Foods to avoid on Zepbound (tirzepatide)

No foods are strictly "off-limits" while taking Zepbound (tirzepatide). However, avoiding certain foods can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects and make it easier to adopt a low-calorie diet that supports weight loss goals. Specific foods to avoid on Zepbound include anything that is highly processed, fried, sugary, or fatty. 

No foods are known to dangerously interact with Zepbound. However, removing or limiting some of the foods and drinks below may relieve side effects and support weight loss with Zepbound.

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1. Fried and greasy foods

Fried foods, such as those ordered when dining out, are associated with both an upset stomach and bloating. More generally, eating out is associated with digestive discomfort such as stomach ache for some people. Removing or limiting fried and greasy foods may help alleviate some of the digestive symptoms of Zepbound.

It is also worth noting that these foods may hinder weight loss progress on Zepbound. A recent study found that eating fried food increases the risk for obesity and weight gain. Research also suggests that people who frequently eat fried food are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes or coronary artery disease.

Eating at home more, and choosing meals prepared with healthier cooking methods, such as steaming, baking, boiling, or grilling, may help.

2. Fatty foods

Multiple studies have linked fatty foods to having an upset stomach. Specifically, the more fat you add to a meal, the more likely you are to experience symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and indigestion. GLP-1 researchers recommend avoiding fatty foods and large meals in order to relieve nausea on Zepbound.

As with fried foods, regularly eating fatty foods is associated with weight gain, as well as overeating. Opting for lower-fat options instead may help support more success losing weight on Zepbound.

Even small changes can make a difference. For example, using an air fryer or the oven rather than a frying pan for foods such as french fries at home can help reduce grease.

3. Sugary sweets and treats

The relationship between sugar and weight gain is fairly straightforward: the more high-sugar foods a person eats, the more likely they are to gain weight or overeat — two outcomes worth avoiding when taking Zepbound.

Consuming sugary foods can spike blood sugar and, subsequently, insulin levels. The elevated insulin eventually might cause blood sugar levels to drop quickly, leaving a person hungrier than before and spurring a cycle of snacking.

Sugar can show up in surprising places, so reviewing the nutrition label when shopping at the grocery store can help. Limiting processed foods and reducing added sugar, such as in morning coffee, can also help.

Sugar is addictive, so quitting it can be a hard habit to break. It is possible, however. For people who tend to turn to sugar for stress relief (as many people do), other ways to manage stress may help, such as:

• Deep breathing exercises

• Progressive muscle relaxation

• Mindfulness meditation

• Exercise (which happens to be recommended for Zepbound to work its best)

• Guided imagery or visualization

• Talk therapy

4. Refined carbohydrates

Sugar can appear in surprising places, and refined carbohydrates are one of them. Refined carbohydrates are basically sugar in disguise. Refined carbohydrates describe a category of foods such as pasta, white bread, bagels, and cereal. These foods seem benign enough, but because they have a high glycemic index, they can cause blood sugar to spike.

Refined carbohydrates also contain fewer nutrients — including less fiber, protein, and B vitamins — than their whole-grain counterparts. As a result, eating too many of these foods provides more calories than nutrition, which can hinder weight loss efforts.

Getting carbohydrates from healthier options can help support feeling fuller, such as whole grains, nuts, beans, fruits, and vegetables. Replacing at least three daily servings of refined grains with healthier foods is likely not only to improve eating habits but lead people to eat less overall, according to one model from a study of over 34,000 adults.

5. Carbonated beverages

Carbonated sodas tend to contain a lot of sugar and are one way many people consume extra empty calories. Soda consumption is linked with weight gain, independent of other dietary factors. Cutting out soda and other sweetened beverages can be a healthy step to support weight loss while taking Zepbound.

Carbonated beverages in general also contain more air than non-carbonated beverages. Whether it is beer, soda, or even unsweetened carbonated water, drinking these beverages increases gastric volume (the amount of content inside the stomach), which may increase the likelihood of experiencing bloating or abdominal pain on Zepbound.

Opting for non-carbonated beverages, such as unsweetened green tea or water, can reduce bloating and support hydration when using Zepbound.

