect blood sugar levels and reduce the effectiveness of Ozempic. It is important to monitor blood sugar levels closely when taking Ozempic with thyroid hormones.
6. Medications that Delay Stomach Emptying: Ozempic works by slowing down the movement of food through the stomach, so medications that delay stomach emptying may interact with Ozempic and slow down its effectiveness.
7. Herbal and Dietary Supplements: Some herbal and dietary supplements, such as ginseng, may affect blood sugar levels and interact with Ozempic. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any herbal or dietary supplements while taking Ozempic.
It is important to tell discuss with your doctor or healthcare provider about your food and medications, including the vitamins, and supplements you are taking before starting Ozempic. Your doctor can help you manage any potential interactions and ensure that you are taking Ozempic safely and effectively.
