Last updated: 20-09-2024
Your weight loss journey with Wegovy is more than just the medication. While no food directly interacts with Wegovy’s active ingredient – semaglutide, certain dietary choices can help boost the effectiveness of the medication. Some foods can negatively impact the performance of the medication and increase the risk of side effects.
A balanced diet and regular exercise plan alongside Wegovy show far better results. Therefore, sticking to certain foods while taking Wegovy is essential to support your weight loss journey.
We have compiled the best and most effective foods to eat while on Wegovy to accelerate your journey to a healthy life.
Wegovy diet plan
Healthy meals with controlled calorie intake are the best diet plan to accompany Wegovy. A good initiative is to reduce your daily calorie consumption by 500-1000 calories.
Additionally, choosing whole foods with balanced macronutrients, including adequate protein, will promote weight loss. Include complex carbohydrates in your diet, as they also play a critical role in supporting semaglutide activity.
Portion control, such as eating smaller, can help manage hunger and cravings more effectively. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, savor food, and eat slowly to shed extra pounds faster.
What to eat when taking Wegovy?
Relying solely on Wegovy will take longer than expected to lose weight. Therefore, a balanced diet recommended by doctors is essential for better weight loss results.
The medication reduces your appetite and makes you feel fuller, but you still need to monitor your food intake.
Here is a list of foods that you should make part of your routine.
Lean proteins
Foods high in lean proteins help you feel full while stabilizing blood sugar levels. Protein takes more energy to digest, which boosts metabolism and supports weight loss.
The following foods are a great source of lean proteins.
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Chicken
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Turkey
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Fish
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Tofu
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Eggs
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Seafood
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Tempeh
Complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest than refined carbs, providing a feeling of fullness for longer. However, you may need to find the right carbohydrates for your body, as some foods can cause stomach discomfort and gastrointestinal problems..
Complex carbohydrates are:
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Peas
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Quinoa
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Oats
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Sweet potato
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Brown rice
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Whole wheat bread and flour
High fiber fruits
Fiber in fruits slows down digestion, helping to reduce blood sugar spikes and improving insulin sensitivity. These fruits are a nutritious choice for weight loss because they are lower in calories. Additionally, they also help regulate bowel movements, reducing the risk of constipation or diarrhea.
Some high-fiber fruits that can complement Wegovy include:
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Apples
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Bananas
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Pears
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Peaches
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Apricots
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Berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
Cooked vegetables
Cooked vegetables can have both negative and positive impacts on Wegovy treatment. Cooking breaks down cell walls, making nutrients more accessible to the body, while reducing fiber content, making vegetables easier to digest.
To maximize the benefits of cooked vegetables:
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Steam or roast
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Use minimal added ingredients
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Choose low-calorie cooking methods like grilling, or stir-frying
Healthy fats
It is not advisable to completely eliminate fat intake. Monounsaturated fats can increase HDL or good cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
Good sources of healthy fats include:
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Avocado
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Extra virgin oil
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Nuts and seeds
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Dairy products, like yogurt and cheese
At Click Pharmacy, our dedicated and professional physicians will guide you through a personalised Wegovy diet plan, meeting all your nutritional needs and supporting your weight loss journey.
Foods to avoid when taking Wegovy
To achieve consistent weight loss, it’s important to avoid certain foods that can hinder Wegovy’s performance, and slow down your weight loss goals.
High-fat foods
High-fat foods slow down stomach emptying. They are often high in calories, and can undermine weight loss efforts causing side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Therefore, avoid the following:
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Butter
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Whole-fat cheese
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Processed meats
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Fried foods
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Chips
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Cream
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Ice-cream
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Biscuits
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Pizza
Ultra-processed foods (UPFs)
These foods are high in calories, saturated fats and sugars. The refined carbohydrate content in ultra-processed foods can affect blood sugar levels. Likewise, they can lead to weight gain by disrupting metabolic function.
Here are a few examples of UPFs:
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Sugary foods
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White bread
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Boxed breakfast cereals
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Fizzy drinks
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Sweets
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Instant soups
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Sausages
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Ham
Alcoholic drinks
Avoid alcohol when you are consuming Wegovy. It fluctuates blood sugar levels, interfering with long term weight management. Doctors will also advise to lower alcohol intake in your prescription.
It’s also recommended to avoid spicy and caffeine-rich foods, as they can further irritate the stomach.
Fruits and vegetables
Certain fruits and vegetables have a high glycaemic index (GI) rating. These foods can spike blood sugar levels in your body.
High GI fruits and vegetables include:
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Pineapple
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Mango
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Watermelon
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Grapes
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Carrots
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Raisins
Other Wegovy tips
While a healthy diet can improve weight loss process and Wegovy efficacy, certain lifestyle changes can also have a positive impact.
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Regular exercise will help you stay healthier
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Set realistic goals to stay motivated
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Keep a food journal for better meal planning and stable energy levels
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Take your medication as prescribed
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Stay in close contact with your doctor to keep him updated for best results
How does Wegovy work alongside diet?
Wegovy contains the GLP-1 receptor agonist Semaglutide, which promotes significant weight loss when coupled with a balanced diet. It inhibits the release of glucagon, which lowers sugar output in the body,
By slowing down the digestive process and regulating blood sugar levels, Wegovy can help control food intake and prevent overeating.
Several clinical trials show that Wegovy works best when combined with lifestyle changes, including improved physical activity and a balanced diet.
How can I reduce the side effects of Wegovy?
Dietary changes that help regulate your blood sugar and digestive system can promote more effective weight loss. Such food adjustments will also reduce side effects of Wegovy.
Here are few steps to consider:
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Drink plenty of water throughout the day
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If you’re feeling nauseous, avoid strong-smelling or spicy food
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Wear loose clothing
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Do not lie down soon after eating
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Eat slowly and thoroughly chew your food
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Do not drink a lot of water with meals