5 Foods to Avoid While Taking Wegovy®
Are you taking Wegovy and wondering if there are any foods you shouldn’t be eating? As a registered dietitian, I encourage my clients to limit foods that sabotage their weight loss or worsen common side effects of the medication.
In this article, I’ll share insights on the types of foods to steer clear of while on this weight-loss drug, empowering you to make the best choices to optimize your weight-loss journey.
High-Calorie, Low-Nutrient Foods
Foods that are high in calories but low in nutrients should be limited. Not only do these foods contribute to weight gain, but they also provide little nutritional value, increasing your risks of nutrition deficiencies.
These include:
- Processed snack cakes and pastries
- Candy bars and sweets
- Sugary soft drinks and energy drinks
- Fast food items like fries and burgers
- Fried snacks such as potato chips and cheese puffs
- Frozen treats like ice cream and frozen yogurt
- Refined carbohydrate products, including white bread and pasta
Remember, Wegovy® works by reducing appetite. Therefore, when you eat, focusing on eating foods that are high in nutrients is key to maintaining good health while on this medication.
High-Fat Foods
While healthy fats are essential to a balanced diet, high-fat foods can worsen uncomfortable side effects of Wegovy, like diarrhea and constipation.
Moreover, high-fat foods can sabotage your weight-loss efforts as they can pack tons of calories in small amounts of food.
Interestingly, many of my patients find themselves eating only a few bites of these foods because they quickly feel full. However, if they consume more, they often experience significant discomfort.
Here are some high-fat foods you might consider avoiding or limiting:
- Fatty cuts of meat, including ribeye, bacon, and sausages
- Deep-fried foods, including chicken, french fries, and onion rings
- Oils and spreads, particularly those high in saturated fats like palm and coconut oil
- Processed meats like salami, bologna, and hot dogs
- Baked goods like cookies, croissants, and muffins that are frequently made with large amounts of fat
- Creamy sauces and dressings, which may contain significant amounts of fat
Alcohol
Limiting alcohol while taking Wegovy is recommended for several reasons.
Firstly, alcoholic drinks are high in calories and low in nutrients, which can work against weight-loss efforts.
Moreover, alcohol can increase appetite and lead to overeating, countering the appetite-suppressing effects of the medication. Furthermore, combining alcohol with Wegovy may worsen certain side effects and strain the liver.
Interestingly, many of my patients report a decreased desire for alcohol after starting this medication.
Talk to your healthcare provider about safe levels of alcohol consumption while taking Wegovy, and always drink responsibly.
Sugary Drinks
Sugary beverages, including soda, fruit juices, energy drinks, and sweetened teas, are packed with added sugars, contributing significantly to calorie intake.
What’s more, sugary drinks do not trigger the same response in the body as food, meaning your body may not recognize liquid calories and may not compensate by reducing hunger.
Sugary drinks include:
- Soda, including regular and fountain drinks
- Fruit juices, particularly those that are not 100% fruit juice
- Energy drinks, which often contain high levels of sugar and caffeine
- Sweetened teas, whether bottled or freshly brewed with added sugar
- Flavored coffees that include syrups and other sweeteners
- Sports drinks, frequently marketed as rehydration solutions
- Pre-made smoothies, which may have added sugars and syrups
- Lemonades and other flavored water products with added sugar
Highly Processed Foods
Highly processed foods often contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives, which can undermine the benefits of Wegovy.
Highly processed foods to avoid include:
- Pre-packaged snacks like chips and crackers
- Frozen meals, especially those with rich sauces or cheese toppings
- Processed meats such as bacon, sausages, and hot dogs
- Ready-to-eat foods like deli meats and prepared salads with additives
- Instant noodles and soups with high sodium content
- Processed cheeses including cheese spreads and cheese in aerosol cans
- Packaged baked goods like cookies, pastries, and cakes
- Microwaveable popcorn, especially with added flavors and preservatives
- Breakfast cereals that are high in sugar and low in fiber
- Canned fruits and vegetables with added sugars or syrups
- Fast food items like burgers, fries, and fried chicken
- Candy bars and confectionery items with high fructose corn syrup
Opt for whole, minimally processed foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to optimize weight loss and promote overall health.
My Expert Opinion
Wegovy is a powerful tool for weight management, but it’s essential to complement its effects with a healthy diet.
You can optimize weight loss by avoiding foods that are high in calories, low in nutrients, and disruptive to blood sugar levels.
Also, it is essential to minimize the medication side effects. After all, you don’t want to feel sick!
Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian can provide personalized guidance on dietary choices while taking this medication, ensuring optimal health and success in weight management efforts.
Getting Nutrition Guidance
Wegovy is a prescription medication, and its use should be supervised by a physician or other healthcare provider with the ability to prescribe.
However, for nutrition guidance, seek out a registered dietitian who can help you create a personalized nutrition plan that aligns with your weight loss goals while taking the medication.
A registered dietitian can also provide education on reading food labels, identifying healthy meal options, and making sustainable dietary changes for long-term health benefits.
Learn more about working with me.
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