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GLP-1 medications slow gastric emptying — that’s part of how they work. But it also means food sits in your stomach longer, which can cause bloating, fullness, and gas. This is uncomfortable but generally harmless.

WHAT HELPS

• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly — rushing meals introduces more air and overwhelms slower digestion
• Avoid carbonated drinks — sparkling water and sodas add gas to an already slow-moving system
• Take a gentle walk after meals — even 10–15 minutes helps move things along
• Consider digestive enzymes — some users find over-the-counter enzymes helpful (ask your pharmacist)
• Reduce portion sizes — your stomach is processing food more slowly, so less is genuinely more

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Your digestive system is adjusting to a new speed. Some people experience constipation (more common), while others experience diarrhea, and some alternate between both. It sounds unpleasant because it is — but it typically settles down.

WHAT HELPS

• Increase fibre gradually — emphasis on gradually. A sudden fibre increase can make things worse. Add a little more each day
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily — dehydration is the number one cause of constipation, and it’s easy to forget when your appetite is suppressed
• Gentle daily movement — walking is genuinely effective at keeping things moving
• Consider a fibre supplement — psyllium husk (like Metamucil) can help regulate things in either direction
• Don’t ignore the urge — when your body signals, respond promptly

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Redness, mild swelling, itching, or a small bump at the injection site. These are usually minor and resolve on their own within a day or two. They’re more common with Mounjaro® and Zepbound® than with Ozempic® and Wegovy®, based on clinical trial data.

WHAT HELPS

• Rotate injection sites consistently — abdomen, thigh, upper arm. Never inject in the same spot two weeks in a row
• Let the alcohol wipe dry completely before injecting — injecting through wet alcohol causes more stinging
• Allow the medication to reach room temperature — cold medication straight from the fridge can cause more irritation
• Don’t inject into irritated, bruised, or scarred skin
• Apply a cold compress for 5–10 minutes afterward if you get a reaction

🛋️

Feeling more tired than usual is common, especially in the early weeks. This is often a combination of your body adjusting to the medication and a significant drop in caloric intake. Your body is literally running on less fuel while also adapting to a new drug.

WHAT HELPS

• Ensure you’re eating enough — a suppressed appetite can lead to eating too little. Aim for at least 1,200 calories daily (your doctor may recommend more)
• Prioritize protein — protein provides sustained energy and prevents muscle breakdown. See our Nutrition Hub for high-protein meal ideas
• Stay hydrated — dehydration is a hidden energy drain that’s easy to overlook
• Consider electrolytes — when you eat less, you also take in fewer electrolytes. A sugar-free electrolyte supplement can help
• Give your body time — fatigue usually improves as your body adjusts over 2–4 weeks

🤕

Headaches on GLP-1 medications are often not caused directly by the medication itself. Instead, they’re usually related to dehydration (you’re drinking less because you’re less hungry), reduced calorie intake, or caffeine withdrawal (if you’re drinking less coffee due to appetite changes).

WHAT HELPS

• Drink more water — set reminders if you need to. Aim for at least 64 oz (about 2 litres) per day
• Don’t skip meals — even if you’re not hungry, eat something small and protein-rich every few hours
• Monitor caffeine — if you’ve cut back on coffee abruptly, that alone can cause headaches. Taper gradually
• Consider electrolytes — sodium, potassium, and magnesium imbalances from eating less can trigger headaches
• Over-the-counter pain relief — acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed, but talk to your doctor if headaches persist