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Prescription weight loss that puts you first
Ozempic® and coffee can both offer health benefits. But exactly how much you consume matters, especially when combining them.
Weight loss and diabetes medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) — including Ozempic — have high success rates. When used alongside healthy eating and exercise, they can help stabilize blood sugar levels, support weight management, and address related issues like cardiovascular disease or heart attack risk.
But starting a new medication often raises questions about lifestyle adjustments and potential side effects. One common concern is the relationship between Ozempic and caffeine.
With around 73 percent of Americans enjoying their daily coffee fix, it’s natural to wonder how your morning cup might interact with your new prescription medication.
We’ll dive into how Ozempic and coffee interact, offer tips for what to drink and eat on Ozempic, and answer the key question: Can you drink coffee on Ozempic?
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There’s currently no known interaction between coffee and semaglutide — the active ingredient in the brand name injections Ozempic and Wegovy®. So you can likely enjoy your coffee as you usually do.
Everyone’s tolerance for caffeine is different. In general, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee are okay for most people. But some research suggests that those with type 2 diabetes might be a little more sensitive to caffeine.
And since Ozempic can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, it’s helpful to have a bit of information in case you experience them.
It’s possible for your body to react differently to certain foods and drinks when you start a new medication like Ozempic. So if coffee tends to upset your stomach or cause discomfort in general, you might want to be a bit cautious when combining Ozempic with a cup of joe.
GLP-1s also impact gastric emptying by allowing food to stay in your stomach (and make you feel full) longer. Most research shows that caffeinated drinks probably don’t impact appetite or gastric emptying — at least not in the way that semaglutide does.
That said, some sugary, greasy, and fatty foods are also linked to slowed digestion. So, it may be more important to pay attention to sugar content and latte additives than coffee alone.
Still, drinking too much coffee can have its own set of side effects, some of which overlap with those of Ozempic.
The most common side effects of Ozempic include:
Constipation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain and abdominal pain
Some of the overlapping side effects between Ozempic and having too much caffeine include:
Shakiness
Insomnia
Headaches
Dizziness
Increased heart rate
Dehydration
If you’re prescribed GLP-1s for weight loss, it’s worth considering these side effects of semaglutide and caffeine.
We’ll go over a few more details about coffee and its effects on the body so you feel equipped with information as you navigate the process.
Craig Primack, MD, FACP, FAAP, MFOMA, who serves as the Senior Vice President of Weight Loss at Hims & Hers, points out that drinks “that increase acid may cause problems,” like gas and bloating.
Coffee has been linked with increasing stomach acid.
So, if you’re sensitive to coffee or have experienced issues with it in the past, it might be a good idea to monitor how you feel. If you do notice any new symptoms like acid reflux (heartburn), discuss your concerns with your provider.
Drinking too much coffee can affect your stress levels, which is worth considering as you manage your overall health with Ozempic.
When you wake up in the morning or are startled, your body naturally produces cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” This hormone helps you feel more alert, but too much of it can be problematic.
When you consume caffeine in large amounts, it can elevate your cortisol levels. If you’ve ever felt jittery after a cup of coffee, this might be why. High cortisol levels can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Also, stress can influence your eating habits. When you’re stressed, you might find yourself reaching for sugary, salty, or high-fat foods. A 2019 study even suggested that people who experience higher stress levels are more likely to crave these types of foods. So while coffee alone might not directly cause weight gain, it could lead to stress-related eating behaviors that impact your weight.
Being mindful of your coffee intake and how it affects your stress and eating habits can be a useful part of your health strategy with Ozempic.
Another thing to consider is what you add to your coffee, like sugars, processed syrups, and high-fat dairy products. These extras can temporarily raise blood glucose levels and contribute to weight gain, which is something to keep in mind if you’re prescribed semaglutide to support weight loss.
As one review of research noted, drinking high-calorie beverages with lots of sugar can lead to weight gain.
The review also pointed out that Americans get more than 300 percent of the recommended daily amount of added sugar — so having coffee without it might be a good way to cut back. Sweetened drinks contribute extra calories to your overall daily intake, which can eventually lead to weight gain.
Keeping an eye on both your coffee and what you put in it can help you stay on track with your weight management and diabetes care.
Although moderate caffeine intake probably isn’t dehydrating, caffeine can act as a diuretic. In other words, drinking too much of the stuff could lead to dehydration if you don’t drink enough water.
