What to eat on weight loss drugs?

What types of foods should I eat on weight loss drugs?

It’s important that you follow an overall healthy diet when on weight loss medication. This will ensure you get all the nutrients your body needs to be healthy. Try to include the following.

Vitamins and minerals

Because you are eating less food on weight loss drugs it’s important you prioritise those that are full of vitamins and minerals. This will help to support your immune system, your energy levels and to protect you against chronic disease. Try to include:

• brightly coloured vegetables such as beetroot, spinach, and carrots
• berries and other low sugar fruits such as pears
• nuts and seeds

Consider taking a multivitamin supplement

Your clinician may advise you to take a well-rounded multivitamin and mineral supplement to ensure you get all the nutrients you need when taking weight loss medication. It’s important to make sure that any supplements you do take don’t interact with other medications you are taking. So do ask for advice before starting any new vitamins and minerals supplement.

Fibre

Your body needs fibre for good digestion, as well as to support your gut microbiome (the thousands of beneficial gut bacteria living in your large intestines). Fibre also helps to keep you fuller for longer, which can help to prevent overeating. High fibre foods include:

• prunes, kiwis, and other fruits
• wholegrains such as oats, brown rice, pasta, and bread
• pulses and legumes such as lentils, and beans

Protein

Getting enough protein is important when you are losing weight. It helps to keep you full and maintains your muscle mass. Having higher muscle mass can help you to burn more calories when at rest, as well as increasing your energy.

High protein foods include:

• fish
• lean meat
• eggs
• dairy
• plant based options such as beans and tofu

If you struggle to get enough protein in your diet, you can consider having the occasional protein shake. But it’s best to get protein from your food if possible.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is important for your general health, but drinking enough water can also help to keep you full. If you are struggling with low appetite, then drinking little and often can be better than drinking a lot before meals.

Aim to drink around two litres of water and low calorie, unsweetened drinks per day.

What should I avoid eating and drinking on weight loss drugs?

You should be able to eat most things in moderation when on weight loss drugs. But the more balanced your diet, the better the outcomes for your health and weight.

You may also get increased side effects from eating certain foods and drinks. The following items may worsen stomach discomfort or nausea so reducing or avoiding these may help:

• alcohol
• high fat foods such as cheese, fried, and fast foods
• spicy foods
• ultra processed foods such as biscuits, crisps and pastries