What sort of diet should I be on while taking injectable semaglutide?

What sort of diet should I be on while taking injectable semaglutide?

Optimizing Your Health While Using GLP-1 Medications

GLP-1 medications can be an effective tool for weight management and metabolic health, but combining them with healthy lifestyle habits helps maximize results.

Prioritize Nutrient-Dense Meals

If you struggle to get enough protein, consider protein-rich foods or shakes (for example, yogurt, cottage cheese, protein powders or ready-to-drink shakes). In general, many people on GLP-1 medications benefit from getting about 1.0 to 1.5 grams of protein per kilogram of their target body weight per day, but your exact needs depend on your age, activity level and medical conditions. People with kidney or other health problems may need a different amount, so check with your healthcare provider or a dietitian before making big changes to your protein intake.

Stay Hydrated and Support Digestion

  1. GLP-1 medications can slow digestion, which may cause discomfort or constipation.
  2. Promote digestive health by:
    1. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day
    2. Including fiber-rich foods like leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes
  3. Many people also find it helpful to limit very high-fat, fried, greasy or heavily processed foods, and to go easy on alcohol and very sugary drinks, because these can worsen nausea, reflux or diarrhea while you are on a GLP-1 medication.
IdeaHydration + fiber help prevent constipation and enhance comfort

Support Your Health with Lifestyle Habits

  1. Regular physical activity also supports mental health. Many studies show that exercise can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it is often recommended alongside therapy or medication as part of a complete treatment plan.
  2. Aim for some movement every day, even if it is just a 20-minute walk. Over time, most adults are encouraged to work toward at least 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity, plus strength training, to support weight management and overall health.
Alert
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not provide medical or nutrition advice for any specific person. Always talk with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, exercise routine or medications.
Notes
Compounded versions of semaglutide are not FDA-approved. The FDA has not evaluated compounded semaglutide for safety, effectiveness, or quality.