Around 1.6 million adults across the UK are now using medicated weight loss injections to squash their appetite, but what people eat while using treatments like Wegovy and Mounjaro remains paramount.
GP at Pharmacy2U, Dr Bhavini Shah, is among those helping patients understand how to get the most from their treatment, insisting that getting the right guidance could make all the difference.
"If you're using medicated weight loss treatments for weight loss, it's advised to eat a healthy, balanced diet to maximise the effects and for overall health," she explained.
Dr Shah highlights which foods to avoid to keep digestive troubles at bay while using the jabs, with nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation being common complaints among patients.
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Weight loss jabs are not a standalone solution or miracle cure
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"There are certain foods and drinks that can trigger or worsen these symptoms, particularly alcohol, caffeine and processed, spicy or fatty foods," Dr Shah advised.
It makes sense given that the medications work primarily by slowing down digestion, meaning anything that already irritates your stomach is likely to cause even more bother.
And because these treatments reduce appetite and slow digestion, Dr Shah advises packing generous amounts of nutrients into smaller meals.
"Foods that support this best are vegetables (particularly leafy greens like kale, spinach, lettuce and broccoli) as well as legumes, fruits and grains," she explained.
Protein will also help you feel fuller for longer during your weight loss journey, so it's worth eating more lean meats, poultry, eggs, seeds and nuts, as well as soy products.
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GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, Dr Donald Grant, echoes advice on maintaining a healthy diet and says there's confusion about what these treatments can actually do.
"One of the most common misconceptions around these weight loss treatments is that they're often viewed as a 'quick fix' that can provide instant results without lifestyle amendments," he explained.
Weight loss jobs work by reducing appetite and slowing digestion
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The reality, however, is that they work best when combined with healthy eating, regular exercise and lasting behavioural changes.
"As a result, they should be seen as a tool to aid sustainable weight management, rather than a standalone solution or miracle cure," Dr Grant added.
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