Food Aversions / Intolerances / Dislike Food / Eating as a Chore
Users on Reddit report a variety of changes in their relationship with food while on GLP-1 medications, including food aversions, intolerances, a general dislike for previously enjoyed foods, and experiencing eating as a chore.
Experiences with Food Aversions / Intolerances / Dislike Food / Eating as a Chore:
Food Aversions and Intolerances: Specific foods can become unappealing or cause negative reactions. A user shared, "I can no longer eat Tuna Fish, which was high on my list of good foods and I can no longer eat Italian sausage (and I'm Italian). Other than those two very specific foods, probably less greasy foods. If i force it I pay the price with massive gas, bloating, etc bordering on acid reflux no matter how early i eat the greasy foods, probably its slowing stomach emptying. "[13] Another noted, "meat causing major difficulties. "[10] One user experienced issues with a lettuce-wrapped burger: "3 weeks in, I tried to eat a lettuce-wrapped burger from Carls Jr. That burger sat in my stomach for about 48hrs before coming back up the way it came. "[5]
Eating as a Chore: For some, eating becomes a necessary task rather than an enjoyable activity. A user mentioned, "I had to also start drinking Metamucil which isn’t horrible but it is a chore for me, I’m sick of the taste. "[7] Another described their eating habits: "Could (can) only tolerate 'old people' soft food. "[10]
Changes in Cravings and Taste: Users report shifts in what they crave or how food tastes. Some find unhealthy foods less appealing: "My body doesn’t have a lot of fat to lose. My relationship with food is what I struggle with the most, eating for comfort. This has been a big boost in changing that. "[12] and "Alcohol and sweets aren’t as satisfying. "[12] Conversely, some develop new cravings: "I have the food tasting better problem too, it's incredibly strange. I never eat sweets but after being on the treatment, I suddenly would crave candy, ice cream, and other sweets I don't normally touch. "[2] Another said, "I have a strange constant craving for meat or at the very least protein but I can't have protein powder cuz it actually makes me really nauseous. "[11] One user noted, "It makes sweets sweeter. But bitter stuff is more bitter. I'm a craft beer fan, but I found some beers more bitter than normal. That said, food was enhanced. Deeper, more complex tastes. "[14]
Reduced Appetite for Unhealthy Foods: Many users find they lose interest in junk food or overeating. "The GLP-1 was great at stopping the food noise and increasing my satiety. I found it easier to make better food choices, because it helped me stop from overeating. "[6] Another shared, "I’ve lost 45 lbs just not grazing, snacking, or craving high fat foods like burgers pizza and fried chicken. "[4]
Difficulty Finishing Meals: Portion sizes often decrease significantly. "Any meal out goes half uneaten and I’ve grown used to fixing smaller portions of everything I cook at home. "[9] One user said, "I can eat half of something now and then just feel full and stop, vs feeling a deep seated need to keep eating while there’s still food in front of me. "[8]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Since appetite is reduced, making sure to get enough nutrients is key. "I’m maximizing the protein, fiber, and nutrients each meal because I don’t eat much. "[12] Another user recommends, "eat a lot of meat, fruits, veggies, and fats, and I drink a lot of water. "[5]
Hydration and Fiber: To combat side effects like constipation which can be related to dietary changes, users recommend hydration and fiber. "I try to drink 8 cups of water a day and take metamucil gummies. "[15] Another suggests, "make sure to drink lots of fluids (mostly water and diet pop) and eat fiber either as supplements or in my diet. Bran muffins are awesome! "[18]
Adjusting Diet to Avoid Trigger Foods: Users learn to avoid foods that cause discomfort. "I’ve made myself feel like garbage a few times by filling up on bread and beer. "[4] One user learned a lesson after eating fast food: "one unforgettable night after eating a Taco Bell quesadilla that ended with a lot of vomiting. Lesson learned. "[19]
Protein Intake: Some users find it challenging but important to maintain protein intake. "Trying to find ways to get enough protein into me. "[10] and "I'm compensating by trying to keep my protein intake high and stay consistent at the gym. "[8]
Scheduling Meals: Due to lack of hunger cues, some find scheduling meals helpful. "It is very important to actually remember or schedule eating in my experience. "[23]
Eating Small, Frequent Meals: This can help manage nausea and ensure adequate nutrition. One user mentions, "It’s about changing your eating habits. So you learn to eat healthier and smaller meals over time. "[22]
Consider Medication Adjustments for Severe Aversions/Nausea: If food aversion is extreme due to side effects like nausea, adjusting the dosage might be necessary. "If you can’t eat, go down a dose. "[22]
Recognizing New Hunger Cues: It can take time to understand the body's new signals. "It took me about 6-8 months to recognize the new signs of hunger ( or what hunger is supposed to feel like).
Experiences with Food Aversions / Intolerances / Dislike Food / Eating as a Chore:
- General Loss of Interest in Food: Many users describe a significant reduction in their desire to eat or think about food.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Mindful Eating and Portion Control: Users emphasize listening to their body's new fullness cues.