Side Effects
Does Semaglutide Cause Constipation and What Can You Do About It?
Weight loss can come with unexpected challenges, and digestive discomfort is one of them. Many using Semaglutide for weight management find themselves asking, “Does Semaglutide cause constipation?.” Understanding how this medication affects digestion is key to staying on track with your health goals.
To support your progress, our GLP-1 app helps manage your health while taking Semaglutide by tracking key metrics and offering insights that keep you organized and motivated.
Table of Contents
Why Does Semaglutide Cause Constipation?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This means that it helps activate the GLP-1 receptor and performs some of the actions of GLP-1, a hormone involved in a number of digestive processes that occur after eating. This includes regulating how much insulin the body produces, which helps maintain lower blood sugar levels and prevents hyperglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Part of this process also involves slowing down how quickly food moves through the digestive tract. This results in slower stomach emptying (gastroparesis) and reduced muscle contractions in the intestines, which can cause stool to back up in the colon. As stool builds up, it can dry out and form blockages—ultimately leading to constipation.
For those experiencing digestive discomfort, the guide on Tummy problems on GLP‑1 offers helpful strategies.
How Long Does Ozempic Induced Constipation Last?
Ozempic-related constipation can last about 6 weeks, or 47 days, according to one study. This study showed constipation went away on its own as the body adjusted to Ozempic.
There is limited research on this topic, so individual experiences may vary. Some people may feel better sooner, while others may take longer to experience relief.
Higher doses of Ozempic have been linked to increased frequency of constipation. This means symptoms may return if a higher dose is prescribed.
For more on adjusting treatment plans, see Getting a GLP‑1 Prescription.
Why Does Ozempic Cause Constipation?
The exact reason Ozempic causes constipation is not entirely clear, but research points to how it affects the digestive system.
Ozempic slows down how fast the stomach empties. This makes people feel fuller for longer, leading to reduced food and fluid intake. Not drinking enough fluid can cause stool to harden, making it more difficult to pass.
Not consuming enough fiber is a major factor in constipation. Fiber adds bulk to stool, making it easier to move through the digestive tract. Since people often eat less overall while taking Ozempic, they might also consume less fiber.
In addition, fiber can worsen other Ozempic-related side effects such as nausea, gassiness, and bloating. As a result, individuals may be more likely to avoid fiber, further contributing to constipation.
Ozempic stimulates the body to produce more insulin, which helps manage blood sugar levels. However, insulin also slows down gut motility, leading to less frequent bowel movements.
Together, these effects can result in hard, infrequent, and uncomfortable stools. Although bothersome, this side effect can often be alleviated through lifestyle changes.
Tips for Managing Constipation
The following tips can help manage constipation while taking semaglutide, making it easier to enjoy the benefits of the medication with less discomfort:
Increase your daily fluid intake to help soften stool and promote regular bowel movements.
Include more high-fiber foods in your meals or use supplements if needed, while monitoring tolerance to avoid exacerbating nausea or bloating.
Incorporate gentle physical activity, like walking, to help stimulate digestion.
Talk to a healthcare provider about over-the-counter remedies or prescription options if symptoms persist.
A Supportive Tool for Your GLP-1 Journey
MeAgain offers a playful, goal-oriented approach to tracking health metrics like protein, fiber, water, and exercise. Its adorable capybara mascot helps users stay consistent with daily health habits.
With features like the Journey Card, users can capture milestones and stay motivated during rapid health transformations. As the only all-in-one GLP-1 app, MeAgain turns the process into a rewarding experience.
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1. Drink Up to Keep Things Moving
Hydration is key for keeping your digestive system in good working order. When you’re constipated, drinking more water can help relieve your symptoms. Dehydration can make your digestive system sluggish, leading to harder stools that are difficult to pass. Staying well-hydrated is especially important when you’re using semaglutide, which can cause dehydration.
Aim for at least eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water daily, or even more if you’re active. If you find it challenging to drink enough water, try carrying a reusable bottle with you and setting reminders on your phone.
Herbal teas, like peppermint or ginger, and water-rich foods, like cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges, can also help you stay hydrated and support your digestion. You can find hydration tips in our Hydration on GLP‑1 article.
2. Increase Your Fiber Intake Gradually
Increasing your fiber intake can help you manage or prevent constipation while using semaglutide. Fiber plays a critical role in relieving constipation by adding bulk to your stool, making it easier to pass.
However, introducing too much fiber too quickly can cause bloating and worsen digestive distress. To avoid this, gradually increase your fiber intake over a week or two, allowing your body to adjust.
Focus on including fiber-rich foods like whole grains, leafy greens, beans, and fresh fruits. Insoluble fiber, found in foods like whole grains and certain vegetables, helps bulk up stools, while soluble fiber in oats and fruits absorbs water and softens stools.
Aim for a total fiber intake of 25 to 30 grams daily, but start slowly if you’re not used to high-fiber diets. See more on GLP‑1 Medication overview.
