Food Aversions (Taste-related)
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences with food aversions and changes in taste while on GLP-1 medications. These changes can range from developing a dislike for previously enjoyed foods to new cravings or altered taste perceptions for sweet and bitter flavors.
Experiences with Food Aversions and Taste Changes:
Aversion to Greasy or Heavy Foods: Many users report that greasy, fatty, or heavy foods become unappealing or cause negative side effects. A user advised, "the day of or after injecting avoid greasy food and you won't get the sulfur farts burps and upset stomach. "[3] Another shared, "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. "[1] One user noted, "When they say don't eat heavy carbs, it's not a joke. Stay away, far away. I was miserable for almost a week and a half because I messed up and are pasta 3 days in a row. "[4]
Changes in Cravings: Taste preferences can shift significantly. One user mentioned, "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. "[5] Conversely, another said, "I usually crave sweets, but not while on this. "[6] Some find they crave healthier options: "I crave leafy greens way more. Before, a salad would feel like a chore. Just last week, my family ordered pizza and I got the salad because that legit sounded better. "[7]
Altered Taste Perception: The way foods taste can change. A user described, "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. "[8] Another user who previously preferred salty foods found their cravings shifted: "My cravings have definitely shifted from salty/cheesy/savory foods to sweet foods. I've been having more fruit, and a slice of cinnamon toast with cream cheese for breakfast. "[9]
Meat Aversion/Preference: Some users experience changes in their desire for meat. One user stated they "Could (can) only tolerate 'old people' soft food. Normally pretty much low carb person but meat causing major difficulties. "[10] Another had the opposite experience: "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]
Alcohol Aversion: A common experience is a reduced desire for or aversion to alcohol. "When drinking alcohol, anything more than one drink sits in my stomach and makes me nauseous. "[6] Another said, "I’ve even cut back on weed cause the cravings aren’t there. "[12]
General Loss of Interest in Food: Some users find that most foods don't sound appealing. One user shared, "Most foods don't sound good to me anymore, but sugary foods still do! "[13]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Focus on Tolerable Foods: Users recommend finding foods that are still palatable. For some, this means simpler or blander foods. One user mentioned, "I have kind of adjusted to super small high calorie consumption. Like I'm pretty sure I was living on sweetarts for a whole month. (Don't do this). "[14]
Eat Small, High-Protein Meals: Some users find that focusing on protein helps, especially after an injection. "The first day or so after the shot is the most potent and you should really eat high protein meals. I've never loved eggs more than a day after the shot. "[15]
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is often recommended, as it can help with overall side effects, though not directly a remedy for taste aversion, it can help manage related GI issues. [16]
Listen to Your Body: Users emphasize the importance of paying attention to the body's new signals about fullness and food preferences. "Listen to your body and just stop eating. Breaking that mental routine to scarf down a plate of food is probably the hardest. "[15]
Pepto-Bismol for GI Upset: For issues like sulfur burps that can be related to food choices, one user found relief with Pepto-Bismol: "My life-saving medicine is Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables. "[4]
Mindful Eating: One user suggested that being mindful about chewing food slowly helped them manage the medication's effects. [17]
It's important to note that experiences vary widely, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some users find that aversions lessen over time as their body adjusts to the medication.
Experiences with Food Aversions and Taste Changes:
- Specific Food Aversions: Some users develop strong aversions to particular foods.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Avoid Trigger Foods: The most common advice is to identify and avoid foods that cause aversions or negative reactions, particularly greasy, fatty, sugary, or heavily processed foods.
It's important to note that experiences vary widely, and what works for one person may not work for another. Some users find that aversions lessen over time as their body adjusts to the medication.