Ozempic Foods to Avoid. Not only that, but what is Ozempic? Is it Safe? What are the Side Effects? You will find all of the answers and more below. Plus a Free Health Guide.
.png)
Key Findings
- Ozempic or Semaglutide is used by those looking to Lose Weight and Type 2 Diabetics who have tried conventional and natural methods. This method suppresses appetite and prolongs the feeling of fullness or satiety.
- The side effects may not be worth taking Ozempic if you're mainly looking to lose weight as there may be safer alternatives.
- The foods to avoid are typically the same foods to avoid when trying to lose weight or when going on a low carb diet.
- It is quite expensive for those who do not have medical insurance, in which they may want to consider these alternatives.
Before taking any of the advice, including taking Ozempic. Make sure to check with your doctor.
You may also be wondering.....
- What is Ozempic?
- What is GLP1?
- What is Ozempic Used For?
- Where to Inject Ozempic?
- How Long Do People Take Ozempic For?
- Who Should Not Be Taking Ozempic?
- What Are The Possible Side Effects of Ozempic?
- What Foods Should I Avoid While Taking Ozempic?
- What Foods Can I Eat While Taking Ozempic?
- What Type of Diet Should I Be On While Taking Ozempic?
- How Much is Ozempic?
- Final Word and Alternatives
This article contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (Semaglutide) is an antidiabetic medicine prescribed as an injectable, it has been approved by the FDA. Ozempic is part of a class of GLP1 (Glucagon Like Peptide 1) and comes in an injectable pen. Essentially, it mimics GLP1 and belongs to the class of medications called incretin mimetics.
Ozempic is usually stored in the refrigerator between 36 °F to 46 °F (2 °C to 8 °C), and should not be frozen. It may also be kept at room temperature (not above 30 °C) for 6 weeks, but should not be exposed to heat or direct sunlight.
What is GLP1?
Glucagon Like Peptide 1 is a peptide similar to insulin which is naturally produced in your body, such as your gut. GLP1 stimulates the release of insulin and suppresses glucagon secretion only when blood glucose concentrations are elevated which can reduce the risk for hypoglycemia.
This peptide is used to suppress appetite through the gut and the brain, by sending signals that you are essentially full and slowing down the emptying of the stomach. Semaglutide was intended to control blood sugar but has gotten attention due to its side effect of weight loss. GLP1 can also help with:
- Improving left ventricular ejection fraction, myocardial contractility, coronary blood flow, cardiac output, and endothelial function while reducing infarction size
- Increase glucose uptake in the muscles, decreased glucose production in the liver, neuroprotection, and increased satiety due to direct actions on the hypothalamus.
It is used to regulate Blood Sugar Levels, especially to those with Type 2 Diabetes. It can serve as an alternative to taking drugs such as metformin, or if certain lifestyle changes are not working. It can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack (Source). Ozempic may also be used by:
- Patients with a hemoglobin A1c greater than 1.5% over target
- Patients who do not reach their target A1c in three months
- Patients with atherosclerosis, heart failure, or chronic kidney disease
- Obese or Overweight patients with comorbidities
Now those who take Ozempic may experience either a little less appetite to a lot less appetite. It is also worth noting that Ozempic is not the cure to weight loss, diabetes, or any other health complications. It simply aids as a booster.
Where to Inject Ozempic?
Ozempic is injected anywhere on the thigh or upper arms, it is important to avoid injecting at the exact same spot on the area.
How Long Do People Take Ozempic For?
As long as the the complications are present, those taking Ozempic may have to take it indefinitely (meaning that coming off of it may cause the complications to return).
In fact, there have been studies where those who go on Ozempic for some time and then come off of it gain the weight back or have their complications (diabetes) return. So it is worth carefully considering, especially with the side effects.
Useful Videos to Better Understand Ozempic and GLP1
- Ozempic: What’s the hype all about? Endocrinologist Explains
- Semaglutide for Major Fat Loss: Risks & Benefits- Dr. Kyle Gillett MD
Women taking GLP1 may experience a skip in their menstrual cycle.
Who Should Not Be Taking Ozempic?
Anyone of their family members who have had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Also anyone who is allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic.
What Are The Possible Side Effects of Ozempic?
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer (tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath as these could be symptoms of thyroid cancer). A study in rodents showed that Ozempic and medicines which were similar, caused thyroid cancer. There haven't been any studies on humans as of yet.
Common side effects of Ozempic may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation. Other possibles side effects include:
- Inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis). Including possible severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) or back that will not go away, with or without vomiting.
- Changes in vision.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Especially if you are using Ozempic with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or Iight headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
- Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
- Serious allergic reactions including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
- Gallbladder problems. Which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
If you happen to be taking Ozempic and experience any of the above, then stop taking Ozempic and either call your doctor. Or seek medical attention immediately.
If you are simply looking to lose weight but have not tried the safer (and cost saving) alternatives. Then you may want to ask yourself if it is worth taking Ozempic for the risks shown above just to lose weight. In fact, those who are taking Ozempic may also be on a low carb or ketogenic diet.
What Foods Should I Avoid While Taking Ozempic?
