6 Foods to Avoid While Taking Ozempic

Published: 2025-05-04

Updated: 2025-05-05

4 mins

Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications for weight loss use continue to grow in the U.S. among men and women. While GLP-1 medications have grown in popularity, many people may not realize that it’s important to make other changes in their lives to maintain the results from GLP-1 medications.

Obesity can increase your risk of health conditions like high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are lifestyle changes and weight loss medications available to help manage obesity.

Weight loss medications like Ozempic work by delaying gastric emptying (delaying how quickly food moves through the digestive system). Ozempic helps to promote weight loss, but lifestyle choices like what you eat and how active you are determine if you maintain results. 

Why is Diet Important While Taking Ozempic?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic.GLP-1s like Ozempic are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and are often used as an off-brand weight loss medication.  If approved by your healthcare provider for weight loss, semaglutide acts as a natural hormone in the brain to reduce appetite. Ozempic can also help regulate blood sugar levels and manage fat storage in the body. Health experts found that weight loss was more likely to occur in those who took a GLP-1 medication along with eating a well-balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Eat foods that support the changes you will experience in your metabolic health. Fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and foods rich in vitamins and minerals can increase satiety and keep calories low. Avoid the following foods to prevent weight gain and reduce the risk of experiencing side effects while taking Ozempic.

1. High-fat foods

You need some amount of fat to maintain energy throughout the day. However, too many overly processed and high-fat foods daily can lead to weight gain sooner. Processed foods tend to be made with a lot of saturated fats. Saturated fat is a type of manufactured fat that can increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic health conditions. You may also experience more gastrointestinal side effects while consuming high-fat foods.

The following high-fat foods may need to be avoided while on your weight loss journey:

• Fried foods

• Milk

• Yogurt 

• Cheese

• Butter

• Canola oil

Health experts recommend cooking with healthier oils like avocado oil and olive oil to reduce fat while cooking at home. You can also substitute processed snacks for nuts and dried fruits.

2. Ultra-processed foods

Many of the foods sold in U.S. grocery stores have chemicals and additives that affect how nutritious the food is. You may also want to avoid the following highly processed foods:

• Potato chips 

• Candy

• Deli meats

• Hot dogs

• Bouillon cubes

• Frozen foods

3. High-sugar foods and beverages

High-sugar foods can be more difficult to digest while taking Ozempic. Health experts estimate that most Americans consume around 14 more teaspoons of sugar daily than the recommended amount. They can also make you feel less hydrated. 

Avoid the following high-sugar foods while on your weight loss journey:

• Cookies

• Processed sauces

• Honey

• High fructose corn syrup

• Ice cream

4. Carbohydrates

Many health experts recommend a low-carb diet to promote weight loss. Following a low-carb diet helps to manage insulin and fat storage. Another benefit of a low-carb diet is the ability to increase your metabolism.

Consider limiting your intake of the following high-carb foods while taking Ozempic:

• Bread

• White rice

• Potatoes

• Butternut squash

• Grapefruit

• White flour tortillas

• Barbecue sauce

Instead, consider eating more whole grains and low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, and asparagus. 

5. Carbonated beverages

When taking weight loss medications, health experts recommend staying as hydrated as possible. Alcohol and carbonated beverages like soda can increase dehydration and other side effects like headaches, diarrhea, and nausea. Carbonated beverages are also often high in calories and sugar. Instead, try to drink more water or zero-calorie versions of your favorite carbonated drinks.

6. Alcohol

Most alcoholic beverages are high in calories. A drink here and there is fine, but it’s important to cut back on alcohol to better meet your weight loss goals. You can start by cutting back on mixed drinks that are often high in sugar.

Tips for Foods to Eat While Taking Ozempic

Some key vitamins and minerals can help your body process food better. When losing weight, fiber is an important part of your diet to keep things moving smoothly through the digestive system. Lean proteins like turkey, fish, chickpeas, and lentils can help you feel fuller without craving more sugar. 

Other foods to consider adding to your diet while on your weight loss journey include:

• Broccoli

• Almonds

• Berries

• Salmon

• Carrots

• Whole grains

• Chicken

• Cabbage

Eating smaller portions throughout the day can also help your body feel more energized. A larger meal can make you feel more weighed down and take longer to process through your digestive system. It’s also recommended to chew slowly before swallowing your food if you tend to rush through your meals.

Hydration is another key component of staying healthy while on Ozempic. Be sure to drink plenty of water while taking Ozempic. Many health experts suggest moving around or going for a walk after a meal to promote gastric emptying. Lying down immediately after a big meal is more likely to contribute to weight gain.

How Rex MD Can Help

Keep in mind there’s no one right way to approach weight loss. So many factors, like your everyday life, health history, and relationship to food, can affect how you approach weight loss. Rex MD gives you the support you need with access to quality weight loss medication services you can access directly from your laptop or phone. The Rex MD Weight Management Program is a cutting-edge online healthcare service with easy access to brand-name GLP-1 medications.

Answer a few questions about your medical history and weight loss goals to get started. From there, a licensed healthcare provider can help you find the right treatment plan for you.

Get started today.