What Foods Should I Eat When Taking Wegovy?

Wegovy is a prescription medication for weight management.

Eating certain foods while taking Wegovy helps support the medication’s benefits, minimize possible side effects, and promote overall health. 

By understanding how Wegovy works and selecting foods that align with its purpose, you can enhance your weight management journey with Wegovy.

Read on for a comprehensive guide exploring the relationship between Wegovy and your food choices.

Foods To Eat While Taking Wegovy

There are plenty of nutritious and delicious foods you can eat while taking Wegovy.

We’ve listed some options below, but you can ask your dietitian for more personalized recommendations. 

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Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber, which promotes feelings of fullness and satiety.

They’re also rich in essential vitamins and minerals for your overall health and well-being. 

Whole Grains

Whole grains are nutrient-dense and high in fiber, which can help you feel full for longer. 

Examples of whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat bread.

They are also a great source of complex carbohydrates, which give you sustained energy throughout the day. 

Protein-Rich Foods

Protein is an essential nutrient your body needs for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues. 

Protein-rich foods such as lean meats, legumes, poultry, tofu, and fish can help maintain your lean muscle mass while you lose weight. 

These foods are also low in carbohydrates and sugar, which helps keep your blood sugar balanced and promotes weight loss. 

How Many Calories Should I Eat On Wegovy?

When determining how many calories you need while taking Wegovy, it’s important to create a balance that supports weight loss while meeting your nutritional needs. 

As Wegovy works to regulate your appetite and blood sugar levels, experts recommend using it with a reduced-calorie diet. 

The exact number of calories you need is based on individual factors such as your:

• Age.
• Weight.
• Height.
• Sex.
• Activity level.
• Medical history.

It’s important to consult with a registered dietitian specializing in weight loss to establish a personalized calorie goal that complements Wegovy while addressing your nutritional needs. 

Eating a Balanced Diet With Wegovy 

Eating a balanced diet while taking Wegovy helps ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning. 

It also supports the medication’s weight loss and blood sugar control benefits and may help decrease unwanted side effects.

A balanced diet typically includes eating a variety of foods from all the major food groups. These include:

• Fruits and vegetables.
• Whole grains.
• Lean proteins.
• Healthy fats or dairy.

Example Meal Plan On Wegovy

Below are examples of meals with foods you can eat while taking Wegovy.

Ask your dietitian for more recipe and meal ideas. 

Breakfast

• Scrambled tofu or eggs with sautéed spinach, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
• Whole grain toast topped with mashed avocado.
• Herbal tea or black coffee (unsweetened).

Lunch

• Quinoa salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and diced grilled chicken breast. Drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar as dressing.
• Sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime.

Dinner

• Baked salmon filet seasoned with herbs and lemon juice.
• Steamed green beans or asparagus spears.
• Roasted sweet potato wedges tossed with olive oil, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
• Sparkling water or herbal tea.

Snack Ideas

• Greek yogurt with a handful of mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) and a sprinkle of chia seeds or chopped nuts for added crunch and nutrients.
• Sliced apple with almond butter or peanut butter.
• Carrot sticks and hummus for dipping.
• Air-popped popcorn seasoned with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Lifestyle Changes To Consider On Wegovy

Along with eating a balanced diet, certain lifestyle changes can significantly improve overall health and weight management outcomes. Below are some changes to consider.

• Portion control: Learn about proper portions for each food group and pay attention to your portion sizes to prevent overeating.
• Regular physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic physical activity or 75 minutes weekly of vigorous activity, along with strength training twice a week.
• Hydration: How much water you need depends on your activity level and other factors. Experts recommend drinking between 91 and 125 fluid ounces. 
• Prioritize adequate sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for overall well-being and healthy weight management. Experts recommend that adults get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
• Stress management: Managing stress is part of healthy weight management. Implement stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, gentle yoga, or talking with a professional to help manage factors that may influence your eating behaviors. 

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What Is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a brand-name GLP-1 medication designed for weight management and is indicated for adults and children over 12 years.

It comes as an injectable solution in user-friendly pre-filled pens.

People taking Wegovy self-inject the medication once weekly into their abdomen, thigh, or upper arm with the flexibility of taking it with or without food.

Consistency in administering the medication at the same time each week is key for optimal benefits.

Since its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2021, Wegovy has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in clinical trials.

Adult participants experienced an impressive average weight reduction of 15% from their initial body weight. 

However, as with any medication, Wegovy can have side effects, making it important to consult a healthcare professional during treatment. 

How Wegovy Works

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Wegovy.

It is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).

When you eat foods high in protein, fiber, and healthy fat, your body secretes GLP-1 hormone to regulate your blood sugar level and manage your appetite. 

When a person takes Wegovy, the medication binds to the same receptors in the body that GLP-1 normally binds to.

This action helps increase the activity of GLP-1 in the body, which can lead to several effects that help with weight management.  

An effect of Wegovy is slowing down the rate at which food moves through the stomach, which can make you feel full for longer after eating.

Wegovy can also help reduce the amount of glucose (sugar) your liver produces, which lowers blood sugar levels.

Stabilizing blood sugars helps prevent blood sugar swings and potential cravings. 

Side Effects Of Wegovy 

The most common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Vomiting.
• Constipation.
• Stomach pain.
• Headache.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Bloating.
• Belching or gas.
• Stomach flu.
• Heartburn.
• Runny nose or sore throat.

Wegovy may also cause some less common but more severe side effects:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Symptoms may include stomach pain that may radiate to the back with or without vomiting.
• Gallbladder problems: Symptoms may include upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stool.
• Hypoglycemia: Symptoms may include dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, irritability, anxiety, mood changes, slurred speech, sweating, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery. This is a medical emergency, call 911.
• Kidney problems (kidney failure): Symptoms may include decreased urination, dark urine, swelling in lower legs.
• Serious allergic reaction: Symptoms may include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe itching or rash, rapid heartbeat, feeling dizzy or faint. This is a medical emergency, call 911.
• Changes in vision in people with type 2 diabetes: Symptoms may include blurred vision or other changes to vision.
• Increase in heart rate: Symptoms may include heart racing or pounding that may last for several minutes.
• Depression or thoughts of suicide: Symptoms may include changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. 

Call your doctor right away if you have thoughts of harming yourself or are experiencing symptoms of a serious side effect.

Certain people should not take Wegovy. These include:

• People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
• People with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• People with an allergy to semaglutide or any of the other ingredients in Wegovy.
• People who are planning to be pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding.

Takeaway

Wegovy offers a promising option for individuals seeking help with weight management, particularly when combined with a nutritious, balanced diet and positive lifestyle modifications.

Prioritizing fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support the benefits of Wegovy while potentially minimizing possible side effects.

Alongside dietary changes, learning portion control, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress can also help achieve long-term weight management goals.

It’s important to work with your primary care professional and registered dietitian to develop a customized approach that aligns with your goals and ensures the safe and effective use of Wegovy. 

How a Dietitian Can Help

A registered dietitian can help you manage your weight by providing tailored nutritional guidance that compliments Wegovy.

They offer personalized meal planning and strategies to help you manage your weight while ensuring all your nutritional needs are met. 

Not only is a dietitian there to guide you, but they can also be a great source of encouragement and accountability during your journey.

Find a weight loss registered dietitian with Nourish who can give you personalized nutritional guidance.