Nutritional Strategies for Managing Side Effects of Weight Loss Medications
If you are taking one of the new GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss medications, such as Wegovy® (semaglutide) or Zepbound® (tirzepatide), you have likely heard about possible side effects. Many medicines have side effects, but it is important to manage them and make sure that the benefits you experience outweigh the side effects. For this newer generation of weight loss drugs, common side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.1
How do GLP-1 receptor agonists impact your ability to eat?
It can be exciting to try these new medicines, as they have been life-changing for many people. However, they are powerful and they impact the way you eat food. Eating properly is something we often take for granted. But it is important to pay attention to your gastrointestinal symptoms and your ability to eat while taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
What risks do the side effects pose?
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications can have such a negative impact on your appetite and ability to eat that it becomes difficult to eat enough food to stay healthy. This is because of the side effects that can impact your digestion. Poor management of the side effects can lead to serious muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies.2
The side effects may improve as you adjust to the medication. But in the meantime, it can be uncomfortable.
What nutritional strategies can you try?
Speak with your doctor first. They may recommend that you try different nutritional strategies to manage your side effects. Here are a few key strategies that can help.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals that are healthy
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs change the way you digest food. Your stomach will empty more slowly, so it becomes more difficult to eat a large meal in one sitting. Instead, try eating smaller meals and eating more often.1
Even if you do not usually snack, it may be helpful to give that a try while adjusting to your new medicine. Instead of having 2 to 3 large meals in a day, try having 4 to 5 small meals instead.
When you do eat, it is important to eat nutrient-rich foods. Make sure to nourish your body while you are eating less and losing body fat by focusing on:2
- Whole grains
- Fruits and vegetables
- Low-fat dairy
- Lean meats
Avoid fatty, fried, and spicy foods
Fatty foods may be more challenging to digest while you are taking a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Foods like french fries, fried chicken, hamburgers, pizza, and ice cream may be harder to digest. If you notice that when you eat fatty, fried foods your side effects become worse, then you know to avoid those foods in the future.
Spicy foods may also increase the severity of side effects. Spices can irritate your stomach and esophageal lining. When your new medication is already shifting how your stomach and digestive system is working, spices may add “fuel to the fire.” If you have spicy foods and notice that your side effects become worse, then you know to avoid them for some time.
Avoid alcoholic drinks and carbonated beverages
Alcoholic drinks and carbonated beverages can also irritate your digestive system. If you notice that they make your side effects worse, try eliminating them from your diet. You can replace them with water, juices, and dairy or dairy-alternative drinks.
What should you do if the strategies don't work?
Adjusting to weight loss medicines is a process that requires frequent communication with your doctor. If the nutritional strategies discussed here are not helping your side effects, that may be a sign that your dose needs to be adjusted. It is especially urgent to speak with your doctor if you are not able to eat enough to feel nourished and maintain your typical daily activities and routine.
GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs can be life-changing when taken with careful supervision by your physician. If your side effects are too severe and cannot be managed, though, there are other medicines you can try.
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