3. Eat More Probiotics and Prebiotics
Probiotics and prebiotics support gut health to alleviate constipation. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
On the other hand, prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed these bacteria, and are found in foods like bananas, onions, and garlic.
Adding both to your diet can improve digestion and help maintain regular bowel movements. If you’re new to probiotics, consider starting with a small amount, as a sudden increase may initially cause gas or bloating.
You can also consider a probiotic supplement, but consult your healthcare provider before beginning any supplement. Our post on Mindset & Mood on a GLP‑1 includes more wellness guidance.
4. Get Moving
Exercise can be a simple yet effective remedy for constipation. It stimulates the muscles in your intestines, helping to move stool through your digestive tract.
Even a daily 20-to-30-minute walk can significantly improve your digestion and relieve constipation. For a balanced approach, engage in a mix of aerobic exercises, like walking or cycling, and strength training.
To encourage digestion, try incorporating gentle exercises, like yoga or stretching, especially after meals. You don’t need to embark on a rigorous workout regimen; even light movements can make a noticeable difference in how your body processes food.
Learn more in Workouts & Recovery on GLP‑1.
5. Skip the Junk Food
While it can be tempting to indulge in convenient, processed foods, they’re often high in unhealthy fats and low in fiber, which can exacerbate constipation. Foods like fried items, processed snacks, and sugary treats can slow digestion and worsen constipation.
Limit these foods while on semaglutide and replace them with whole, natural foods that support digestion. Consider swapping fast food for homemade meals that contain lean proteins, whole grains, and a variety of vegetables.
Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, reducing your intake of fats that may interfere with digestion. Visit our Blog for more healthy food swaps.
6. Stool Softeners Can Help
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to relieve your constipation, consider using stool softeners or mild laxatives under medical supervision. Stool softeners add moisture to your stool, making it easier to pass, while gentle laxatives stimulate bowel movements. However, these products should only be used briefly to avoid dependency or disruptions to your natural bowel patterns. You can also review our tips for GLP-1 injection management.
7. Know Your Over-the-Counter Options
OTC laxatives and stool softeners can offer quick, affordable relief from constipation. However, OTC laxatives aren’t for long-term use. Your body can become dependent on these medications, which can cause chronic constipation. You should stop taking the laxatives as soon as you have a bowel movement, and avoid taking laxatives for more than a week at a time. Options for short-term OTC laxatives and stool softeners include:
Bisacodyl (Dulcolax): Bisacodyl is a laxative that stimulates the muscles in your intestines to help you pass bowel movements.
Docusate (Colace): Docusate is a stool softener. It works by helping your gut absorb more water, making the stool softer and easier to pass.
Magnesium hydroxide (Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia): Magnesium hydroxide is a laxative that works by helping your intestines retain more water, which in turn softens your stools.
Polyethylene glycol (Miralax): This laxative helps absorb water into your stool, which softens it and makes it easier to pass.
Sennosides (Senna): Sennosides are a type of laxative that stimulate the nerve endings in your colon muscles, causing them to contract and help push stool through your colon. See our guide to Types of GLP‑1 Drugs & Brands for more.
8. Mindful Eating Matters
Eating mindfully and slowly can help improve digestion, making it easier for your body to process food and absorb nutrients. Eating too quickly makes you more likely to swallow air, which can lead to gas and bloating, further contributing to constipation. Try to eat in a relaxed environment, focusing on each bite, and take the time to chew your food thoroughly.
Mindful eating also means paying attention to portion sizes. Overeating can lead to discomfort and digestive issues, so listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues to avoid overloading your digestive system and maintain comfort.
Read more in Substances & socializing on glp1.
9. Take It Slow
A doctor may recommend you start by taking semaglutide at a low dose to know whether you’ll have any serious side effects.
If you don’t have constipation while taking a low dose, your doctor will start gradually increasing your dose over a few weeks. If you start having constipation at higher doses, reduce your dose again. Find support in our Maximising GLP‑1 Results.
10. Talk With Your Doctor
It’s also a good idea to talk with your healthcare team if you’re experiencing constipation while taking Ozempic. They might be able to adjust your dosage, so you don’t have trouble going to the bathroom. It’s also possible that other medications you’re taking could be contributing to constipation.
Don’t stop taking any of your medications without talking with a healthcare professional. They might adjust these medications or swap them out for something else. Also, check out our article on GLP‑1 Medication overview to better understand how your treatment works.
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Download our GLP-1 app to Turn Your Weight Loss Journey into Your Favorite Game
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro come with side effects, such as constipation and muscle loss. Fortunately, MeAgain can help you avoid these side effects, and even turn the process into a game. Our eponymous app helps you hit your goals for protein, fiber, water, and exercise to keep your body healthy and functioning properly while losing weight with GLP-1s.
Plus, you’ll capture your transformation with our Journey Card so you can remember every milestone on your fast-paced journey. Download MeAgain today and turn your weight loss journey into your favorite game.
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