Cleveland Clinic logo

GLP-1 Diet Guidance

GLP-1 agonists affect the way your body signals hunger and digests food. Combined, these changes help manage blood sugar levels and trigger weight loss. GLP-1s can also cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects like nausea and constipation. So, it’s important to consider what foods you eat while taking this medication. That way, you can benefit from the wanted effects of your GLP-1 and minimize the unwanted ones.

The Gist of GLP-1s

When you take a GLP-1 agonist, food stays in your stomach longer. Because of this, certain foods can contribute more to the GI side effects, like spicy and high-fat foods. GLP-1s also reduce your appetite, so you end up eating less. But your body still needs a variety of nutrients to be healthy. You’ll want to make sure you’re getting these nutrients while eating less food.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Foods To Choose When on a GLP-1

In general, nutritionally packed foods are helpful when taking a GLP-1. Reach for foods like:

  • Fruits and vegetables like leafy greens, apples and tomatoes
  • Lean protein sources like fish, chicken, tofu and beans
  • Whole grains like oats, quinoa and farro

Two nutrients to keep at the top of your mind — and on your plate — are protein and fiber. They both help keep you feeling full longer and stabilize blood sugar.

Protein also keeps your body from losing muscle instead of fat. And fiber can help combat constipation that a GLP-1 can cause.

Foods To Limit or Avoid

Certain foods can make GLP-1 side effects worse. Every body is different, so it may take time to figure out what triggers symptoms for you. In general, try to limit or avoid:

  • Sources of added sugar like juice, soda, candy and desserts
  • Refined carbs like white bread, crackers and white rice
  • Processed foods like packaged snacks
  • High-fat foods like pizza and fried chicken
  • Spicy foods like hot sauce and hot peppers

It Takes Time — and a Village

Adjusting to a GLP-1 while changing your diet may be overwhelming. You don’t have to go through it alone. A registered dietitian can help you form an eating plan that’s unique to your needs. It may take time and a little trial and error. You can also reach out to others who are taking GLP-1s for recipes and advice. Lean on friends and family members, too — it can be fun to discover new favorite meals with loved ones.

Advertisement

Related Content

Woman looking at positive pregnancy test stick
March 10, 2025/Pregnancy & Childbirth
‘Ozempic Babies’: How GLP-1 Agonists Affect Fertility

These medications can increase fertility — but the risk of taking them while pregnant isn’t well known

Pizza, donut, chicken wings and fried chicken on wooden table
August 5, 2024/Weight Loss
Can Certain Foods Impact Your Ozempic Side Effects?

Foods high in fat and sugar can lead to uncomfortable side effects like diarrhea, constipation and heartburn

Children in a barn on a farm, standing and sitting on hay bales, petting an animal
June 13, 2025/Infectious Disease
Is the Hygiene Hypothesis True or False?

We don’t fully understand how cleanliness impacts immune system development, but we do know that preventing illness is important

Person wearing headphones doing qigong outside
June 13, 2025/Mental Health
An Introduction to Qigong

This traditional Chinese medicine practice may boost mental health, immune function, balance and more

Elderberries spilling out of a bowl
What Elderberries Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Health

This fruit has clear nutritional benefits — but there’s little evidence it can prevent or treat illness

Healthcare provider holding a tablet, talking to patient in medical setting
June 13, 2025/Digestive
Why You Should Avoid Colon Cleansing

It’s not an enema or bowel prep, and this colonic hydrotherapy can harm proper colon function