The drug contains semaglutide, which mimics the structure of a naturally occurring human hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 plays an important role in regulating appetite and blood sugar levels by activating specific receptors.
Due to their similar structures, semaglutide can also activate these receptors, causing a feeling of fullness and delaying gastric emptying. In other words, semaglutide makes us less hungry and therefore less likely to overeat.
“We don’t have enough data”
Semaglutide is also used in its sister drug Wegovy, which is approved to help fight excess weight. While these medications have helped millions of Americans get closer to their weight loss goals, it’s easy to forget that food is not just a source of energy, but also a source of nutrients.
“We don’t have enough data on people who take weight-loss medications, but we know they are at risk for not getting enough water, calories, protein, and fiber,” Tara Schmidt, chief nutritionist for the Mayo Clinic Diet, host of the podcast and co-author of the book “The Mayo Clinic Diet: Weight-Loss Medications Edition,” told Newsweek.
— This is a result of reduced nutrient intake, not necessarily the drug itself. We know that Americans are consuming too little fiber, potassium, calcium, vitamin B6 and vitamin D. Women, especially those in their reproductive years, may be at risk for low iron levels, Schmidt said.
This does not mean that a low-calorie diet will always lead to nutritional deficiencies; it just needs to be planned more carefully.
“A well-balanced diet can usually meet nutrient needs even with fewer calories, but if someone’s diet restricts certain foods or food groups, it’s important to identify other sources of that nutrient,” Schmidt said.
For example, calcium and vitamin D are most commonly found in dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. For those who want to avoid dairy, tofu, soy milk, broccoli, some mushrooms, and fortified orange juice are other options, but not all of them contain both nutrients.
Another example is vitamin B12, which occurs naturally in meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. This can be a challenge for people following a vegan diet, so choosing fortified foods such as cereals, meat substitutes and nutritional yeast can help.
Diet during Ozempic
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, told Newsweek that maintaining an active lifestyle and a healthy, balanced diet is essential when taking either of these medications.
“When a person is reducing their calorie intake and losing weight, it becomes even more important to follow a healthy, nutritious diet,” Allison Schneider, director of media relations at Novo Nordisk, told Newsweek. “We do not recommend a specific diet when taking our medications because that is part of the discussion patients should have with their doctor. However, when people feel full, that is the time to end the meal,” she said.
Schneider added that Ozempic itself is not approved for chronic weight loss treatment. “Although Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, they are different products with different indications, dosages, prescribing information, and administration routes,” Schneider said. “These products are not interchangeable and should not be used outside of their approved indications.”
For people who are concerned about following dietary guidelines while taking weight-loss medications or following any restrictive diet, Schmidt recommends talking to your doctor.
Dietitians and doctors can also assess when dietary supplements such as multivitamins and multiminerals, protein supplements or fiber supplements are needed, she said.
When starting to take weight-loss medications, Schmidt advises: “Food and beverage choices should provide adequate calories, protein, and hydration in a smaller volume of food, as eating too much while taking GLP-1 may cause nausea or vomiting.
“Especially when starting or increasing the dose of a GLP-1 medication, it can be difficult to follow an adequate diet. Soft, blended or even liquid meals are often better tolerated when symptoms are at their worst.”
“Some foods to consider are overnight oats, smoothies, Greek yogurt, soft fruits, and protein shakes. These types of foods can provide protein, vitamins and minerals, fiber, and/or hydration.”
Text published in the American magazine “Newsweek”. Title, lead and subtitles by the editors of “Newsweek Polska”.
