Does Ozempic Cause Constipation? What You Need To Know about the Effect on Your Digestive System

If you’ve been thinking about trying Ozempic for diabetes management or weight loss, you might have heard some chatter about its digestive side effects. But does Ozempic cause constipation? Or diarrhea, for that matter? Turns out the popular injectable medication can cause both.

But don’t let that scare you off. For most people taking Ozempic, these issues are temporary and manageable. With a few tips, you can keep your digestion on track while benefiting from this powerful medication.

How Ozempic affects your digestive system

​​The very mechanism that makes Ozempic effective – controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss – can also cause digestive issues, including constipation and diarrhea.

“Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, mimics GLP-1, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and makes you feel fuller for longer,” explains Caroline Apovian, MD, Co-Director of the Center for Weight Management and Wellness at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “It even seems to reduce cravings for things like alcohol or ultra-processed foods by affecting the brain’s reward center.”

Does Ozempic cause constipation?

Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly injection, which alters your body's natural release of hormones. This differs from the way your body would typically release hormones in response to food, which may contribute to the digestive side effects. That’s especially true during the initial adjustment period.

“When you inject a hormone like semaglutide, it’s difficult to perfectly match the body’s natural secretion process,” explains Dr. Apovian, who’s also a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

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“Normally, GLP-1 is released as food enters the stomach,” she notes. “But with a once-weekly injection, we can’t replicate that rhythm perfectly. We’re trying to give people more of the hormone that makes them feel full, but finding the right dose for each individual can be tricky. Sometimes, it’s too much, which leads to nausea, vomiting or constipation.”

How common are constipation, diarrhea and nausea when taking Ozempic?

In clinical trials , nausea was the most commonly reported side effect of Ozempic, affecting around 20 percent of participants. Other side effects included vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain, but only five to 10 percent of people experienced these. Constipation and gas were also reported, though less frequently.

Fortunately, the nausea is usually mild and tends to go away on its own as your body gets used to the medication. It usually kicks in around eight weeks after starting the medication and subsides around four weeks later as your body adjusts.

However, gastrointestinal side effects may return temporarily if and when the dosage is increased, says Dr. Apovian.

How to relieve constipation, diarrhea or nausea caused by Ozempic

Although these side effects can be uncomfortable, there are ways to manage them effectively. Here, four ways to treat GI symptoms like constipation , abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea caused by Ozempic.

1. Up your fluid intake

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps prevent dehydration, which can worsen constipation or diarrhea. “You don’t want to get dehydrated, because that exacerbates constipation,” Dr. Apovian adds.

Although eight glasses of water a day is a good guideline, she stresses that your intake should be adjusted based on how your body feels. “If you’re experiencing diarrhea or constipation, you may need more water than usual to stay hydrated.”

2. Sip slowly

Nausea is common when starting Ozempic, but staying hydrated and adjusting your eating habits can help. “Drinking small amounts of water frequently can reduce nausea,” says Dr. Apovian.

Sipping ginger tea is another remedy that can soothe the stomach when queasiness strikes. Dr. Apovian also recommends eating smaller, more frequent meals.

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3. Savor fiber-rich foods

In addition to adequate hydration, boosting your fiber intake can help with constipation especially. Fiber-rich foods include raspberries, pears, green peas, avocado and oats.

A fiber supplement, like BeneFiber or MiraLAX, can also help make bowel movements easier to pass. “MiraLAX is great – one scoop in the morning, maybe in your protein shake,” Dr. Apovian suggests. “You can increase the dose if needed, or add Colace as a stool softener.”

4. Switch up your diet

If taking Ozempic causes diarrhea, try sticking to bland, easy-to-digest foods. The traditional BRAT diet can be a good place to start: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

Dr. Apovian recommends a diet high in protein, fruits and vegetables. And as for foods to avoid, she advises steering clear of heavy, greasy foods when you have diarrhea.

Does Ozempic cause constipation? The bottom line

Most people tolerate Ozempic well, with only about 7% of participants in clinical trials needing to stop the medication due to side effects, Dr. Apovian pointed out. “For most people, the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort,” she says. “However, if you have a bad history of chronic constipation, it’s probably not going to work for you.”

Her final advice? “Remember, this is a serious medication for a serious condition,” Dr. Apovian adds. “The medication is most likely going to be lifelong, and so should your commitment to diet and exercise. That’s how you’ll see the best results.”

More on weight loss drugs side effects:

What an MD Wants You to Know about Ozempic Side Effects

What Ozempic Does to Your Brain: It May Reduce the Risk of Dementia 48 percent

This Is Why You’re Not Losing Weight on Semaglutide + Doctors’ Tips to Speed Results

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .