GLP-1 medications can help with weight loss and blood sugar regulation. As with any medication, adjusting to GLP-1 therapy can come with some side effects, particularly digestive issues like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. They are often temporary and manageable with a few simple strategies.

Understanding why these side effects occur and how to address them can help you stay comfortable and confident in your treatment journey.

Why do GLP-1 medications affect digestion?

GLP-1 medications work by slowing digestion, which helps regulate blood sugar and promote a feeling of fullness. This effect is beneficial for weight loss and diabetes management, but it can also lead to temporary digestive discomfort. Fortunately, these symptoms tend to improve as your body adjusts.

Managing nausea and vomiting

Why it happens: Slower digestion means food stays in the stomach longer, sometimes leading to nausea, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose.

How to manage it:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid overwhelming your digestive system.
• Slow down at mealtime by chewing thoroughly and eating at a steady pace.
• Choose light, simple foods like toast, rice, and crackers while your stomach adjusts.
• Avoid greasy, fried, or heavy meals, as they take longer to digest and can worsen nausea.
• Avoid eating right before bed to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
• Home remedies such as ginger and peppermint tea or chews can help settle your stomach.

When to reach out to your Care Team:

• If nausea is interfering with daily activities
• If vomiting lasts more than 24 hours
• If you’re unable to keep down liquids
• If you experience severe abdominal or back pain

Seek immediate medical care if nausea is accompanied by persistent vomiting, blood in vomit, or signs of severe dehydration.

Managing diarrhea

Why it happens: While GLP-1 medications slow digestion overall, they can also cause the digestive system to become uncoordinated, sometimes leading to diarrhea.

How to manage it:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can make symptoms worse.
• Choose gentle foods like plain rice, pasta, toast, and crackers to ease digestion.
• Check with your Care Team before using anti-diarrhea medications like Imodium, as they may not always be the best solution.

When to reach out to your Care Team:

• If diarrhea lasts more than a day with three or more watery stools
• If you experience mild to moderate abdominal pain

Seek immediate medical care if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by dehydration symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or very low urine output.

Managing constipation

Why it happens: GLP-1 medications slow digestion, sometimes leading to constipation, especially if food and water intake decrease.

How to manage it:

• Increase fiber intake by eating more vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water to keep digestion moving smoothly.
• Stay active, as regular movement and exercise support gut motility.
• If needed, consider a gentle stool softener. Options like Colace or MiraLAX can help, but stimulant laxatives should be avoided unless advised by your Care Team.

When to reach out to your Care Team:

• If constipation lasts more than three days
• If it is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

Seek immediate medical care if you experience severe pain, bloating with an inability to pass gas, or ongoing nausea and vomiting.

Support for your GLP-1 journey

While digestive side effects can be uncomfortable at-first, they are usually temporary and manageable. Simple adjustments to eating habits, hydration, and activity levels can make a big difference. If symptoms persist or become disruptive, your Care Team is ready to provide guidance and support.

Need help managing side effects? Our Care Team is here to support you!