US hospital recommends the MEAL plan you need while taking drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic for weight loss

Time of India

17 hours ago

Wegovy has taken the weight loss world by storm—and it's not just hype. People are finally seeing real results, and it's changing the game for those who've struggled with weight for years.
Unlike crash diets or quick fixes, Wegovy works with your body by curbing appetite and helping you feel full longer. Celebs and everyday folks alike are talking about it, and social media is buzzing. But while the results can be dramatic, it's not a magic pill—healthy eating and movement still matter.
Mass General Brigham experts emphasize that GLP‑1 drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) can drive significant weight loss—typically 15–21% of body weight—but these medications work best when paired with smart nutrition and exercise strategies.
'Many patients lose muscle mass (in addition to fat mass) and have GI symptoms that lead to stopping medication,' said senior author JoAnn E. Manson, MD, DrPH, chief of the Division of Preventive Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham health care system. 'We propose an approach to improving outcomes on GLP-1s by preserving lean body mass, ensuring good nutrition, and managing symptoms that can otherwise lead to stopping medications.
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If you're on a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy or Ozempic, what you eat really matters. To feel your best and avoid annoying side effects, try following this easy MEAL plan, recommend doctors at the Mass General Brigham hospital.
M – Muscle maintenance:
These meds can cause both fat and muscle loss, so it's important to get enough protein. Try to eat 20–30 grams of protein with each meal—think fish, beans, tofu, or chickpeas. If you're not eating much, go for a protein shake with at least 20g per serving.
Aim for 1–1.5g of protein per kg of your body weight daily if you're moderately active.
E – Energy balance:
GLP-1s can kill your appetite, so keep your energy up with small meals and snacks like fruit, yogurt, or a handful of nuts. Go for slow-digesting carbs (sweet potatoes, oats) and skip the sugary drinks or white bread that mess with your blood sugar. Add in healthy fats like olive oil or avocado to stay full longer.
A – Avoid side effects:
These meds can upset your stomach.
For nausea, avoid greasy or fatty foods (bye, fried stuff), and try something bland like whole grain toast or ginger tea. If heartburn hits, eat smaller meals and don't lie down right after. Bake or steam your food, and take it easy on spicy stuff like chili or garlic. For constipation, load up on fiber—oats, apples, veggie skins, nuts—and drink plenty of water. A stool softener might help too if things get backed up.
L – Liquid intake:
GLP-1s can make you dehydrated, so drink up! Aim for 8–12 cups of fluids a day, mostly water.
Add in water-packed foods like cucumber and watermelon, or have some soup. Cut back on alcohol, sugary drinks, and too much caffeine.
Apart from this, the doctors have also advised against eating certain types of food. "Extreme calorie restriction can worsen dehydration, fatigue, and kidney problems, and limit essential nutrients. Combining these restrictive diets with GLP-1 medications can also result in excessive weight loss.
Strict vegan diets can lack vitamin B12, iron, and protein," doctors have said.
Image: https://jamanetwork.com/
Physical activity matters too
For this, the doctors recommend a three step approach. "To retain muscle and overall health, follow a 3-step approach to exercise. First, gradually increase moderate activity like brisk walking, starting with 10 minutes daily and building to 150 minutes weekly. Second, add strength training 2 to 3 times weekly for 30 minutes using bands, weights, or body weight exercises (squats, lunges).
Third, maintain progress with 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity while continuing the 2 to 3 weekly 30-minute strength-training sessions," they have said.
Regarding weight gain, which remains the biggest concern so far, doctors have said, "weight regain varies but is less common with ongoing lifestyle changes. To maintain weight loss, continue physical activity (aim for 60 minutes daily) and resistance training (2-3 times weekly). Maintain healthy eating habits, especially adequate protein intake."
The findings and the recommendations have been published in
JAMA Internal Medicine
.
Few FAQs regarding Wegovy and Ozempic diet guide:
Why is protein so important while taking Wegovy or other GLP-1 drugs?
GLP-1 medications can lead to both fat and muscle loss. Eating enough protein (20–30g per meal) helps protect your muscle mass, keeping you strong and supporting long-term weight loss success.
What kinds of foods should I avoid to prevent side effects like nausea or heartburn?
Skip greasy, fried, or overly processed foods. High-fat meals, spicy ingredients, and large portions can worsen nausea or heartburn. Stick to light, bland meals and eat smaller portions more often.
Can I still eat carbs while on Wegovy?
Yes! Just choose smart carbs like oats, sweet potatoes, and whole grains. These are digested slowly and help keep your blood sugar steady, unlike sugary snacks or refined bread.
How much water should I drink daily on GLP-1 meds?
Aim for 2 to 3 liters (8–12 cups) of fluid a day. These medications can lead to dehydration, so staying hydrated helps your digestion, energy, and overall well-being.
What should I do if I'm too nauseous to eat?
Stick with small, bland meals like whole grain toast, crackers, or ginger tea. If solid food is tough, try a protein shake. And always talk to your doctor if nausea doesn't improve.