Wegoy and supplements: What to take and what to avoid

Wegovy can be an effective medication to support weight loss in people with obesity. Because the medication can reduce appetite, you may take fewer nutrients than needed, so supplements can help.

Tracking your food intake can be challenging. but it becomes especially important when you are eating less during Wegovy treatment. This guide provides some practical information on which supplements to consider to help maintain good nutrition while using Wegovy.

Wegovy commonly reduces appetite, which can help with weight loss.

However, eating less can also mean you are taking in fewer calories and nutrients. Wegovy can cause other side effects, including nausea and vomiting, which may also affect nutrient absorption.

Together, these factors may raise your risk of developing nutrient deficiencies, especially if your meals are not nutrient-rich.

Wegovy itself isn’t known to cause nutrient deficiencies. However, nutrient deficiencies may occur when overall intake is too low or when certain food groups are avoided. Over time, low nutrient intake can make it difficult for your body to function properly and may affect how you feel.

Because Wegovy is commonly used as part of a weight loss plan, being mindful of your nutrient intake is an important part of treatment.

For some people, adding supplements may be helpful. Your doctor can help determine whether supplements are appropriate and which options best support your overall health.

You may consider discussing the following supplements with your doctor while using Wegovy.

Protein helps build and maintain muscles. Not consuming enough protein over time may lead to lean body mass loss, weakness, hair loss, or skin changes.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 46 grams per day for healthy women and 56 grams per day for healthy men. People using Wegovy may benefit from higher protein intake to help prevent muscle loss from reduced calorie intake.

For an easy way to increase your protein intake, a protein powder supplement may be beneficial. The amount of protein per serving varies by brand.

People with obesity may have low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D serves several important functions in the body, including supporting immune and bone health, reducing inflammation, and regulating blood sugar.

Your doctor can test your vitamin D levels using a blood test before you begin or during Wegovy treatment. If your level is low, they may recommend supplementing with vitamin D, which is available over the counter or as a prescription. You doctor can help determine which dose is right for you.

Vitamins A and E are fat soluble, which means your body needs fat to absorb them properly. However, if you are eating a low fat diet in combination with your Wegovy treatment, you may be at risk of certain vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin A or vitamin E.

Vitamin A helps support your eyes, skin, and immune system, while vitamin E helps protect your cells from damage and prevents blood clots. To ensure you are getting the nutrients you need, your doctor may recommend a supplement containing these vitamins.

If you have questions about how much to take when supplementing, talk with a doctor or pharmacist.

Fiber supports digestion and helps prevent constipation. Adequate fiber intake may also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving cholesterol levels and supporting healthy blood sugar control.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 21 – 25 grams per day for healthy women and 30 -38 grams per day for healthy men, depending on age. For people using Wegovy, consuming enough fiber may help reduce constipation, a commonly reported side effect of the medication.

If needed, one way to increase your fiber intake is by taking a fiber supplement, such as Benefiber and Metamucil.

Some people experience fatigue when starting Wegovy. In some cases, low levels of some nutrients may contribute to tiredness by causing anemia. Anemia occurs when the blood can’t carry enough oxygen to the rest of the body.

If you experience fatigue during your Wegovy treatment, talk with your doctor. They may order lab tests to check for deficiencies and determine whether supplements may help.

Wegovy may interact with certain supplements. The following supplements may lower blood sugar levels. When used with Wegovy, the combination can increase the risk of low blood sugar, especially in people with type 2 diabetes.

Your doctor may recommend avoiding these supplements during Wegovy treatment. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements you take to help identify possible interactions.

While using Wegovy, tracking your food intake and nutrient consumption can help reduce the risk of deficiencies and unwanted side effects. If you are considering or already taking supplements, talk with your doctor before starting Wegovy to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your needs.

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