Nutrition Tips for Managing Obesity Medications

Obesity medications can help you manage your weight by decreasing hunger and food cravings and increasing fullness. The goal is to eat enough nutritious foods for health and well-being while achieving healthy weight loss. It is important to eat nutrient-dense foods at meals and snacks especially since you may not be able to tolerate large portions. Protein foods are important to help maintain your muscle mass.

Obesity medications may result in food staying in your stomach for longer. You may experience side effects such a nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

TIPS:

• You may not always feel hungry, but it is important to eat. Set scheduled times to eat meals and no not skip meals. Eat slowly and stop eating when you feel full.

  • Aim for small, frequent meals, eating every 2-3 hours as tolerated.

• Choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy/dairy alternatives, and healthy fats

• Eat protein foods with each meal and snack.

  • Lean meat, poultry, seafood, beans, peas, lentils, nuts/seeds, low-fat dairy, eggs, soy-products

• Limit your intake of high-fat foods (these take longer to digest)

• Maintain hydration. Drink at least 48-64floz (6-8 cups) of hydrating, low-calorie, caffeine-free beverages daily.

  • Water or caffeine-free/unsweetened coffee/tea

  • Limit sugar-sweetened, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages

  • Limit carbonated beverages (especially if bloating occurs after consumption)

It is recommended to have regular contact with your prescribing doctor and voice any side-effects that you may have.

Information obtained and provided by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics