Pharmacist issues warning against high-fibre diets for Ozempic users

Everyone should maintain a balanced diet, but this is especially important for people using Ozempic to help maximise results while prioritising physical wellbeing.

The drug’s popularity skyrocketed last year and continues to be a relied-upon weight loss medication, but users should exercise caution when it comes to a fibre-rich diet.

Kiran Jones, Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, shares the importance of fibre in your diet, why it can cause problems for Ozempic users, and how to make sure you’re consuming the right amount.

Why is fibre important in your diet?

Fibre is a natural carbohydrate derived from plants, but unlike other carbs, it is not digested in the small intestine and instead reaches the large intestine before it is broken down.

There are two types of fibre; soluble fibre dissolves in water and can help to lower cholesterol and glucose levels, and insoluble fibre which promotes the movement of food through the digestive system.

It regulates bowel movements by increasing the weight and size of stool and softening it to ease constipation and diarrhoea.

Fibre plays a pivotal role in blood sugar control, which is particularly essential for diabetics, by slowing the absorption of sugar to avoid spikes and crashes.

A high-fibre diet can be beneficial for weight loss, as it can keep you fuller for longer which will help to reduce the amount of food you eat. We should consume around 30 grams per day.

Good sources of fibre can be found across multiple food groups. Berries, citric fruits, apples, and bananas are all reliable fruits rich in fibre, while vegetables like broccoli, carrots, leafy greens, potatoes, and cauliflower can boost your intake.

Legumes like lentils, beans, and chickpeas, wholegrains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice, and nuts and seeds are also excellent fibre sources.

Why can it cause problems if you take Ozempic?

New research has found that a high-fibre diet can stimulate the release of Peptide Tyrosine Tyrosine (PYY), an appetite-suppressing hormone in the small intestine.

Consequently, combining Ozempic with a fibre-rich diet could cause food to stay in the stomach for longer and leave you feeling fuller for longer, and while this can help control blood sugar and assist with weight loss, it can slow digestion and essentially cause users to starve themselves.  

Delayed digestion can trigger intense nausea, vomiting, and an increased risk of gastroparesis. This will also cause bloating and abdominal discomfort alongside common Ozempic side effects like abdominal pain, constipation, and potentially more severe ones like pancreatitis.

Delayed gastric emptying can impact nutrient absorption, cause deficiencies in essential nutrients and even affect medication efficacy.

This could cause unhealthy weight loss and other health problems.

How to cut down on fibre and maintain a healthy diet

#1 Stay hydrated

Soluble fibre absorbs water, and drinking enough can help it move through your digestive system more easily. We should all drink 8 glasses of water per day, drink regularly throughout the day, drink caffeine in moderation, and limit consumption of fruit juice and sugary drinks.

Drinking enough water can also help moderate Ozempic side effects like vomiting and nausea.

#2 Opt for alternative foods to keep you full

There are plenty of alternative foods that can replace high-fibre options and still keep you full, so you eat less.

Protein will keep you full for longer periods, and you can try incorporating higher amounts of eggs, Greek yoghurt, chicken, and fish into your diet.

Healthy fats like avocado and cheese are also healthy and filling options in the right quantities.

Women should consume roughly 45 grams of protein per day, while men should aim for 55 grams, and you should aim to consume around 70 grams of health fats.

#3 Eat lighter fibre sources

Soluble fibre Is easier to digest, so prioritise eating more oats, citrus fruits, and cooked carrots.

Bananas, berries, courgette, spinach, and potatoes are also less likely to leave you with uncomfortable bloating and stomach issues.

#4 Track symptoms and discuss concerns

Keep track of any physical changes and symptoms like abdominal pain or constipation that could be triggered by an interaction between Ozempic and fibre.

If symptoms develop or persist, consult a medical professional or dietician to receive the right advice about your diet and any necessary medication adjustments.

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