Increased Cravings
Users on Reddit report a variety of experiences with cravings, particularly for sugar, while on GLP-1 medications. Some find their cravings for sweets increase, while others find they still have cravings but can manage them better or that their taste preferences shift.
Experiences with Increased Cravings:
Increased Sugar Cravings: A few users mentioned that their sugar cravings actually intensified. One commented, "I actually crave sugar more than I did before starting the medication but I think when I eat it I now have much less of it at a time than I used to. "[4] Another user, after their second shot of Semaglutide, experienced an "uncontrollable sugar panic binge thing" and was "eating more than ever, in volume too. "[10]
Shift in Cravings: Some users noticed a shift in their cravings towards sugary foods. "My cravings have definitely shifted from salty/cheesy/savory foods to sweet foods. "[8] Another said, "Yes!!! I noticed this as well. Been on it over a year and I went from a savory or salty person to a sweets person"[20]
Cravings Despite Appetite Suppression: Even with reduced appetite, sugar cravings can persist. "I started on 2. 5mg 3 days ago and while I do feel like it's working as an appetite suppressant most of the time, I still seem to get intense sugar cravings that tend to kick in during the evening. "[40]
Cravings Linked to Low Blood Sugar or Deficiencies: Some users theorize that cravings might be linked to bodily needs. "I think it might be our body fighting back in its calorie deficit begging for energy bc sugary treats tend to be fast digesting carbs a lot of the time? "[24] Another user suggested, "Sugar cravings can mean a couple of things. First and foremost it could be a sign of low blood sugar if it’s not that then it’s mainly dehydration... electrolytes... if you’re to restrictive on diet your body is signaling that you need electrolytes. "[11]
Cravings Vary by Medication: One user noted a difference between Semaglutide (Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (Zepbound): "Yes, semaglutide really had me craving sugar a ton... I switched back over to Zepbound and the cravings stopped... Back on Zepbound and the cravings are again gone"[38]
Manageable Cravings: Many users find that while cravings might still exist, they are more manageable. "I still get sweets cravings. The difference is I can have 1-2 cookies and stop vs eating half a tin of butter cookies. "[3] Another stated, "My sugar craving has never stopped & I've been on the med for 18 months. However, I can stop eating sugar. I have never had that ability before the med. "[6]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Healthy Sweet Alternatives:
Fruit: "My go to when I crave sweet is full fat Greek yoghurt with fruits and nuts or nut butter. Recently, I’ll have blueberries and a very sweet fruits like pineapple, prune, golden kiwi. "[29]
Dates: "Dates are a nice high of sugar too"[30]
Sugar-free options: "I buy zero added sugar fudge pops and they’re only 40 calories each. Satisfies my sweets craving. "[31] Another suggested, "Try sugar free chocolate pudding or no added sugar nesquick powder if you crave chocolate. "[32]
Gummy vitamins: "I take Gruns gummy vitamins to satisfy both the gummy bear and sweet craving and give me my daily nutrients. "[28]
Nutritional Adjustments:
Protein Intake: "Eating a lot of protein helps"[21] and "I had the same problem until I basically tripled my protein intake. A chocolate protein shake scratched my sugar/chocolate craving and helped me not crave sugary stuff later in the day"[23]
Magnesium: "Sugar craving can be a symptom of low magnesium. "[16] One user who started supplementing iron found "the sugar cravings started to subside. "[33]
Electrolytes and Hydration: "Sugar cravings can mean... mainly dehydration... electrolytes... if you’re to restrictive on diet your body is signaling that you need electrolytes. "[11]
Low Carb/Keto: "You need to be using a low complex sugar diet like keto to control those craving so you don't want to eat that kind of stuff"[34] However, another user on Mounjaro mentioned, "My experience is that it’s really hard to eat in general due to the lack of appetite... like the carb cravings tend to disappear completely for a lot of people. "[39]
Addressing Potential Low Blood Sugar:
"This medicine lowers your blood sugar so that might be sending your body into a sugar panic. Just try a glass [of orange juice] and resist for 30 or so minutes"[13]
One user who switched to Tirzepatide suspected cravings were "blood sugar related all along" and found they needed complex carbs combined with fats and proteins. [12]
"carry around some candy with you! Just something small- like a little box of nerds, or some sweet tarts. Even glucose tablets. "[41]
Other Strategies:
Hard Candy/Mints: "I keep a bag of jolly ranchers in my desk at work... Sucking on a piece of hard candy quells that typically with just one since it lasts 10 or so minutes. "[9] Another said, "yes, me too! sometimes I stave off the feeling with a mint. "[25]
Tootsie Rolls: "My ‘hack’ is eating a tootsie roll every time I crave sugar! :)"[35]
Ninja Creami for high-protein ice cream: "A substantial part of my diet right now is high protein, low calorie ice cream I make at home and it is absolutely delicious. "[26]
Some users report that cravings might lessen over time as the medication builds up in their system or with dose adjustments. [14, 18] It's also noted that for some, the desire for sweets might be there, but the actual experience of eating them is less satisfying or they can only consume a small amount.
Experiences with Increased Cravings:
- Persistent Sugar Cravings: Some users report that their sugar cravings don't disappear.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Moderation: The most common advice is to allow sweets in moderation.
Some users report that cravings might lessen over time as the medication builds up in their system or with dose adjustments. [14, 18] It's also noted that for some, the desire for sweets might be there, but the actual experience of eating them is less satisfying or they can only consume a small amount.