Ozempic Foods to Avoid

What Is Ozempic?

Semaglutide, commonly referred to as Ozempic, has taken the medical world by storm in recent times as a wonder drug for weight loss. Although it is typically described as an anti-obesity medication, the FDA first endorsed this compound in 2017 for diabetes management. Since then, the medication has been used by patients with diabetes due to its efficient regulation of blood glucose.

How Does Ozempic Work?

After consuming food, the body releases a hormone called Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). This hormone activates its specific receptors in the pancreas to increase the secretion of insulin and, at the same time, decrease the secretion of glucagon. Thus, it maintains control over the blood sugar concentration in the body. In type-II diabetes mellitus patients, it is noted that the cells do not respond effectively to insulin. Like any other GLP-1 receptor agonist drug, Ozempic binds to GLP-1 receptors, thus enhancing the synthesis and release of insulin and suppressing the release of glucagon—these actions will prompt a reduction in blood glucose levels.

Benefits of Taking Ozempic

Ozempic, a subcutaneous injectable formulation of semaglutide, is given as a once-weekly dose and results in a very efficient control of blood glucose levels. Blood HbA1c levels give us an idea about the diagnosis and control of blood sugar over an extended period. Studies have shown that Ozempic can significantly decrease HbA1c levels by 1.07% points. Along with controlling diabetes, Ozempic has shown remarkable results in reducing cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in SUSTAIN 6 clinical study.

The drug also helps with weight reduction, which is one of the reasons for its exponential success. A reduction of up to 6.5 kgs has been observed in numerous trials using Ozempic. This weight reduction further enhances the ability of body cells to respond to insulin and helps control diabetes

The Role of Diet in Managing Diabetes

Diabetes management involves several factors, but diet is the most vital one that requires adequate attention. High glycemic index diets raise the blood glucose level further, affecting the continuing treatment for this disease. This shows that diet is critical in diabetes type II management.

Importance of a Balanced Diet

A diet well balanced in different components, e.g., carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, is crucial for diabetes management. Without a balanced diet, the treatment goals will most likely not be achieved. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for all patients diagnosed with diabetes, highlighting the crucial role of a balanced diet in diabetes management. A study by Marion J Franz concluded that HbA1c level decreases by 1.9% points just by following MNT. 

How Diet Affects the Efficacy of Ozempic

Ozempic increases the production of insulin and GLP-1 receptors’ sensitivity to insulin. A diet with a high glycemic index raises blood glucose levels within the shortest time possible. Ozempic increases the insulin release when the glucose level increases rapidly in the blood, yet the insulin released cannot effectively control the whole glucose increment. On the other hand, a balanced diet promotes effective insulin release and good blood sugar level regulation. Thus, when Ozempic got its first approval, it was approved in combination with exercise and dietary management.

Foods to Avoid While Taking Ozempic

Since nutrition is a critical factor in managing diabetes in patients taking Ozempic, there are certain foods to avoid while on this drug. Generally, foods to prevent diabetes are the same ones that must be avoided while taking Ozempic. Here is a concise summary of a few Ozempic foods to avoid:

Sugary Foods

Sugary foods are those foods that are high in sugar content.

Why sugary foods should be avoided

Sugary foods are foods rich in easily digestible sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. This makes the blood sugar level rise at a high rate. This affects the effectiveness of Ozempic and threatens the proper tracking of patients’ blood sugar levels. It is thus recommended to avoid eating sugary foods when using Ozempic. 

Examples of sugary foods to avoid

• Bread

• Cereals

• Honey

• Puddings

• Cakes

• Pastries

• Desserts

• Ice creams

Processed Foods

Processed food refers to any food that has been altered from its natural state by processing or adding other substances.

Explanation of the impact of processed foods

Processed food is packaged food with extra preservatives and artificial components. Moreover, during food processing, the ingredients undergo many changes, which may destroy beneficial components and could contain added sugars. Several studies have also established that the consumption of processed food significantly increases the risk of getting diabetes by 12%. Eating processed food can increase body fat, which in turn increases resistance to insulin and further deteriorates blood glucose control—this would result in lower Ozempic effectiveness.

Examples of processed foods to avoid

• Noodles

• Chicken nuggets

• Packaged Cakes

• Frozen salads

• Frozen Pizza

• Canned food

• Processed Cheese

• Corn dogs

High-Fat Foods 

High-fat foods also fall under the category of Ozempic foods to avoid. 

Effects of high-fat foods on diabetes and Ozempic

Diets rich in high-fat foods can be a contributing factor for diabetes along with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and, subsequently, heart attack and stroke. They should be avoided for a healthy life. Ozempic in some people can cause nausea and abdominal discomfort. This is further aggravated by high-fat food intake. Studies have shown that Ozempic reduces the craving for high-fat food. So, avoiding a high-fat diet while being on Ozempic is best.

Examples of high-fat foods to avoid

• Fried chicken

• Fatty cuts of beef

• Bacon

• Whipped cream

• Mozzarella sticks

• French fries

• Cream-based soups

• Beef briskets

Beverages to Avoid

Certain drinks are best avoided while being on Ozempic.

