GLP1's and Coffee: How Do They Interact?

GLP1's and Coffee: How Do They Interact?

GLP1's 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 Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide — 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 GLP1's 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 GLP1's and coffee interact, offer tips for what to drink and eat on GLP1's, and answer the key question: Can you drink coffee on GLP1's?

GLP1's and Coffee: An Overview GLP1's and Coffee: How Do They Interact?

There’s currently no known interaction between coffee and GLP1's — the active ingredient in the brand name injections. 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 GLP1's can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects, it’s helpful to have a bit of information in case you experience them.

Ozempic and Coffee Interactions

It’s possible for your body to react differently to certain foods and drinks when you start a new medication like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide. So if coffee tends to upset your stomach or cause discomfort in general, you might want to be a bit cautious when combiningGLP1's 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, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide do.

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 Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide.

The most common side effects of GLP1's include:

Constipation

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Stomach pain and abdominal pain

Some of the overlapping side effects between GLP1's and having too much caffeine include:

Shakiness

Insomnia

Headaches

Dizziness

Increased heart rate

Dehydration

Anxiety

If you’re prescribed GLP-1s for weight loss, it’s worth considering these side effects of Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide and caffeine.

How Coffee Affects the Body While on GLP1's

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.

1. Coffee Can Be Acidic

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 InShapeMD provider.

2. Coffee May Raise Cortisol

Drinking too much coffee can affect your stress levels, which is worth considering as you manage your overall health with GLP1's

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 Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Retatrutide.

3. Coffee Drinks Can Be Calorie-Dense

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 GLP1's 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.

4. Too Much Coffee Might Be Dehydrating

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 GLP1's — like 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

Health Benefits of Coffee While on Ozempic

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.

To learn more how InShapeMD helps you lose weight for good with lasting results, and provides ongoing support...like this article, schedule weight loss consultation today at 704-817-9833 or visit inshapemdclt.com to book!