Also, since some of the side effects of Ozempic — like vomiting and diarrhea — can also be dehydrating, it’s crucial to be extra on top of staying well-hydrated.
In sum, if you enjoy a little coffee, make sure to balance it with plenty of water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated and support your body’s natural functions.
Now for some good news: Coffee can offer a range of positive benefits. You might be curious if it can help with weight loss, so let’s explore that a bit.
Research suggests that coffee intake may boost your resting metabolic rate — the number of calories you burn while at rest.
For example, a notable study found that after drinking caffeinated coffee, fat oxidation (or fat burning) increased by 29 percent in women with a healthy BMI (body mass index) and by 10 percent in those with obesity.
Coffee can also make you feel more alert and energized, which might encourage you to exercise more — a vital part of any weight loss plan. Plus, one study suggested that caffeine can make it feel like you’re exerting less effort during a workout, potentially boosting your performance.
Also, drinking black coffee — or just adding a splash of low-fat milk — doesn’t tack on many extra calories to overall caloric intake. In fact, it can be nearly calorie-free, with about two calories per cup, plus the calories from the milk.
Overall, coffee can be a helpful part of your routine, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake and looking for an energy boost for your workouts.
Ozempic doesn’t require a strict diet — at least not according to its FDA guidelines. But now that you have more context about coffee and Ozempic, we thought we’d offer up additional tips on what to eat and drink on GLP-1s.
If you want to switch to beverages that have lower levels of caffeine than coffee, you could consider green tea. You could also opt for herbal teas or decaf coffee.
A “golden latte” is another good option if you appreciate the ritual of drinking something warm to kickstart your day. It’s made with herbal ingredients like turmeric, cardamom, ginger, and your choice of milk.
As mentioned, drinking plenty of water throughout the day is good for weight loss and overall health.
As far as other beverages to avoid while taking Ozempic, you might want to cut back on alcohol consumption. Heavy drinking and binge drinking are linked with having:
A higher BMI
Higher odds of obesity
An increased risk of high blood pressure
An elevated risk of high cholesterol
But research shows that frequent light-to-moderate alcohol intake isn’t associated with obesity. So, as with coffee, moderation is key.
You might wonder, Should I take Ozempic on an empty stomach? You can, but you don’t have to — Ozempic can be administered with or without food.
See our complete guide for more detailed instructions on how to inject semaglutide.
As for what to eat on Ozempic, a nutritious, balanced diet is an essential part of the semaglutide treatment plan. Some foods to eat on Ozempic include:
Whole grains and other complex carbohydrates
Fruits and vegetables
Lean proteins
Here’s what Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that produces Ozempic, recommends if you experience gastrointestinal side effects:
Eat bland, low-fat foods.
Consume foods that contain water, like soups and gelatin.
Avoid sugary, processed, or fried foods or drinks.
Try not to lay down right after you eat.
Go outside to get some fresh air.
Try to eat more slowly.
You can learn more about what to eat on Ozempic and Wegovy in our complete guides.
In general, it’s always wise to discuss any specific dietary habits or concerns with your healthcare provider.
So, what’s the verdict? Can you drink coffee on semaglutide? Yes, a cup or two a day is just fine.
Here’s what to keep in mind about semaglutide and coffee:
While there haven’t been specific studies on Ozempic and caffeine intake, you can probably continue to enjoy coffee in moderation. That said, it’s always best to consult a dietician or healthcare professional for medical advice.
But be aware of the side effects of Ozepic and drinking too much caffeine since some of them can overlap.
The most common side effects of GLP-1s are gastrointestinal. Too much coffee can also lead to dehydration, gas, bloating, and elevated stress.
Though some preparations of coffee are really sugary and high in fat, black coffee or coffee with a splash of milk can actually have some health benefits and be part of a healthy lifestyle.
There aren’t any specific dietary restrictions for Ozempic, but eating a nutritious, balanced diet is advised for optimal results.
It may take some trial and error to see what works for you as your body adjusts. When in doubt, reach out to your healthcare provider for more insight.
Think you might be a good fit for GLP-1 medications? Hers provides online access to healthcare providers who can help you get started on your weight loss and fitness journey.
Do our free online weight loss assessment to see if compounded semaglutide might be able to help you reach your goals.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.