In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWaterSeltzerGreen TeaBlack CoffeeProtein Shakes
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Water
Seltzer
Green Tea
Black Coffee
Protein Shakes
Close
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Getty Images. EatingWell design.
It’s no secret that what you eat plays a crucial role when you’re trying tolose weight.But did you know your choice of drinks can impact your weight-management efforts when taking weight-loss medications? Certain beverages can complement the effects of weight-loss medications, support hydration and provide essential nutrients, while others may lead to unwanted side effects or make it harder to lose weight.
Here, we’ll outline the best drinks to consume if you’re taking weight-loss medications to help you feel your best and stay on track with your weight-loss goals.
1. Water
“Water is one of the healthiest beverages, especially when taking weight-loss medications,” says Mitri. “It’s calorie-free and one of the most hydrating beverages available. Staying hydrated promotes digestion, helps manage blood sugar levels and keeps the body functioning at its best.”
Drinking waterthroughout the day can help prevent dehydration, support healthy metabolism and increase satiety, helping reduce overall calorie intake.
Hydration needsvary based on individual factors, but most people should aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, adjusted according to your needs.Try adding lemon, cucumber slices or fresh mint for extra flavor without the extra calories or added sugar, like ourLemon, Cucumber & Mint Infused Water.
2. Seltzer
If water is too plain for you,seltzeroffers a bubbly, refreshing option that’s just as hydrating. “Seltzer can be a nice alternative to water, especially if you enjoy carbonation. It’s calorie-free and can add variety to your hydration routine,” explains Mitri. Seltzer can also help with mild nausea or indigestion—two common side effects of weight-loss medications.
Look for plain or naturally flavored seltzers that are free of added sugars or artificial sweeteners, like thisRaspberry Ginger Lime Seltzer.
3. Green Tea
Brew green tea at home to control the amount of added sugar it contains, or choose an unsweetened bottled version. Enjoy it hot or cold, like ourWarm Honey Green TeaorGreen Jasmine-Mint Iced Tea with Lemon.
4. Black Coffee
If you’re a coffee drinker, consuming it black may be an energy-boosting and low-calorie choice that supports metabolism. “Black coffee is essentially calorie-free and may support a healthy metabolism, especially if you drink it without added sugar or cream,” explains Mitri.
While caffeine has a mild diuretic effect, a 2014 study found that moderate coffee consumption does not impact hydration levels.Other more recent research suggests caffeine may help boost fat-burning during exercise.
Stick to drinking coffee black to keep it low-calorie. Minimize adding sugar, cream or flavored syrups, as they can quickly add up and potentially interfere with your weight-loss goals. Curious how to brew a healthy cup of coffee? Check out these9 Rules for How to Make a Perfect Cup.
5. Protein Shakes
“Protein shakes can be a beneficial beverage when taking weight-loss medications, providing hydration and a way to add in some extra protein,” Mitri explains. “Since these medications can reduce appetite, it can sometimes be difficult to meet your daily nutrient goals for protein, vitamins and minerals. Incorporating a premade protein shake that is low in added sugar can serve as a nutritious snack to hydrate and nourish you at the same time. When choosing a protein shake, look for one with at least 20 grams of protein to support weight loss and muscle health.”
According to a 2021 study inClinical Nutrition, whey protein powder is a lower-cost and easy-to-find supplement that can be a helpful addition to your weight-loss plan.
Need some ideas for incorporating protein powder into your diet? Try ourChocolate-Peanut Butter Protein ShakeorAlmond Butter & Banana Protein Smoothie.
The Bottom Line
If you’re taking weight-loss medications, staying hydrated and choosing drinks that support your medication’s effects can significantly impact your results and overall well-being. Water is the top expert-recommended choice tostay hydrated, while seltzer, green tea, black coffee and protein shakes can also help support hydration, metabolism and nutrient intake. As always, speak with a health care provider or registered dietitian for any questions or concerns regarding weight-loss medications.
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!OtherSubmit
Tell us why!
SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity.Tchang BG, Aras M, Kumar RB, et al.Pharmacologic Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. 2024. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Discoveries & Practice Blog.Khil J, Chen QY, Lee DH, et al.Water intake and obesity: By amount, timing, and perceived temperature of drinking water.PLoS One. 2024;19(4):e0301373. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0301373National Cancer Institute.Support for People with Cancer - Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment.UChicagoMedicine.Is sparkling water good for you? What about hard seltzer?Jurgens TM, Whelan AM, Killian L, et al.Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12(12):CD008650. doi:10.1002/14651858Li F, Gao C, Yan P, et al.EGCG Reduces Obesity and White Adipose Tissue Gain Partly Through AMPK Activation in Mice.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1366. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01366Mousavi A, Vafa M, Neyestani T, et al.The effects of green tea consumption on metabolic and anthropometric indices in patients with Type 2 diabetes.J Res Med Sci. 2013;18(12):1080-6Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154Ramírez-Maldonado M, Jurado-Fasoli L, Del Coso J, et al.Caffeine increases maximal fat oxidation during a graded exercise test: is there a diurnal variation?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):5. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00400-6Batsis JA, Petersen CL, Cook SB, et al.Impact of whey protein supplementation in a weight-loss intervention in rural dwelling adults: A feasibility study.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021;45:426-432. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.006
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity.Tchang BG, Aras M, Kumar RB, et al.Pharmacologic Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. 2024. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Discoveries & Practice Blog.Khil J, Chen QY, Lee DH, et al.Water intake and obesity: By amount, timing, and perceived temperature of drinking water.PLoS One. 2024;19(4):e0301373. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0301373National Cancer Institute.Support for People with Cancer - Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment.UChicagoMedicine.Is sparkling water good for you? What about hard seltzer?Jurgens TM, Whelan AM, Killian L, et al.Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12(12):CD008650. doi:10.1002/14651858Li F, Gao C, Yan P, et al.EGCG Reduces Obesity and White Adipose Tissue Gain Partly Through AMPK Activation in Mice.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1366. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01366Mousavi A, Vafa M, Neyestani T, et al.The effects of green tea consumption on metabolic and anthropometric indices in patients with Type 2 diabetes.J Res Med Sci. 2013;18(12):1080-6Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154Ramírez-Maldonado M, Jurado-Fasoli L, Del Coso J, et al.Caffeine increases maximal fat oxidation during a graded exercise test: is there a diurnal variation?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):5. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00400-6Batsis JA, Petersen CL, Cook SB, et al.Impact of whey protein supplementation in a weight-loss intervention in rural dwelling adults: A feasibility study.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021;45:426-432. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.006
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity.Tchang BG, Aras M, Kumar RB, et al.Pharmacologic Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. 2024. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA).National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Discoveries & Practice Blog.Khil J, Chen QY, Lee DH, et al.Water intake and obesity: By amount, timing, and perceived temperature of drinking water.PLoS One. 2024;19(4):e0301373. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0301373National Cancer Institute.Support for People with Cancer - Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment.UChicagoMedicine.Is sparkling water good for you? What about hard seltzer?Jurgens TM, Whelan AM, Killian L, et al.Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12(12):CD008650. doi:10.1002/14651858Li F, Gao C, Yan P, et al.EGCG Reduces Obesity and White Adipose Tissue Gain Partly Through AMPK Activation in Mice.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1366. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01366Mousavi A, Vafa M, Neyestani T, et al.The effects of green tea consumption on metabolic and anthropometric indices in patients with Type 2 diabetes.J Res Med Sci. 2013;18(12):1080-6Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154Ramírez-Maldonado M, Jurado-Fasoli L, Del Coso J, et al.Caffeine increases maximal fat oxidation during a graded exercise test: is there a diurnal variation?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):5. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00400-6Batsis JA, Petersen CL, Cook SB, et al.Impact of whey protein supplementation in a weight-loss intervention in rural dwelling adults: A feasibility study.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021;45:426-432. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.006
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prescription Medications to Treat Overweight & Obesity.
Tchang BG, Aras M, Kumar RB, et al.Pharmacologic Treatment of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. 2024. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes Discoveries & Practice Blog.
Khil J, Chen QY, Lee DH, et al.Water intake and obesity: By amount, timing, and perceived temperature of drinking water.PLoS One. 2024;19(4):e0301373. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0301373
National Cancer Institute.Support for People with Cancer - Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment.
UChicagoMedicine.Is sparkling water good for you? What about hard seltzer?
Jurgens TM, Whelan AM, Killian L, et al.Green tea for weight loss and weight maintenance in overweight or obese adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;12(12):CD008650. doi:10.1002/14651858
Li F, Gao C, Yan P, et al.EGCG Reduces Obesity and White Adipose Tissue Gain Partly Through AMPK Activation in Mice.Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1366. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01366
Mousavi A, Vafa M, Neyestani T, et al.The effects of green tea consumption on metabolic and anthropometric indices in patients with Type 2 diabetes.J Res Med Sci. 2013;18(12):1080-6
Killer SC, Blannin AK, Jeukendrup AE.No evidence of dehydration with moderate daily coffee intake: a counterbalanced cross-over study in a free-living population.PLoS One. 2014;9(1):e84154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084154
Ramírez-Maldonado M, Jurado-Fasoli L, Del Coso J, et al.Caffeine increases maximal fat oxidation during a graded exercise test: is there a diurnal variation?J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021;18(1):5. doi:10.1186/s12970-020-00400-6
Batsis JA, Petersen CL, Cook SB, et al.Impact of whey protein supplementation in a weight-loss intervention in rural dwelling adults: A feasibility study.Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021;45:426-432. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.07.006
