Key takeaways

  • Wegovy is prescribed in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, so it’s important to focus on a balanced diet while taking the medication.
  • Experts recommend eating whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats while limiting or avoiding low-nutrient foods like fried items, processed foods, and sugary drinks.
  • Adopting mindful eating habits, such as eating slowly, controlling portions, and planning meals, can also help maximize the benefits of Wegovy.

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that’s prescribed in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Doctors prescribe Wegovy for weight loss or weight management, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain adults. Wegovy is also approved for the treatment of noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis in adults. (Note: Wegovy oral tablet is not approved for treatment of MASH, only the injection form of the drug.)

For Wegovy to be most effective, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations about diet and exercise.

During Wegovy treatment, a nutrient-dense diet focused on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower calorie intake. Doctors also recommend low fat dairy, other dairy alternatives, and unsaturated fats.

Based on studies, here is a list of foods that experts recommend for people using antio-besity medications, such as Wegovy:

  • whole grains, such as oats, whole wheat, quinoa and brown rice
  • high fiber vegetables, such as dark green leafy vegetables, bell peppers, carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes
  • fruits, such as berries, apples, cantaloupe, peaches, and avocado
  • beans and lentils
  • nuts and seeds
  • eggs
  • seafood
  • tofu
  • oily fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel
  • lean meats, such as lean cuts of pork or beef
  • poultry, such as chicken and turkey
  • low fat dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese
  • dairy alternatives, such as soy milk
  • vegetable oils, but limited palm oil and coconut oil

If you can’t always have whole foods like the examples listed above, your doctor may recommend meal-replacement products, such as protein shakes or protein bars. These products should usually have 15 to 25 grams (g) of protein per serving. But it’s important that these products are not highly processed. To learn more, see the “Foods to avoid with Wegovy” section.

It’s also important to stay hydrated while having Wegovy treatment. This can help you feel full and reduce your calorie intake. You can stay hydrated by:

  • drinking enough water
  • drinking low calorie beverages, such as plain tea, herbal teas, and coffee
  • drinking nutrient-dense beverages, such as low fat milk, soy milk
  • limiting beverages high in sugar
  • limiting alcohol and caffeine
  • eating foods with a high water content, such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and melons

Here is a list of foods that people using Wegovy should avoid or limit in their diet:

  • fried and high fat food, such as french fries, fried chicken, high-calorie dairy products, and fatty cuts of meat
  • highly processed food, such as processed meats, bacon, fast food, refined grains, and certain frozen meals
  • sweets and desserts, such as pastries, cakes, cookies, and candies
  • drinks high in sugar such as soda, sweetened teas, energy drinks, and fruit juices
  • alcohol

These foods are generally high in calories and don’t provide enough nutrients for your body. A diet high in these foods can delay progress with Wegovy.

Along with adding specific types of foods to your diet, you can maximize the effects of Wegovy through mindful eating habits and routines, including the following:

  • Taking your time while eating: Eating slowly and savoring your meal can help you realize when you are satisfied or full. This can help prevent overeating.
  • Be mindful about portions: Reading nutrition labels and serving sizes can help manage your portions. You can also use smaller dishes for your meals or a portion-control plate.
  • Plan your meals: Meal-planning for the week can help you stay on track with your diet and save you time. You can also try meal-delivery services to help you save time and track what you’re eating.
  • Avoid skipping meals: Skipping meals can make you hungrier and more likely to overeat later. Having smaller meals more often throughout the day may help with energy levels and managing hunger.
  • Keep your water within reach: Having a glass of water or a water bottle nearby can help remind you to stay hydrated. This can help you feel more full and energized.
  • Exercise: Doctors prescribe Wegovy along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. To help maximize weight loss, you can add regular physical activity to your routine. This can include aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Your doctor can help determine the best types of exercise for you.
  • Being patient and consistent: Changing your weight can take time. It’s important to be persistent with your diet and exercise even while using Wegovy. Tracking your progress with your doctor can help you stay on track or learn where you need to make changes.

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Using Wegovy with a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can enhance weight management. It’s important to follow a reduced-calorie diet and increase physical activity as per your doctor’s recommendation.

Avoiding or limiting fried foods, sugary drinks, desserts, and alcohol can help manage your weight. Also, tips such as eating slowly, managing portions, meal planning, and staying hydrated can further support weight management with Wegovy.

Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.