Book Now
Weight-loss injectables are known for their effectiveness in managing Type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss, but the journey may come with unexpected challenges. The synthetic version of the GLP-1 hormone used in some injectables, Semaglutide, slows down stomach emptying, which can contribute to potential side effects such as nausea and vomiting. While weight-loss drugs and injectables, such as Ozempic or Wegovy, can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and safety are still being researched and are unknown.
Foods to Avoid
Understanding which foods to avoid can be helpful in easing potential side effects.
The Impact of Greasy, High-Fat Foods
One of the primary culprits behind discomfort while on Ozempic or Wegovy is greasy, high-fat food. These foods take longer to digest and linger in the stomach, increasing the likelihood of nausea, belching, fullness, and even vomiting.
Roughage and Gas-Forming Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables containing significant roughage pose another challenge. Stringy raw fruits like pineapple and tough-peeled fruits like apples, as well as gas-forming vegetables such as broccoli and brussels sprouts, can exacerbate symptoms. These are hard-to-digest roughage, contributing to slow stomach emptying and potential digestive discomfort.
The Sweet and Spicy Dilemma
Patients are advised to steer clear of sweet foods and drinks, as sugary indulgences may lead to stomach aches. Additionally, spicy foods can worsen acid reflux symptoms, a concern for those already experiencing baseline heartburn or related issues. While spicy foods might be tolerable for individuals without acid reflux, they can pose challenges for those on GLP-1 medications due to delayed gastric emptying.
Alcohol: A Double-Edged Sword
Alcohol introduces multiple challenges for individuals on Ozempic or Wegovy. Besides being empty calories, alcohol may increase hunger and counteract the hunger-suppressing effects of GLP-1 medications. Moderation is the key for those who choose to consume alcohol, emphasizing its potential to negate the purpose of GLP-1s by triggering hunger. Overall, alcohol abstinence is recommended, but if unavoidable, moderation is crucial to not trigger hunger.
New York Bariatric Group’s Medical Weight Loss team says It is important to know the class of drug you are prescribed and to talk to your doctor or prescriber about food and beverages to limit or avoid.
The good news is that these changes support a heart-healthy meal plan and will facilitate weight loss. The medications are just another tool that can help cut cravings and help you adapt to a lifestyle that will allow for long-term weight loss and weight maintenance.
New York Bariatric Group: Weight-Loss Leader
NYBG is the leader in comprehensive weight-loss solutions. We are a one-stop shop, offering long-term weight-loss surgery as well as medically-supervised weight loss such as medications and injectables. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to losing weight. At NYBG, we work with you to customize a weight-loss program that will work best for you.
Weight-loss drugs and injectables have been shown to be an effective short-term strategy, but the long-term effects and safety is still unknown. With our Medical Weight Loss Program the ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and changes to their health.
Weight-loss surgery is the only proven long-term weight-loss solution. With decades of research, patients have seen sustainable weight loss. We offer multiple weight-loss surgery procedures and our doctors will work with you to find the right option.
Our practice is the best around:
- Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, veins, and medical weight loss.
- 42,000 successful procedures performed with more every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and
showcasing previous patients - Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
- Offering in-person and virtual consultations
- Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!
All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top-quality bariatric programs.
Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!
