7 foods to avoid on Victoza

In this article:

• How Victoza works
• Foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Gastrointestinal side effects
• Maximizing Victoza benefits

In this article

• How Victoza works
• Foods to avoid
• Foods to prioritize
• Gastrointestinal side effects
• Maximizing Victoza benefits

Victoza is a brand-name injectable drug that contains the active ingredient liraglutide. It belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which also includes Ozempic (semaglutide), Zepbound (tirzepatide), and others. GLP-1 drugs like these are mainly used to manage Type 2 diabetes, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, or help with weight loss, and Victoza is no exception. It’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower blood sugar levels and improve cardiovascular health in people with Type 2 diabetes. It’s sometimes used off-label as a weight-loss medication.

The ideal diet while taking Victoza is rich in beneficial nutrients such as protein and fiber. Certain foods, such as ultra-processed foods, fast food, and sweets—which tend to be high in fat and sugar—can counteract the benefits of the medication or worsen its side effects.

How Victoza works

Victoza works similarly to the GLP-1 hormone, which is released by the gut as a response to food to stabilize blood sugar. Victoza lowers blood sugar levels and may help with weight management through several mechanisms. It regulates blood glucose by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin after you eat—insulin moves sugar from the blood to cells, so it can be used for energy. Reduced blood sugar levels are typically seen in as little as two weeks. Victoza also delays stomach emptying and reduces appetite, which can help you lose weight over time. 

While Victoza is sometimes used off-label for weight loss, Saxenda is FDA approved as a weight management medication. Saxenda contains the same active ingredient as Victoza—liraglutide—but is prescribed at a higher dosage.

7 foods to avoid with Victoza

“When looking to achieve good blood sugar control or a healthy body weight on Victoza, your diet matters,” says Richa Mittal, MD, a Dallas-based obesity medicine specialist. She emphasizes that your diet is important even when you’re not taking this medication.

Certain foods can cause blood sugar spikes, making it challenging for Victoza to control blood glucose levels. To improve your body’s response to sugar and support your cardiovascular and metabolic health, consider avoiding the following foods on Victoza.

1. Ultra-processed foods

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are often satisfying and convenient, but they’re not the healthiest choices when trying to stabilize your blood sugar, support your heart health, and lose weight. “Overly processed foods will sabotage any weight loss efforts and can cause worsened gastrointestinal side effects like nausea,” explains Supriya Rao, MD, an obesity medicine specialist in Boston, Massachusetts.

UPFs tend to be lower in beneficial nutrients like vitamins and fiber while being higher in sugar, sodium, and “bad” saturated fats. These are known contributors to heart disease, yet UPFs make up a large portion of the typical American diet. Research also shows that UPFs increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and they’ve been linked to obesity. 

How to spot UPFs? They’re often packaged and have a long list of ingredients that you can’t easily recognize. Some examples include:

• Hot dogs, deli meat, and other processed meats
• Chicken nuggets and fish sticks
• Breakfast cereals
• Mass-produced breads and buns
• Chips and cookies
• Frozen microwaveable dinners

2. High-fat foods

Foods that are high in fat can contribute to nausea and vomiting when taking Victoza, and vomiting can lead to subsequent dehydration. “Avoid fatty cuts of meat or high-fat dairy products,” Dr. Mittal says.

While some dietary fats are essential for overall health, they’re not the type of fat Dr. Mittal is referring to. High fat typically refers to saturated and trans fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease. Since Victoza has some cardioprotective benefits—it’s shown to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with Type 2 diabetes—eating these foods could be counterproductive.

Examples of high-fat foods include:

• Beef, lamb, and pork with skin
• Lard
• Coconut and palm oils
• Dairy products like cream, butter, whole milk, and whole-milk cheese or yogurt

3. Fried foods

Fried foods dripping in grease are another example of foods to avoid on Victoza, Dr. Rao says. This includes foods like:

• Fried chicken
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Fish and chips
• Mozzarella sticks
• Doughnuts

Essentially, anything deep-fried falls in this category. But why are these foods best in moderation? They provide little nutritional value, yet they’re high in sodium and saturated and trans fats, which are bad for heart health. What’s more, fried foods have been linked to adverse health outcomes such as Type 2 diabetes.

4 . Sugar-sweetened beverages

Sugar-sweetened beverages are a leading source of added sugars in Americans’ diets. Regular consumption of sugary drinks can contribute to the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more. Dr. Mittal says to avoid them while taking Victoza: “Sugar-sweetened beverages have high sugar content, which leads to blood sugar spikes and aren’t healthy for people with Type 2 diabetes.” 