Sugary Drinks

Impact of sugary drinks on blood sugar levels

Sugary drinks are to be avoided. Like other foods high in sugar, sweet drinks also increase blood sugar levels as soon as they enter the bloodstream. This results in the development of complications when taking the medication known as Ozempic. The majority of sugary beverages contain additional sugars and synthetic sweeteners. Drinks like soda cans and soft drinks are notorious for causing obesity and diabetes. Multiple studies have demonstrated an increase in insulin resistance due to the consumption of artificial sweeteners. Similarly, Ozempic and diet soda do not go well together. Furthermore, the inclusion of additional sugars and sweeteners in these beverages can amplify the adverse effects of Ozempic, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Therefore, it is necessary to decrease their consumption. People who are addicted to these drinks can be offered other beverages. Ozempic and coffee, for example, make a sweet combination in this regard.

Examples of sugary drinks to avoid

• Soda drinks

• Energy drinks

• Fruit punch

• Milkshakes

• Hot chocolates

• Slush

• Sweetened lemonades

• Sports drinks

Alcohol 

Alcohol is among the foods that are to be used very cautiously among patients with diabetes who are on Ozempic. 

How alcohol interferes with Ozempic

The relationship between Ozempic and alcohol is a complicated one. Alcohol is known to reduce the level of blood sugar in specific individuals with diabetes. This effect is more pronounced in people who consume moderate amounts of alcohol. This can potentiate the effect of Ozempic, resulting in hypoglycemia. In the long term, the opposite effect is seen, where continued consumption of high amounts of alcohol can result in increased blood sugar levels. Studies show that more than three drinks per day increase the risk of diabetes by 43%. Hence, the consumption of alcohol needs to be well-balanced while being on Ozempic.

Guidelines for alcohol consumption

Low to moderate levels of alcohol consumption are beneficial for patients with diabetes. This equals one drink per day or less for women and two drinks or less for men. This amount of alcohol has little effect on Ozempic, while at the same time, it is said to reduce the risk of diabetes progression.

Healthy Alternatives

It’s important to look for better, healthier alternatives to manage diabetes and increase the efficacy of Ozempic. These include:

Low-Sugar Alternatives 

Foods with low-sugar alternatives provide the best diabetes control while being on Ozempic.

Examples of low-sugar foods and drinks

• Plain yoghurt

• Dark chocolate

• Unsweetened coconut yogurt

• Sugar-free apple sauce

• Coconut-flour pancakes

• Sugar-free gelatin

• Plain oatmeal

• Keto granola bars

Benefits of choosing low-sugar options

Foods with low sugar slowly increase the blood glucose levels. This allows enough time for the Ozempic to secrete enough insulin to keep blood glucose at a narrow limit without causing a sudden surge in glucose levels.

Whole Foods 

Importance of whole foods

Nutritionists all over the globe recommend whole foods for a routine diet. Whole foods are as close to their natural state as possible without processing and additives. A study conducted by Yang and colleagues in 2020 showed that a whole food and grains-rich diet reduces the risk of diabetes by 29%. Moreover, a diet rich in whole foods also slows gastric emptying and side effects of Ozempic. Many patients also have reported a connection between Ozempic and diarrhea. This effect can be counterbalanced by adding whole food to the diet.

Examples of whole foods to include in your diet

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Brown rice

• Blueberries

• Nuts

• Oats

• Lentils

• Avocados

Meal Planning Tips

Tips for Planning Meals While on Ozempic

It can be quite helpful to plan meals while taking Ozempic. A balanced diet should include all types of food in the right quantity and exclude foods rich in sugar. The following is a daily meal plan. It is better to consult with your doctor or a dietitian, as they are more knowledgeable about the issue and can help you develop an effective plan.

Sample Meal Plan for a Day

Here is a sample one-day Ozempic diet plan or semaglutide diet plan:

Breakfast:

• ½ cup of oats

• ¼ cup of blueberries

• 1 tablespoon of almonds

• 1 teaspoon of chia seeds

• Beverage: 1 cup of black coffee without sugar

Mid-Morning Snack:

• ½ cup of Greek yogurt 

Lunch

• 3 oz grilled chicken salad

• 2 cups mixed green vegetables (spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing

Afternoon Snack

• ½ cup carrot sticks with 2 teaspoons hummus

Dinner:

• 4 oz baked salmon (seasoned with lemon and herbs)

• 1 cup steamed broccoli

• ½ cup steamed carrots

• Side: ½ cup brown rice

Evening Snack:

• 10-12 walnuts

• 1 avocado

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ozempic works as a wonder drug for controlling diabetes, but without a well-balanced diet in all food constituents, the drug does not produce the desired results. Patients who are on Ozempic are recommended to follow a low-glycemic index diet. This also helps to reduce the gastric side effects of Ozempic. Low to moderate alcohol consumption can be beneficial while being on Ozempic.