Ozempic foods to avoid: Are any foods off-limit?

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic®, a brand name for semaglutide, is a prescription medication made by Novo Nordisk. It belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug class. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed off-label for weight management in adults with overweight or obesity.

 The drug comes in an injectable pen that’s administered subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week.

What to know: Ozempic foods to avoid

It might be surprising, but there’s no official Ozempic diet plan.o foods are completely off-limits. However, adjusting your diet and lifestyle can help minimize side effects and maximize results..

While not an exhaustive list, the following are the most common dietary changes you can expect to make.

Alcohol 

Alcoholic drinks such as beer and sweetened mixed drinks are high in carbohydrates, which can raise blood sugar levels. However, drinking alcohol can also lower blood sugar levels, since your liver needs to break down the alcohol when you drink. You can have alcohol while taking Ozempic, but both lower blood sugar levels. Combining them can increase the risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Too much alcohol also increases the risk of pancreatitis, a risk already linked with Ozempic. If you drink, do so in moderation.

Sugary foods and drinks

Sugary drinks and refined carbs (soda, ice cream, donuts, cookies, pastries) can trigger or worsen nausea while taking Ozempic 

Highly processed, calorie-dense foods

High-fat or fried foods often make side effects like nausea, bloating, and constipation worse.. But the good news? A study published in 2017 in Diabetes, Obesity, & Metabolism found that after 12 weeks on Ozempic, participants on the drug had better control while eating and less of a desire for fatty foods compared to those in the placebo group.

Creating an Ozempic Diet Plan: Simple Food Swaps for Better Results

While medication can be very effective, health care professionals recommend combining it with lifestyle modifications for sustainable results.

So, in addition to watching your alcohol consumption and avoiding excess sugar and fatty foods, you may want to also consider other changes. For instance, Found’s health coaches recommend starting your day with a protein-fueled breakfast and avoiding sugary cereals or foods that lack nutritional value, like white bread. Instead, pair complex carbs or whole grains with balanced portions of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Your Found coach and app can help you set up a customized meal plan based on your preferences.

Examples of foods your coach may recommend

Breakfast

• Scrambled eggs or egg whites with spinach and whole-grain toast
• Greek yogurt topped with berries and chia seeds
• Oatmeal made with unsweetened almond milk and a spoonful of nut butter
• Cottage cheese with sliced fruit or cucumber
• Protein smoothie with greens, protein powder, and avocado
  
  

Lunch

• Grilled chicken or tofu salad with mixed greens, beans, and olive oil dressing
• Whole-grain wrap with turkey, avocado, and vegetables
• Quinoa or brown rice bowl with salmon, roasted veggies, and tahini sauce
• Lentil or chickpea soup with a side of whole-grain crackers
• Tuna salad over leafy greens with olive oil and lemon
  
  

Dinner

• Baked or grilled fish with steamed broccoli and sweet potatoes
• Stir-fry with tofu or lean beef, vegetables, and brown rice
• Turkey chili with beans and a side of roasted vegetables
• Sheet-pan chicken with mixed vegetables and quinoa
• Zucchini noodles with tomato sauce, lean ground turkey, and Parmesan

List of Foods to Eat While on Ozempic (Manufacturer Tips for Nausea Relief)

Novo Nordisk offers some helpful recommendations for patients who experience nausea. Among them are:

• Eat bland, low-fat foods like crackers, toast, and rice.
• Eat foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin.
• Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.
• Avoid lying down after you eat.
• Go outdoors for fresh air.
• Eat more slowly.
• Eat smaller meals.

Drink clear or ice-cold drinks.

More on Ozempic: how does it work?

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone that naturally occurs in your body. Ozempic (semaglutide) works by helping to lower blood glucose levels, making it easier to control blood sugar when you eat. It also slows down digestion, helping to control appetite and satiety.  Like other GLP-1s, such as Zepbound® (tirzepatide), Wegovy® (injectable semaglutide), and Rybelsus® (a pill-version of semaglutide), Ozempic activates the GLP-1 receptors in your body.

Who’s eligible for an Ozempic prescription?

The FDA approved Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic to treat those with type 2 diabetes, in combination with lifestyle changes, like a healthy diet and exercise. The prescription drug decreases elevated A1C levels and can help improve cholesterol and blood pressure in those with type 2 diabetes. And even though Ozempic isn’t indicated for overweight and obesity, it’s prescribed off-label for weight management because of its ability to help with weight loss.

Its sister medication (also manufactured by Novo Nordisk), Wegovy®, shares Ozempic’s active ingredient—semaglutide— but at a higher dose. Wegovy is an FDA-approved weight loss drug to treat overweight and obesity in those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or a BMI of 27 or greater with a weight-related condition like high blood pressure or prediabetes. 

Ozempic is not recommended for those with a history of gastroparesis  or people who are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of Ozempic?

Keep in mind that while there are common side effects of Ozempic, some people don’t experience them, or they subside after a short time. Side effects may include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Pain at the injection site

An important note: There are other more serious side effects with Ozempic. Please tell your health care provider immediately if you begin to experience any of the following side effects:

• Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer
• Changes in vision
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)—signs may include dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision
• Kidney problems (kidney failure)
• Serious allergic reactions like hives, rashes, or swelling. 
• Gallbladder problems
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

Although rare, in animal studies, semaglutide caused thyroid c-cell tumors. Ozempic’s “black box” warns of the risk of these tumors. If you have trouble swallowing, develop hoarseness, or feel swelling or a lump in your neck, contact your Found health care provider immediately.  The FDA also warns not to take Ozempic if you have or have a family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid cancer. If that’s you, Ozempic isn’t the right fit. Find detailed side effects and risk information here.

If you have additional questions about diet while on Ozempic, consult with your Found-affiliated provider. Together, you can decide if Ozempic or another medication is right for your weight loss goals and chart out a treatment plan.

GLP-1*

GLP-1 prescriptions, filled through your local pharmacy, are now available as part of Found's weight-loss toolkit. While GLP-1s are effective for weight loss, they are not clinically appropriate for everyone. Eligibility for a GLP-1 is based on a thorough evaluation of your medical history, eating behavior, lab work, and insurance coverage. If a GLP-1 is not appropriate for you, our providers will work with you to determine an effective medication for your health profile.

About Found

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The content provided is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosing or treating any health condition, or for determining actual costs incurred. Always follow your health care provider’s instructions to ensure safe and effective management of your health conditions. Certain medications are only FDA approved to treat conditions other than weight but may be prescribed to help aid in weight loss. For key risk information by drug, visit the Found medication page. Any prescription medications referenced are always subject to individual provider evaluation and clinical eligibility.