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Digestive Issues Related to Weight Loss Medications: What is Normal?

November 19, 2025

Digestive Issues Related to Weight Loss Medications: What’s Normal, What’s Not?

Weight loss medications have surged in popularity over the past few years, with drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and other GLP-1s. Originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, these medications have quickly gained traction for their appetite-suppressing, weight-shedding side effects. While these medications can be powerful tools for weight management, they often come with a less glamorous side effect: digestive issues.

Let’s talk about what’s actually happening in your gut when you’re on one of these meds—and how to know when it’s something to ride out and when it’s time to call your doctor.

First, What Are GLP-1s?

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body naturally makes. It helps regulate blood sugar, slows down digestion, and signals your brain that you’re full. The medications mimicking GLP-1, like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound), amplify this effect—helping people feel fuller, longer.

This slowdown in digestion is part of how these drugs help with weight loss. But it also explains why your GI tract might stage a quiet protest.

  • Nausea: This is the most common complaint. It typically happens because food stays in your stomach longer, which can feel like indigestion or bloating.
  • Constipation: GLP-1s slow gastric motility, which means everything is moving through your intestines at a more leisurely pace.
  • Diarrhea: Yes, some people get the opposite problem. The gut’s response to a new medication can vary widely.
  • Bloating, gas, or burping: These side effects happen as your digestive system adjusts to food sitting longer in your stomach.
  • Vomiting: Usually occurs if the medication dose is increased too quickly, or if you overeat while on it.

Most of these symptoms improve over time—especially if the medication is introduced gradually and paired with lifestyle changes. When on these medications, what and how you eat matters. Rich, fatty meals, carbonated drinks, or large portions can make symptoms worse. Think smaller, simpler, more frequent meals. (Your grandma was right about chewing slowly.)

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to get checked out:

  • Persistent vomiting (more than a day or two)
  • Signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine)
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Pancreatitis symptoms: Upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, nausea, fever

These could signal a rare but serious complication and should be evaluated right away.

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound can be game-changers for weight loss and metabolic health—but they’re not without trade-offs. Digestive issues are common and usually manageable, but they’re also a signal that your gut is working differently now.

If you’re struggling, talk to your healthcare provider. Adjusting your dose, tweaking your diet, or switching medications might help. You shouldn’t have to choose between feeling healthy and feeling miserable. Your gut deserves some compassion too.