September is often hailed as a welcome opportunity to get started on a weight loss journey, almost like a second New Year.
As a result, some with specific goals in mind might opt to use weight loss injections, such as Mounjaro or Wegovy, after consulting their doctor.
To maximise results, it is best to prioritise certain foods, while excluding others from your day-to-day diet.
Dr Babak Ashrafi from Superdrug Online Doctor pointed out the best and worst foods to eat while taking the medication.
Lean proteins are key to helping weight loss journeys
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Lean protein
With or without injection, protein makes up a central pillar of a balanced diet. As you lose weight, it is possible to lose both fat and muscle.
As a result, having a reliable source of protein in your meals can help preserve muscle mass, make you fuller for longer, support digestion and assist with repair and recovery.
Chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, tofu, Greek yoghurt, and legumes are reliable sources of protein, Dr Ashrafi noted.
High-fibre foods
Fibre assists with a common symptom of weight loss injections - constipation - by feeding beneficial gut bacteria and healthy digestion.
Foods like vegetables, berries, beans, lentils, oats, and whole grains are good sources of fibre - but also can regulate blood sugar.
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Healthy fats
Foods like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds can support weight loss efforts while maintaining a source of healthy fats in your diet.
Several vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E and K, are fat-soluble, which means they need fat to get absorbed properly to support the body's needs.
The additional omega-3 and omega-6 fats can also maintain brain health, hormone balance and tackle inflammation.
Hydration
Water is an obvious necessity for weight loss, but it also helps to reduce the side effects of the injections, such as nausea and dry mouth.
Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for vital bodily functions like cellular function, energy production and metabolism, supporting efficient weight loss.
Processed meats should be avoided, the doctor advised
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Foods to avoid
The foods to avoid are calorie-dense, greasy, fried or fatty foods, such as burgers and sausages, as they can contribute to bloating, reflux and stomach pain, and could exacerbate feelings of nausea.
Highly processed and sugary foods, like chocolate and sweets, can drive cravings and disrupt appetite regulation by causing rises and falls in sugar levels, the doctor warned.
Additionally, they are said to be “empty calories”, offering little to no nutritional benefit to your diet.
Finally, alcohol is best to be avoided as it can irritate the stomach and has far more calories than you might believe.
It can also disrupt the functioning of the liver, which is vital to process the medication. The extra pressure from drinking beer, wine and spirits could lead to extra strain.