5 Foods to Avoid While Taking GLP-1 Agonist Medications

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of prescription medications that can help manage a growing number of medical conditions. They don’t come with a strict list of foods you have to avoid. There isn’t a single “GLP-1 diet” and most people can continue eating a wide variety of foods while taking these medications. 

That said, some foods and drinks can make common side effects — like nausea, bloating, and heartburn — more noticeable. Others may reduce the medication’s benefits by making it harder to manage appetite, blood sugar, or weight over time. Here are some foods and drinks to limit or avoid while taking a GLP-1 medication.

What are GLP-1s?

GLP-1 medications mimic a natural hormone your body releases after you eat. They work by:

• Increasing insulin release

• Lowering the amount of sugar your liver makes

• Slowing down digestion

• Helping you feel full sooner

Some GLP-1s also affect a second gut hormone called gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). These medications are known as dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonists.

GLP-1s are FDA approved for several medical conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Weight management 

• Heart heath

• Chronic kidney disease

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

• Obstructive sleep apnea

There are several FDA-approved GLP-1 medications. Most are given as injections, but some are available as oral tablets. Current GLP-1 medications include:

• Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)

• Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda)

• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)

• Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)

No matter which GLP-1 medication you take or why you take it, certain foods can make side effects worse or limit how well the medication works. Here are five drinks and foods to avoid or limit while taking GLP-1 medications. 

Foods and drinks with added sugar

Foods and drinks with added sugar can work against the benefits of GLP-1 medications. These medications help steady blood sugar and reduce appetite. But sugary foods can cause quick spikes and crashes in blood sugar, making it harder to manage over time.

Sugary foods and drinks may also worsen nausea and fatigue, especially when you’re first starting treatment.

Examples include:

• Soda and other sweetened drinks

• Candy and desserts

• Sweetened coffee or tea drinks

• Packaged snacks with added sugar 

Soda and other carbonated beverages can also cause bloating and gas. This can make common GLP-1 side effects — like bloating and gas — feel worse.

Refined carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced diet. But ultra-processed, or refined, carbohydrates lack fiber and most vitamins. 

Because GLP-1 medications reduce appetite, you may eat less overall. Choosing nutrient-dense foods can help make sure you’re still getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Try to limit refined carbohydrates while taking a GLP-1 and focus on nutrient-dense foods instead. 

Examples of refined carbohydrates include:

• White bread 

• White rice 

• White flour

• Pasta made from white flour

• Crackers

High-fat foods

GLP-1 medications slow how quickly your stomach empties. High-fat foods take longer to digest, which can make GLP-1 side effects like nausea, bloating, and stomach discomfort worse. 

Experts also recommend limiting fatty foods if you have GLP-1-related diarrhea. 

These foods are also higher in calories and lower in nutrients, which can make it harder to reach your health goals. 

Over time, diets high in certain types of fat can raise cholesterol levels and contribute to metabolic liver disease, which may limit some of the benefits of GLP-1 medications.

Examples of foods to avoid or limit include:

• Fried foods

• Fast food

• Fatty cuts of meat

• Processed meats

• Cream-based sauces

Spicy foods

Spicy foods can be harder to tolerate while taking a GLP-1 medication. They contain compounds that can irritate the lining of your esophagus and stomach, which can trigger or worsen acid reflux and heartburn.

GLP-1 medications also slow how quickly your stomach empties. As a result, these irritating compounds stay in contact with your esophagus and stomach longer, increasing the risk of reflux. If you already have a history of reflux, spicy foods may make your symptoms more noticeable.

Examples of spicy foods to limit include:

• Hot sauces and chili-based condiments

• Spicy curries and heavily seasoned dishes

• Foods made with chili peppers or pepper flakes

• Spicy snack foods

Alcohol

Experts recommend limiting alcohol while taking a GLP-1 medication. Alcohol can worsen GLP-1 side effects and make it harder for the medication to work at its best.

Alcohol can also increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially if you have diabetes or take other blood sugar-lowering medications. It may worsen side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, particularly when you’re first starting a GLP-1 medication or increasing your dose.

In addition, alcohol may make it harder to recognize feelings of fullness. This can lead to overeating or make it more difficult to stay on track with your nutrition goals.

Examples of alcoholic drinks to limit include:

• Beer

• Wine

• Cocktails and mixed drinks

• Sweet or high-calorie alcoholic beverages 

Best foods to eat while taking a GLP-1

GLP-1 medications lower your appetite and slow digestion. Because of this, it’s important to choose foods that provide nutrition in smaller portions and are easy on your gut.

Some of the best foods to prioritize include:

• Lean protein, like chicken, fish, eggs, and Greek yogurt

• Fiber-rich vegetables, like leafy greens, broccoli, and zucchini

• Whole grains, like oats, quinoa, and brown rice

• Fruits with a low glycemic index, like berries, apples, and pears

• Legumes, like beans, lentils, and chickpeas

• Water and low- or no-sugar beverages

These foods provide important nutrients and protein to support your overall health. They also contain fiber, which may help with side effects like constipation. 

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Written by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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