ORLANDO, Fla – Prescription drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy are widely known for their weight loss results. A recent KFF health poll shows 40% of people who take the drugs are doing so to lose weight.
But these new drugs can cost hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a month! Now nutritionists say there’s an easy, natural, and cheaper way to get the same results.
“Ozempic is a drug that really suppresses your appetite,” said Tara Collingwood, a Registered Dietician/Nutritionist.
Drugs such as Ozempic mimic the body’s GLP-1 hormone. According to the Mayo Clinic, the drug slows digestion so people who take it feel full longer.
But nutritionists say certain foods do the same thing.
“Fiber is literally indigestible plant matter, so your body can’t digest it. So it keeps you full longer while you’re trying to digest it,” said Collingwood.
Fiber-rich foods include vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
“Some of those whole grains, like oats, has water, but it’s also warm and is filling,” explained Collingwood.
Harvard Health says easy ways to add more fiber into your diet include: eat oatmeal or whole grain cereal for breakfast, add beans, nuts or seeds to salads and switch to brown rice, whole grain bread, and whole wheat pasta
Healthy proteins and fats can also do the trick.
“The key is eating nutrient dense foods that are going to fill you up,” said Collingwood.
Experts say it’s best to ease into adding more fiber to your diet. Your digestive system will need time to adjust. Also, drink plenty of water as you increase the amount of fiber you eat.