Fried Foods
Many of the common side effects of Ozempic are gastrointestinal, such as nausea, bloating, and gas. Fried foods can also have the same effect and if combined with Ozempic......it can lead to some major upset. You'll want to avoid food such as:
- French fries or wedges, corn dogs, fried chicken, any deep fried food, chips, stir fried noodles, buffalo wings, fast food, and anything similar
- Food cooked with unhealthy fats/bad fats and oils such as soy, corn, canola, vegetable, cottonseed, margarine, safflower, sunflower, flax oil
Sugary Foods and Drinks
This may be a given, but sugar can greatly spike the blood sugars and can accelerate insulin resistance which is a factor in weight gain. You'll want to avoid anything with sugar, including:
- Canned fruit, fruit without the peel, tropical fruit, fruit juice, soft drinks, milk chocolate or less than 70% cocoa, fancy coffees,
- This also goes for anything containing fructose, glucose, agave nectar/syrup, grape fruit solids, barley malt, dehydrated cane juice, muscovado, sweet sorghum, brown rice syrup solids
Refined Carbohydrates
This involves any high glycemic foods (including starch), where the body absorbs them quickly and converts them into glucose, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise sharply. These include:
- Bread, pasta, cereal, wheat, corn, pretzels, waffles, biscuits, rice, beans, potatoes, cakes,
- Anything containing white flour, hydrogenated omega 6,
Low Fat Foods
Other than natural foods such as vegetables, anything that has been altered or packaged in a way that removes the fat and replace it with either starch or sugar. This will likely raise blood sugars which of course is not good for type 2 diabetics or anyone taking Ozempic. Low fat foods include:
- Non-fat fruit yogurt, commercial mayonnaise, salad dressings, most protein bars,
High-Glycemic Vegetables
You may be surprised to hear that there can be a major difference between vegetables when it comes to blood sugar management, as some sneaky vegetables can be high glycemic index foods. These include
- Potatoes (baked, boiled, or mashed), turnips (cooked or boiled), pumpkin (raw or boiled), squash, sweet potato, or just get the whole list here
Alcohol
If you are going to drink however (and only very occasionally), then any distilled liquor is okay. Such as:
- Vodka, whiskey, burbon, rye, cognac, rum, gin,
- Dry wine (red or white)
- Beer (although there is no sugar, beer contains carbs which can put stress onto the system)
Why not get a list of these and what foods you should eat with a free cheat sheet.
What Foods Can I Eat While Taking Ozempic?
- In Moderation - Certain sugars as they have a much lower effect on the body as well as the least effect on blood sugars. These may include: Stevia, erythritol, monk fruit. Here are some simple desserts you can make
- In Moderation - Berries as they contain a low amount of carbs and higher in fiber, these include: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries,
- Leafy Greens as they are low in carbs, high in fiber and water. These include kale, romaine lettuce, arugula, bok choy, collard greens, spinach, dandelion greens,
- Non-Starchy Vegetables - Broccoli, cauliflower, celery, brussel sprouts, asparagus, beets, cabbage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, radishes, swiss chard, etc...
- Healthy Fats - Butter or ghee, extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, olives, avocados
- Nuts - Macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, almonds,
- Seeds - Flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower
- Eggs and Dairy - Heavy cream, sour cream, creme fraiche, cheese, kefir
- Fish, Meat, Poultry - Ensure that they are grass fed, wild caught, free of any preservatives. These may include: Salmon, mackarel, sardines, shellfish, shrimp, beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, pork,
- Vegan Protein - Fermented soy, chlorella, spirulina, seitan, tofu, hemp seeds,
- Here are some recipes you can use (even if you're vegan)
Ideally it is one that can be sustained even after coming off of taking GLP1, and one that incorporates the food items shown above. Other things to consider are:
- Frequency of eating and intermittent fasting
- Macro nutrient counting instead of calorie counting
- How fast or slow you are eating (eating slower can lead to weight loss)
- Having enough healthy fiber in the diet (including resistant starch and prebiotic)
How Much is Ozempic?
If you have insurance (company or private), the cost is $25 for a 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month supply for up to 24 months. If you don't have insurance, then the cost is roughly $950 for 1 prefilled 2mg pen. If $950, or even $25 a month seems too much. Then there are more cost effective and safer alternatives.
Final Word and Alternatives
The main purpose of Ozempic is to boost GLP1 which aids in suppressing appetite through slowing down stomach emptying and releasing more signals to the brain that the body is full. As this may sound good, the side effects may cause some concerns. There's also the fact that once someone stops using Ozempic, the original condition may return (obesity and/or diabetes).
This could likely be due to the fact that using Ozempic will seize the function of natural GLP1 production, which may be why those who use Ozempic will have to use it for as long as the condition exists. Granted, those who are using Ozempic do not have enough GLP1 to begin with. But it is still worth mentioning that one should look at lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise so that the body is not as dependent on outside sources.
With that being said, if you have tried the methods of altering your diet as well as lifestyle but don't see any changes and would still like to take Ozempic. Then make sure to check with your local doctor.