Foods To Avoid While on Saxenda

Saxenda is a prescription medication used to help people lose weight. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a class of drugs called receptor agonists. Saxenda works by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing hunger.

There are no specific foods to avoid while on Saxenda because liraglutide does not interact with any foods. However, following simple dietary adjustments can reduce the risk of side effects. Here are some food guidelines to follow while taking Saxenda. 

Ultra-processed Foods

Highly processed foods often contain additives and preservatives. The body can have difficulty digesting them due to their high sugar, fat, and calorie content. Uncontrolled intake of such foods can interfere with the medication’s ability to help you lose weight, which offsets the weight-loss benefits of Saxenda. 

Alcohol Consumption

One of the most important things to remember when taking Saxenda is to avoid drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol can interfere with how Saxenda works and may make it less effective. Particularly, excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of side effects such as low blood sugar levels and pancreatitis. 

Sugary Foods

Saxenda works by suppressing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. However, the drug can also cause some unpleasant side effects, such as gastrointestinal distress.

One way to minimize these side effects is to watch your sugary food intake while on Saxenda. Sugary foods can cause gastrointestinal distress by exacerbating an already upset stomach. In addition, sugary foods can also interfere with Saxenda’s ability to suppress appetite. So, if you’re looking to lose weight with Saxenda, it’s best to watch your level of sugar intake.

Saturated and Trans Fats

Excessive intake of saturated and trans fats can contribute to weight gain, so one should be conscious about them while on Saxenda. Meat, dairy products, and other animal products contain saturated fats. They are also present in some vegetable oils, such as coconut oil. It is common to find trans fats in processed foods like crackers, cookies, and cakes.

You are at risk of heart disease if you consume these fats since they can increase your LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. While they don’t constitute foods to avoid while on Saxenda, keeping track of your weight change levels to regulate fat intake and avoid serious side effects is essential. 

Salty Foods 

One of the side effects of Saxenda is increased thirst and urination. Excessive salt consumption can make you thirstier and increase the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms. This can lead to weight gain, which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve with Saxenda. So, while salty foods are not prohibited while on Saxenda, uncontrolled salt intake may not support your Saxenda medication goals.