Cheese, eggs and even your morning coffee could trigger severe nausea and vomiting, medics warn users of Hollywood’s favourite slimming drug
Doctors warn against eating popular food if you’re on Ozempic that could cause very unpleasant side effect – with Ozempic use increasing in the last few years, doctors have been warning against some of the side effects associated with the drug.
Medics have issued a warning about eating a popular food if you’re taking Ozempic.
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Ozempic is a medication that helps to bring down a person’s blood sugar levels.
It’s primarily used for those with type 2 diabetes, but many people, including celebrities, have been using it – or similar weight loss jabs such as Wegovy – to drop the pounds.
Breakfast staples on danger list
Medical experts are now warning that common breakfast foods including cheese and eggs could trigger severe gastrointestinal distress in people taking the Hollywood weight loss wonder drug.
Dr Christopher McGowan, an obesity medicine physician and founder of True You Weight Loss, has issued stark warnings about these protein-rich foods that millions enjoy daily.
“Cheese should be limited to smaller portions because it’s high in fat and calories, which can contribute to feeling excessively full,” Dr McGowan warns. The expert adds that cheese can also exacerbate constipation in some people – an already common side effect of the medication.
Even more concerning for breakfast lovers, eggs – despite being an excellent source of protein – are also on the caution list due to their high fat and cholesterol content.
Your morning coffee could spell disaster
In a blow to caffeine addicts, doctors are also warning that your daily cup of joe could trigger uncomfortable symptoms.
“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” Dr McGowan explains.
The combination of Ozempic’s stomach-slowing effects and coffee’s natural ability to stimulate gastrointestinal contractions can create a perfect storm of digestive distress, including cramping and diarrhea.
The science behind the sickness
The reason these foods cause such severe reactions lies in how Ozempic works. The drug slows down how fast your stomach empties – which is great for weight loss as it keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
“Food remains in the stomach for a longer period of time,” Dr McGowan explains. “This is exactly why many patients experience nausea and even vomiting with the GLP-1 medications.”
Some foods may stay in the stomach for many hours or even days when taking these drugs, creating a recipe for gastrointestinal disaster.
Full list of foods to avoid
Doctors have compiled an extensive list of foods that could leave Ozempic users running for the bathroom:
High-fat foods:
- Full-fat cheese
- Butter and ice cream
- Fried foods like chips and fried chicken
- Pizza and burgers
- Most red meats
Problem vegetables:
- Broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage (can cause severe gas)
- Brussels sprouts
- Onions and asparagus
Other triggers:
- Spicy foods
- Sugary drinks and sweets
- White bread and refined carbohydrates
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
One in five suffer side effects
The scale of the problem is significant, with almost 20% of all people on Ozempic experiencing stomach pain and discomfort at some point, according to FDA data.
Between 5% to 10% of users report vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain – symptoms that can be severely exacerbated by eating the wrong foods.
“Because it takes longer to digest fats, having higher fat foods will sit in your stomach and cause nausea and vomiting,” explains registered dietitian Beth Czerwony from Cleveland Clinic.
‘Dumping syndrome’ horror
Dr Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine at Tulane, describes an even more alarming reaction: “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods.”
One Ozempic patient revealed she could once eat a whole pizza, but after using the medication, she’d feel “completely sick” after eating just two slices because of the grease.
What CAN you eat?
If you’re wondering what’s left to eat, doctors recommend sticking to:
- Lean proteins like chicken, fish, and tofu
- Low-fat dairy products
- Leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables
- Whole grains in moderation
- Low-glycemic fruits like berries
- Bland foods like crackers, toast, and rice if experiencing nausea
Expert tips to avoid misery
Medical professionals offer several strategies to minimize side effects:
- Eat slowly – Chew food well and stop at the first sign of fullness
- Small, frequent meals – Rather than three large meals
- Stay hydrated – But avoid drinking large amounts with meals
- Keep a food diary – Track which foods trigger symptoms
- Take a walk – Light exercise after eating can aid digestion
The celebrity factor
With A-listers from Hollywood to reality TV stars credited with using Ozempic for rapid weight loss, the drug has seen unprecedented demand. But experts warn that without proper dietary guidance, users could be in for a miserable experience.
“You should consider seeing a registered dietitian because you may have side effects and have no idea how to manage them,” advises Czerwony.
Bottom line
While Ozempic and similar drugs like Wegovy have revolutionized weight loss, they require significant lifestyle adjustments. What works as comfort food before taking the medication could leave you violently ill once you start.
“Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” Dr McGowan stresses.
As one doctor put it bluntly: “If greasy burgers and fries do a number on your gut normally, you can expect those foods to give you problems when on semaglutide.”
