GLP-1 type medications are drugs that help control blood sugar levels and appetite. These are medications intended mainly to treat type 2 diabetes, but they are also beneficial for treating obesity thanks to their mechanism of action. If you are taking GLP-1 type medications and want to enjoy the maximum benefit and experience as few side effects as possible, there are several habits you need to avoid:
Eating late at night
GLP-1 type medications cause food to remain in the stomach for a longer time when you first start taking them or when you increase the dosage for the first time. If you eat late and go to bed – this is not a good habit for metabolic health, and the food in the stomach may increase reflux (when acidic fluids from the stomach rise back into the esophagus) and symptoms of heartburn.
Eating fast food
Fast food is very high in calories, mainly in fat and processed carbohydrates. Consuming fast food while taking GLP-1 type medications can harm your weight loss efforts. Experts note that this will make you feel very sick, and you will be at higher risk of suffering from vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Drinking carbonated beverages or high-calorie drinks
Carbonated drinks, sweetened coffee drinks, tea with flavored sweet syrups, high-sugar juices and even smoothies are high in empty calories that will be absorbed quickly but will not make you feel full. The rapid absorption of calories has an addictive effect, and “drinking” your calories will significantly limit weight loss.
Eating large amounts of fatty or fried food
Like fast food, excessive eating of red meat, fried food or rich dishes full of cheese may cause abdominal pain during treatment with GLP-1 type medications, because the food will remain in the stomach longer, especially if its fat content is high. These types of foods may lead to foul-smelling belching, nausea, abdominal pain and reflux.
Skipping meals
Patients must not skip meals or drastically reduce calorie intake before they begin treatment with GLP-1 type medications. This may cause severe nausea, dizziness and hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low) due to appetite suppression – the mechanism of action of the medications.
Dehydration
Dehydration should be avoided while using GLP-1 type medications. The reason is that these medications are usually associated with nausea, vomiting or early diarrhea, all of which may quickly lead to dehydration, and subsequently to electrolyte imbalance and low blood pressure.
High alcohol consumption
Experts recommend that patients on GLP-1 type medications exercise extra caution when consuming alcohol because it will worsen gastrointestinal side effects. High alcohol consumption may also increase the risk of developing hypoglycemic events and may cancel or reduce the effect of the medication on weight loss.
Taking medications that will negatively affect
You should avoid taking medications that delay gastric emptying (unless your doctor has instructed you to use them), because such medications may negatively affect GLP-1 type medications and increase the frequency of severe nausea, vomiting and poor absorption of nutrients. You should also avoid treatment with a high dose of a GLP-1 type medication if you have stopped taking it for more than two weeks. It is important to consult a doctor if you want to resume taking the medication.