6. Alcohol

A hangover can produce some of the same uncomfortable side effects as Zepbound, including nausea and vomiting. Drinking alcohol more frequently — whether every day or a few days a week — raises the likelihood of experiencing heartburn, another potential side effect of Zepbound.

Alcohol can also contain many of the empty calories associated with added sugar, and binge drinking may lead to weight gain or a "beer belly."

Exploring healthier drink options can help limit alcohol intake while taking Zepbound. Health experts recommend a maximum of one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men, though no amount of drinking is recommended.

While taking Zepbound, health experts recommend eating nutrient-packed whole foods that are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. These Zepbound-friendly foods help meet nutritional needs while providing longer-lasting fullness. As a result, it is easier to stick to a low-calorie eating plan and lose weight. Foods to eat on Zepbound include:

• Fruits: berries, apples, pears

• Vegetables: broccoli, carrots, peas, squash, and leafy greens

• Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice, and whole-grain cereal, pasta, or bread

• Low-fat dairy: Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, low-fat cheese

• Lean proteins: turkey, chicken, fish, seafood, tofu, and eggs 

• Nuts: almonds, cashews, pistachios

• Seeds: chia, sesame, and hemp 

• Plant-based fats and oils: olive and olive oil, canola, avocado and avocado oil

Because Zepbound slows down digestion and lowers blood sugar, it can affect how certain medications work. Medications that may interact with Zepbound include:

• Insulin or sulfonylureas: These medications lower blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, a healthcare provider may lower the dosage of insulin or other diabetes medications to help prevent blood sugar from dropping too low while on Zepbound.

• Oral contraceptives: Zepbound's digestion-slowing effects can affect the absorption of oral medications, including birth control pills. A healthcare provider may recommend using a backup method of birth control, such as condoms, while you are on Zepbound and until the medication is totally out of your system after you stop taking it.

• Oral medications with a narrow therapeutic index: Some medications (such as warfarin) are highly sensitive to small changes in how they are absorbed, which means they can be impacted by slower digestion on Zepbound. A healthcare provider can help identify whether any of your current medications fall into this category and might recommend increased monitoring.

• Other GLP-1s: Zepbound should not be used with other GLP-1s or medications containing its active ingredient, tirzepatide.

While no supplements are known to specifically interact with Zepbound, some can lower blood sugar levels. Combining them with Zepbound may cause blood sugar to drop too low, which can be dangerous. Some of these supplements may include:

• Fenugreek

• Cinnamon

• Berberine

• Ginger

• Zinc

• Milk thistle

• Chromium

• Aloe vera

This is not a complete list of all the supplements that may interact with Zepbound. Sharing all supplements being taken with a healthcare provider can help identify whether any changes are needed.

Certain lifestyle habits can increase the likelihood of experiencing Zepbound side effects, or make them feel worse. Here are specific activities to avoid on Zepbound:

• Skipping meals: While skipping a meal might seem like a good idea when trying to lose weight, it often backfires. Skipping meals when hungry can lead to overeating later on, which can lead to nausea and vomiting. Experts recommend eating smaller portions regularly throughout the day instead.

• Lying down after eating: Lying down too soon after eating can worsen nausea and heartburn. Staying upright or taking a short walk instead may help.

• Getting dehydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can also increase the risk of serious side effects on Zepbound, such as kidney problems or low blood pressure. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially when exercising or spending time in the sun, can help. Sipping slowly may also help with nausea.

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While no foods are officially "off-limits" on Zepbound, avoiding certain foods can help minimize the medication's side effects and support feeling fuller during the day, which can make it easier to lose weight. Here is a quick overview of foods, drinks, medications, and activities to avoid on Zepbound:

• Specific foods to avoid on Zepbound include fried, greasy, fatty, sugary, and processed foods.

• Specific beverages to avoid on Zepbound include drinks with added sugar, carbonated sodas and water, and alcohol.

• Medications that can interact with Zepbound include insulin, sulfonylureas, oral contraceptives, and oral medications with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g. warfarin).

• Supplements that may interact with Zepbound include ones that lower blood sugar, such as fenugreek, cinnamon, and berberine.

• Activities to avoid on Zepbound include skipping meals, lying down after eating, and getting dehydrated.