These include:

• Soft drinks and soda
• Fruit drinks and fruit punch
• Sports and energy drinks
• Sweetened coffee and tea
• Lemonade
• Sweetened water

5. Refined carbohydrates

Many people appreciate a sweet treat every now and then, but desserts are great examples of refined carbohydrates—carbs that have been stripped of their beneficial fiber and other nutrients. Baked goods are often made with ingredients high in saturated and trans fats, such as butter, cream, and certain plant oils. “Sweets have excess amounts of fat and sugar that lead to blood sugar spikes, high-calorie intake, and nausea in people on Victoza,” Dr. Mittal explains. 

These are some of the sweets you’ll want to limit:

• Cookies
• Cakes
• Pastries
• Ice cream
• Pies
• Candies

6. Fast food

Dr. Rao recommends staying away from fast food while on this medication. Many fast food menus combine several categories on this list—high-fat, fried, and ultra-processed foods.

Try to avoid the following on a regular basis:

• Burgers
• Fried chicken sandwiches
• French fries
• Fountain drinks
• Pizza
• Cold cut sandwiches

While some fast-food restaurants offer healthier options, it’s generally a good idea to eat fast food in moderation. Eating out regularly can have negative health effects, such as contributing to weight gain, spiked blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol—the very effects Victoza works to counteract.

7. Alcohol

More research is needed on the possible risks of drinking alcohol while taking Victoza, but we do know that heavy alcohol consumption can have negative overall health effects. For example, alcoholic drinks are classified as carcinogens, meaning they may increase the risk of certain cancers. When consumed in excessive amounts, they also increase the risk of heart disease.

Alcohol can also interfere with some diabetes medications because it can cause low or high blood sugar. For example, if you also take medication for diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or insulin, alcohol can increase the risk of severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Because alcohol is high in calories, heavy drinking has been linked to an increased risk of obesity.

When taking Victoza, drinking alcohol isn’t off limits, but its effects counter that of the medication. 

What should you eat while taking Victoza?

The ideal diet on Victoza is one that’s rich in diverse nutrients. “Focus on eating the rainbow—your plate should be colorful with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins,” Dr. Rao explains. These foods help keep you fuller for longer, which can assist with weight loss.

Getting enough protein is important while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like Victoza. “People on Victoza should aim to include protein-rich foods at every meal and snack,” says Dr. Mittal. “This can be animal-based lean meats, low-fat dairy products, or plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu.”

Another important nutrient to prioritize on Victoza is dietary fiber, which is found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. “Fiber is not only good for maintaining healthy blood sugar but also helpful for cardiovascular and gut health,” says Dr. Mittal. “Medications like Victoza can slow down gut function, so it’s important to get enough fiber—and drink plenty of water—to prevent constipation and keep the gut moving.”

You should also avoid overeating. “If eating beyond fullness, one can experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain on this medication,” explains Dr. Mittal. According to clinical trials, overeating can also hinder the weight loss benefits of Victoza. In a 2020 trial, participants taking liraglutide followed a calorie-controlled diet, which led to improved blood sugar control and weight management. 

Gastrointestinal side effects of Victoza

Like many prescription drugs, Victoza may cause some side effects. Because they slow stomach emptying, GLP-1 drugs like Victoza often have side effects mainly related to the gastrointestinal tract. 

“Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite,” Dr. Rao says. Victoza may also cause symptoms like constipation, indigestion, and belching. If you think you’re experiencing troublesome side effects from taking Victoza, it’s a good idea to inform a healthcare provider. However, milder GI symptoms tend to subside with time as your body adjusts to the medication.

Victoza may also cause some serious side effects. “Less common side effects include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and thyroid tumors,” Dr. Rao says. This medication is contraindicated in people with a history of certain medical conditions, including thyroid cancer and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

If you experience sudden severe abdominal pain, you should discontinue the use of Victoza and see a healthcare professional for immediate evaluation. Similarly, you should seek emergency care if you show signs of allergic reactions, gallbladder problems, or kidney problems (kidney failure).

If you take other blood-sugar-lowering medications for Type 2 diabetes, Victoza could contribute to hypoglycemia, Dr. Mittal says. Watch for dips in your blood sugar and keep quick sources of sugar, such as hard candies, with you at all times. Victoza has many known side effects and drug interactions, so consult a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. Tell your healthcare provider about other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements you take before starting Victoza. 

Tips for maximizing Victoza benefits

Victoza is a once-daily injection taken at any time of the day and with or without food. Just make sure to be consistent. “It is important to stick to similar times daily to keep medication levels steady in the body,” Dr. Mittal says.

Your food choices are also important. “You can maximize the effectiveness of Victoza by being mindful of your food choices along with portion sizes,” Dr. Mittal says. “For lowering blood sugar in Type 2 diabetes, including fiber in meals can help lower blood sugar spikes.” Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help reduce side effects and stabilize blood sugar, Dr. Rao adds.