Dealing With Digestive Side Effects

Starting GLP-1 medication is an exciting part of your weight loss journey but it’s not uncommon to experience some digestive side effects while you adjust to your treatment. Whether it’s nausea, vomiting, bloating, acid reflux, constipation or just a change in appetite, these symptoms can be frustrating but the good news is that they’re often only temporary and easily managed. In this blog, we’ll explore practical tips to ease discomfort, and help you stay on track. 

What are the most common side effects? 

The most common side effects of GLP-1 medications are nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. [2] [3] Side effects are more common when you start taking medications or when increasing a dose. It can be common to feel fatigued, dehydrated and dizzy. 

We recommend planning your meals and snacks ahead of time, so you can feel more in control of these side effects whilst still nourishing your body at the same time.

How to deal with digestive side effects

GLP-1 medications are recommended alongside a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. [5] We recommend aiming for smaller, frequent meals and seeing if you can eat without distractions, as this will support reduced appetite. Try not to be too active after eating and avoid eating too close to bedtime to reduce the risk of nausea and indigestion. 

Choose foods that are easier to digest and avoid overly spicy foods, dressings, or sauces that contain a lot of fat or sugar. You may want to keep a food diary to help identify if any food or meal timings make your digestion worse.

Plan meals around your injection schedule

When starting on GLP-1 medication, we recommend creating an injection schedule to help with daily meal planning, as GLP-1s help you feel full more quickly and reduce your appetite. [1] This means that planning your meals, snacks and drinks in advance can really make a difference in your nutrient intake, energy levels, digestion and hydration. 

With your appetite reduced, focusing on meals that are balanced in macronutrients (carbs, protein, and very small amounts of healthy fats) will ensure your body does not miss out on vital nutrition whilst losing weight at the same time. 

Recommended food and drinks to support digestion

If you’ve been taking GLP-1 medication for 1-3 months, our Levity experts suggest the below food and drink options:

• Soups (no added salt)
• Low-fat yoghurts
• Oats
• Lean protein (such as chicken breast, 1% fat mince, turkey, tofu) 
• Homemade smoothies 
• Fruit and veggies

Managing nausea 

Our Levity experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes post-injection to eat or drink if you are experiencing nausea as a result of taking your GLP-1 medication. Choose low salt crackers, apples, mint, fresh ginger root, or ginger-based, sugar-free drinks. If nausea and/or vomiting persists, we suggest you avoid drinking during meals and between 30 to 60 minutes before and/or after meals.

Managing constipation 

If you’re experiencing constipation from your medication, we suggest eating at least two kiwis a day, and increasing soluble fiber slowly, by eating apples, oats, lentils, beans and citrus fruits. Ensure you are drinking plenty of water, and increasing physical activity where and when possible to help manage constipation.  

Persistent side effects

Speak to the Levity clinical team if you’re experiencing persistent side effects or if they become worse. If you experience any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately. We’re here to support your weight loss journey every step of the way, if you have any questions visit our support center or get in touch.

‍About Mei Wan

‍‍Mei Wan, BSc (Hons), is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist and Levity Consultant. Mei obtained her nutrition and dietetics honours degree from the University of Surrey, UK, in 2014. She works across a wide array of specialisms, such as sustainable weight management, type 2 diabetes remission, PCOS, (peri-)menopause, heart health, fatty liver, and habit change. Mei advocates enhancing lifespan through delicious, science-backed nutrition advice.

‍References

‍[1] Shah M, Vella A. Effects of GLP-1 on appetite and weight. Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2014 Sep;15(3):181-7. doi: 10.1007/s11154-014-9289-5. PMID: 24811133; PMCID: PMC4119845. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24811133/ 

[2] Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. J Investig Med. 2022 Jan;70(1):5-13. doi: 10.1136/jim-2021-001952. Epub 2021 Oct 27. PMID: 34706925; PMCID: PMC8717485. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34706925/ 

‍[3] Moiz A, Levett JY, Filion KB, Peri K, Reynier P, Eisenberg MJ. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Once-Weekly Semaglutide for Weight Loss in Patients Without Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Am J Cardiol. 2024 Jul 1;222:121-130. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2024.04.041. Epub 2024 Apr 26. PMID: 38679221. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38679221/