Common Side Effects of GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications
If you’re considering taking GLP-1 medication (semaglutides, liraglutides, and tirzepatides) for weight loss, your doctor will explain the benefits, risks, and potential side effects to determine what is best for you.
In the case of GLP-1 drugs, understanding the potential side effects can help you plan to make certain lifestyle changes more quickly if needed. This may include incorporating more fluids into your day, changing some of the foods you eat, or waiting until after a planned vacation to start with injections.
The Most Common Side Effects With GLP-1 Drugs
You likely know most of the GLP-1 drugs by their brand names, instead of their generic names: semaglutides, liraglutides, and tirzepatides. They are all GLP-1 receptor agonists, which means they act like the natural GLP-1 hormone in your intestinal tract that’s released when you eat. So, similar to the hormone, these drugs tell the pancreas to release more insulin when blood sugar rises (typically during and after eating). In doing so, they slow digestion and gastric emptying, making you feel full and not hungry.
This action in your digestive system, added to your body’s natural response, is why the most common side effect with GLP-1 drugs is gastrointestinal upset—tummy trouble. Specifically, this can include the big four:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Also relatively common are abdominal pain and dyspepsia (discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen after eating or drinking). You also may feel more tired than usual if you’re having trouble eating or are not taking in the same amount of nutrients as before.
All of these side effects tend to be most common when you first start taking the medication or if your dose has been increased. Most GLP-1 side effects occur within the first week or two of starting on the weight loss drug and are usually mild to moderate. We won’t lie, many people report some significant discomfort as their body adjusts. The good news is these side effects tend to decrease and go away within the first two months.
Talk to your doctor about side effects first, so you know what to expect when you start a GLP-1 drug. Knowing this ahead of time can help you minimize and manage symptoms.
How to stop nausea from GLP-1 drugs
The key to stopping nausea and minimizing other digestive issues while on GLP-1 drugs is information—understanding what’s causing the nausea and other GI distress and changing habits to help prevent it.
You may need to change your diet, especially at first, and eat foods that take less time to digest. You also may need to eat smaller portions at each meal.
Hydration also helps with digestion. The medication may affect your ability to feel thirst, similar to how it suppresses feelings of hunger, so be sure to hydrate regularly. Drinking water and other healthy fluids can also help metabolize the drug through your system.
Some people find relief from consuming mint- or ginger-based foods or drinks around 30 minutes after injecting the medication.
Other Side Effects of GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs
In addition to gastrointestinal troubles, other side effects are possible. This doesn’t mean you will get them, but you should be aware of them in case they happen. These side effects include:
- Itchiness, redness at the site of injection
- Dizziness or headaches
- Increased heart rate (mild tachycardia)
- Infections
More serious complications are also possible, such as pancreatitis, intestinal or bowel blockages, and gastroparesis. That’s why it’s always smart to talk with your doctor about your personal health risks before taking GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, especially if you have any other health condition or are taking other medications.
As always when taking any medication, let your doctor know anytime you have side effects that are concerning or cause moderate to severe pain or discomfort. If you experience an increased heart rate or what feels like palpitations, call your doctor to make sure it’s okay to keep taking the drug.
Finding Support
While you may choose not to be open with friends or family about your weight loss journey—completely a personal decision—it can help to find and talk to others using GLP-1 medications to lose weight too. Consider looking for online support groups or friends or coworkers who you know either have considered using GLP-1 drugs or are currently using or have used GLP-1 drugs for weight loss.
The key is to be informed, and you’ve already taken at least one step in that direction by reading this article. Keep going and good luck with your personal health and weight loss goals!