Do You Need a Wegovy Prescription from a Doctor? "Edible Wegovy" Is Available at the Supermarket

Healthy Fats and Protein Foods as Alternatives
Avocado, Nuts, Eggs, Greek Yogurt, and More

As obesity treatments such as Wegovy and Ozempic are being hailed as "miracle drugs" and experiencing global shortages, foods that may offer similar effects to these medications are drawing attention. Experts suggest that it is possible to achieve the effects of Wegovy through diet alone and are encouraging people to focus on so-called "edible Wegovy."

There are foods that can provide almost the same effects as the popular diet drugs Wegovy and Ozempic without using them. Getty Images

On June 30 (local time), the UK’s Daily Mail quoted Dubai-based nutritionist Maria Abihana, reporting that certain foods can act in ways similar to GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) class obesity medications. GLP-1 is a hormone naturally secreted in the gut when we eat, playing a key role in stimulating insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and suppressing appetite. Wegovy and Ozempic artificially mimic this hormone to convey a sense of fullness to the brain and reduce food intake, thereby promoting weight loss.

Abihana stated that it is possible to control weight by leveraging similar mechanisms without using expensive drugs, and introduced several foods. She specifically recommended foods rich in healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and mackerel. These foods raise blood sugar slowly and slow down digestion, naturally maintaining a feeling of fullness for longer. High-protein foods such as eggs, Greek yogurt, and legumes are also important. Protein takes longer to digest and directly affects hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate appetite, making it effective for long-term weight management.

She also emphasized the importance of dietary fiber. Foods such as chia seeds, lentils, and oats slow digestion and prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar. Green vegetables like broccoli and cucumber, as well as low-glycemic carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and quinoa, are also excellent for maintaining satiety. Abihana explained, "The lower the GI (glycemic index) of a food, the more slowly it is digested, so you stay full longer and are less likely to crave snacks."

Abihana said, "Even a simple diet can help with weight loss and may be safer for long-term health." She added, "You can achieve effects similar to Wegovy and Ozempic with affordable foods that are easily available at the supermarket."

Meanwhile, GLP-1 class drugs have been reported to cause side effects such as nausea, constipation, and gastrointestinal disorders, and concerns remain about their safety with long-term use. For this reason, experts advise that weight loss through a healthy diet can be a safer and more sustainable alternative.