Semaglutide is an injectable medication that can help patients safely lose up to 30 pounds within a few months. The drug is injected, in metered doses, by the patient weekly, supporting the work of the incretin hormones that are naturally released by the body after a person eats. These satiety signals help the brain understand that food is being turned into fuel and contribute to the feeling of being sated and full. Semaglutide also helps control blood sugar levels and is effective for patients managing prediabetic conditions or type-2 diabetes. It’s important to understand that semaglutide itself isn’t a magical weight-loss cure; patients should maximize the effects of the drug, listening to their body’s clear fullness signals and modifying their diet accordingly.
There are no specific foods that are forbidden during semaglutide treatment, though certain foods may become unappealing during treatment. And, with the renewed energy that comes from a balanced diet and a healthy cardiovascular system, it’s also easier to incorporate exercise into a daily routine. When combined with new dietary habits, these lifestyle changes can help people maintain their weight loss, and their overall health, even after treatment has stopped. It’s also safe to restart treatment, with your doctor’s supervision, should you find you need additional support.
Semaglutide will help accelerate and support weight loss, but it’s ultimately up to the patient to direct their weight loss journey and achieve their goals. Side effects of semaglutide are mild, and many patients don’t experience any side effects at all.
In many cases, when side effects do appear, they will diminish over the first few months of treatment and can be managed in consultation with your doctor. Some of these side effects include gas or bloating, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. With some attention to diet, patients can lessen or eliminate nausea and vomiting, in particular, by avoiding fast foods, fried foods, foods high in fat, and sugary foods.
To minimize any side effects, doctors recommend that patients drink plenty of water or other unsweetened, clear drinks, and that they eat slowly. It can also be helpful to eat several small meals throughout the day’s eating window, rather than focusing on a few larger meals. Lighter foods that are less spicy can help reduce discomfort, and diets that are high in healthy fiber, like those in fruits and vegetables, and lean protein can help relieve constipation and support a feeling of fullness and hydration.
While there are no foods that are off-limits when using semaglutide, adopting an overall healthier lifestyle with the support of semaglutide treatment can help reduce side effects and prolong the benefits of treatment for a lifetime. As you lose weight, you’ll also learn that exercise is easier and less painful when a body carries less weight, which can be a great incentive for maintaining weight loss. Similarly, as you learn that avoiding or significantly reducing certain rich, high-fat foods helps make you feel more healthful and refreshed, perhaps this realization is one that can help you maintain permanent weight loss and the many health benefits that come with it.