Prescription drugs like Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro, and Zepbound (tirzepatide) work by mimicking hormones that promote healthy blood glucose levels. Originally formulated to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications can suppress appetite, making them an increasingly popular weight-loss option.
But these drugs, known as incretin mimetics, can cause some unpleasant gastrointestinal side effects, too — and certain foods can make them worse. So if you’re on or considering taking one, it’s important to know which foods to avoid on semaglutides and tirzepatides.
And if you are taking them for weight loss — at present, only Wegovy and Zepbound are approved for weight management — it’s also important to understand the limitations of incretin mimetics, which don’t offer the much broader benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
“Incretin mimetics help the body use insulin more effectively,” says Krista Wale, RD, registered dietitian and owner of Louisiana Nutrition Associates. “However, they do not replace the need for a healthy diet. Nutrient-rich foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that are important for overall health and well-being.”
Incretin mimetics work best when they’re combined with a thoughtful nutrition strategy and regular exercise. While there’s no specific “Ozempic diet plan” you need to follow, there are a few nutritional choices you can make to set yourself up for success and get more sustainable, holistic results. Here’s what you should know.
Dietary Concerns When Using Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
A healthy diet plan can help to mitigate some of the potential downsides of taking semaglutides and tirzepatides. Here are a few key nutrition considerations to keep in mind when using these medications.
1. Side effects
Common side effects for both semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) may include nausea, bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or constipation.
Having an upset stomach can make it difficult to take in enough nutrients in a day, and it may even deter you from staying on the medication, which can often lead to rebound weight gain. Case in point: In one study, up to 27 percent of participants stopped using semaglutide before the study ended because of the side effects.
2. Muscle protein synthesis
Along with fat loss, research suggests incretin mimetics can also lead to a loss of muscle. So, while taking them, it’s important to ensure you’re getting enough protein to preserve lean mass.
How much protein do you need on semaglutide or tirzepatide? “Most people can meet their protein needs by aiming for 20 to 30 grams of protein at each meal,” says Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES.
To calculate your minimum daily needs:
- Divide your weight in pounds by 2.2 to find your weight in kilograms.
- Multiply your weight in kilograms by 0.8. This is the minimum amount of protein (in grams) you should eat each day.
- If you’re exercising regularly, the International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends multiplying by 1.4 to 2.0 instead, depending on your activity level.
3. Adequate nutrient intake
A decreased appetite can make it challenging to get the nutrients you need and enough energy to fuel your workouts. When your caloric intake is reduced, it’s crucial to make sure you’re eating a nutrient-dense diet and avoiding empty calories.
What to Eat While Taking Ozempic for Weight Loss (+Mounjaro and Others)
Your diet plan on semaglutide or tirzepatide should emphasize nutrient-dense foods that offer the most nutritional bang for your caloric buck.
“It is best to evenly space meals throughout the day and choose a variety of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein sources for optimum energy and to decrease the chance of nutritional deficiencies with incretin mimetics,” Berger says.
Here’s the best of what to eat while on Ozempic, Mounjaro, and the like.
EAT: High-fiber foods
“Incorporate plenty of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which aid digestion and help maintain steady blood sugar levels,” Wale says.
Berger suggests these foods for fiber:
Fruits
- Apples
- Berries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Dried fruit (Look for dried fruit that doesn’t contain added sugar, and limit your serving size to ¼ cup or less, Berger says.)
Veggies
- Leafy greens
- Red bell peppers
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
Whole grains
- Brown rice
- Farro
- Quinoa
- Oats
- Barley
- Whole wheat bread
- Whole wheat pasta
Legumes
- Pinto beans
- Garbanzo beans (chickpeas)
- Black beans
- Soy beans
- Lentils
EAT: Protein-rich foods
“Choosing lean sources of protein will help to make you feel full and satisfied, support blood sugar management, and promote lean muscle tissue and fat loss with less chance of nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal distress,” Berger says.
Her top picks include:
- Boneless, skinless chicken
- Boneless, skinless turkey
- Pork tenderloin
- Fish
- Seafood
- Eggs
- Nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt
- Nonfat or low-fat milk
Shakeology is also a potent way to get additional protein in your diet, as well as phytonutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, prebiotics and probiotics, fiber, adaptogens, vitamins, and minerals.
EAT: Healthy fats
Healthy fats can help support satiety and overall health, Wale says. Here’s what the experts recommend:
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Almonds
- Chia seeds
- Ground flaxseed
- Pumpkin seeds
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Sunflower butter
Is all this dietary accounting a little overwhelming? BODi offers two eating plans, 2B Mindset and Portion Fix, that help support weight management and are filled with nutrient-dense foods. Check them out along with their extensive food lists and recipes on BODi.
Foods to Avoid on Ozempic and Other Incretin Mimetics
Learning to fuel your body properly is a key component to success — but it’s also important to learn what foods to avoid on Ozempic, Mounjaro, and other incretin mimetics so you don’t exacerbate side effects or sabotage your weight loss goals.
AVOID: Sugary drinks and desserts
“Highly sweetened beverages or desserts will spike blood sugar and add empty calories to further challenge weight loss efforts,” Berger says. While you don’t need to feel guilty about the occasional indulgence, try to minimize your intake of these high-sugar treats:
- Soda
- Fruit drinks
- Sweetened coffee drinks
- Energy drinks
- Candy
- Cakes
- Cookies
AVOID: Greasy foods
“Greasy and deep-fried foods can exacerbate nausea, vomiting, and heartburn,” Berger says.
