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Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications — including Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy — have become increasingly popular for weight management in the past few years. The disease of obesity affects nearly half of U.S. adults. So it should come as no surprise that this new class of drugs has gained a large following among folks who struggle with their weight.
Taking a GLP-1 may also require changes to your diet. Experts say that some foods and drinks, like coffee, could have potential side effects if you’re on GLP-1 therapy. But you don’t necessarily need to sacrifice your favorite oat milk latte. Here, the experts explain how to safely consume coffee when you’re taking a GLP-1.
How Can I Drink Coffee on a GLP-1?
Here’s the good news if you love your brew: Coffee isn’t off-limits if you’re taking a GLP-1. In fact, according to our data, coffee is a popular beverage with Lose It! users on the low-appetite strategy, which is designed for people taking a GLP-1 medication.
“It is generally safe to drink coffee while taking a GLP-1 medication,” says Stacey Woodson, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author in Philadelphia. “In fact, the polyphenol compounds contained in coffee may even increase your body’s natural production of GLP-1,” she adds, confirmed by research.
However, a common downside for people using GLP-1s is experiencing gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting, as well as diarrhea or constipation. For people who get stomach irritation while taking a GLP-1 medication, coffee may further exacerbate this. If you find that is the case for you, you can try reducing your coffee intake, and you may also want to swap heavy cream and sugar for a splash of almond milk instead, which can help minimize gastrointestinal discomfort.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that adults keep their caffeine intake to 400 milligrams (mg) a day or less (about two to three 12-ounce cups of coffee a day). Too much caffeine, particularly if you’re not having enough non-caffeinated beverages like water, can lead to dehydration.
An additional concern when taking an appetite-reducing GLP-1 medication is that drinking too much coffee, particularly if you tend to choose blended coffee drinks with high-calorie sweeteners, can fill you up. That leaves you with less appetite for more nutrient-dense foods your body needs.
“While coffee does not need to be completely avoided, it should be limited because the caffeine can be harsh on the stomach and worsen common gastric symptoms that come with these medications,” says Sheri Gaw, RDN, CDCES, owner of Sheri the Plant Strong Dietitian in San Jose, California. “Caffeinated coffee can cause an initial spike in blood sugar, especially if sugar is added. Everyone reacts differently. When taking a GLP-1 medication, it is best to limit coffee to one to two cups per day; drink it black or with a lowfat or nonfat milk; and go light on the sweetener.”
Coffee Nutrition Facts
The truth is that coffee isn’t bad for you. Like anything else, it can upset your stomach if you consume too much at a time, especially on a GLP-1, but research shows there are some surprising health benefits of coffee. For example, it can actually lower the risk of chronic health problems like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and some types of cancer.
A typical cup of black coffee contains:
- 2.4 calories
- 116 mg of potassium
- 7.1 mg of magnesium
- 7.1 mg of phosphorus
- 4.7 mg of sodium
- 0 grams (g) of protein, fat, and fiber
How Many Calories Are in Coffee?
Plain coffee is actually very low in calories, unlike the iced, brown-sugar-filled, whipped-cream-topped confections we often see at coffee shops. “A cup of drip regular or decaf coffee has very minimal calories,” says Gaw. “Adding milk, cream, or sugar can greatly change the calories, fat, and added sugar content of coffee.”
1 tablespoon of unflavored nondairy coffee creamer adds 30 calories and 1.5 g of fat to your cup of joe. One teaspoon (tsp) of sugar adds 16 calories and 4 g of sugar.
“These additions can add up very quickly, depending on how much you use and how many cups of coffee you drink in a day,” says Gaw. “Drinking a cup of coffee black can save on calories, fat, and added sugar. Limiting foods and beverages that are high in sugar can help to prevent blood sugar spikes and promote the effectiveness of GLP-1 medications.”
Some people may also feel full more easily on GLP-1 medications. If that’s the case for you, experts advise filling up on nutrient-dense foods with plenty of protein and fiber before indulging in less healthy foods and drinks.
Alternatives to Coffee
If you’re looking for alternatives to replace your daily cup of joe, there are plenty of low-calorie beverage options available. You can try fruit-infused sparkling water, green tea, herbal tea, or even warm milk instead.
Green tea has about a third of the caffeine of regular coffee, which may make it a good substitute if you’re experiencing stomach issues on a GLP-1 from caffeine. Other teas, such as ginger, chamomile, or peppermint, are great alternatives to help ease digestive issues.
You can also make your own latte without coffee, such as this golden milk latte recipe from Gaw:
- 1 cup nonfat milk, 1 percent milk, or unsweetened soy, almond, or oat milk
- 1 tsp preferred sweetener, such as honey, maple syrup, agave syrup, stevia, or monk fruit
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ⅛ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of black pepper
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Stir and heat until simmering but not boiling. Serve and enjoy!
The Wrap-Up
Coffee can still be a part of your regular diet if you’re on a GLP-1. However, excessive caffeine can upset your stomach, a side effect that becomes more likely if you’re taking Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy. It’s a good idea to drink coffee in moderation and avoid adding too much sugar to your brew. Alternate coffee with other beverages, such as water or herbal tea, to stay hydrated.
