How to relieve Wegovy constipation

In this article:

• Does Wegovy cause constipation?
• Why does Wegovy cause constipation?
• How to prevent and treat Wegovy constipation
• Other Wegovy side effects
• When to see your healthcare provider about Wegovy constipation

In this article

• Does Wegovy cause constipation?
• Why does Wegovy cause constipation?
• How to prevent and treat Wegovy constipation
• Other Wegovy side effects
• When to see your healthcare provider about Wegovy constipation

For people needing more help managing their weight and reducing obesity-related health complications, Wegovy (semaglutide) is an increasingly popular choice. This glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is specifically approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss, unlike Ozempic, which also contains semaglutide but is FDA approved for people with Type 2 diabetes. 

Many people take Wegovy and experience little to no side effects, but GLP-1 agonists have a reputation for causing gastrointestinal (GI) distress. This makes sense since one way that Wegovy helps you lose weight is by slowing gastric emptying—keeping food in your stomach for longer periods of time. In addition to other GI side effects like nausea and stomach pain, this delayed gastric emptying can cause constipation. Here’s what to know about Wegovy and constipation, including why it happens and what you can do to treat and prevent it. 

Does Wegovy cause constipation?

If you’ve experienced constipation while taking Wegovy, you’re not alone. In clinical trials performed by Wegovy’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, 24% of participants reported constipation as a side effect. Meanwhile, in the Wegovy clinical trial known as the STEP 8 study, 39% of people reported constipation. 

Why does Wegovy cause constipation?

According to Monelle Burrus, a family nurse practitioner and health expert at Verve Health, Wegovy reduces the speed at which stomach contents are moved through the digestive system, a change that leads to constipation in the form of harder stools or infrequent bowel movements. 

On top of that, Burrus says the appetite-suppressing effect of Wegovy can cause dehydration, which contributes to constipation since people tend to drink less fluid when they aren’t eating as much. Finally, anyone experiencing the common side effects of vomiting or diarrhea on Wegovy may also find themselves dehydrated, too.

How to prevent and treat Wegovy constipation

Although Wegovy commonly causes constipation, there are things you can do at home to both prevent and treat constipation while taking this medication:

• Increase your fiber intake. Burrus recommends adding more fiber to your diet by increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Foods containing soluble fiber, such as apples, pears, carrots, sweet potatoes, and oats, are especially useful in treating constipation.  
• Drink more fluids. Michael Lahey, MD, a physician with My Weight Loss Partner in Michigan, says dehydration can exacerbate constipation, so it’s important to drink enough water each day. How much water you need daily depends on your body weight and activity level. You can figure out the right amount by using the University of Missouri’s hydration calculator. 
• Exercise more. “Physical activity helps your GI system digest food correctly and efficiently, which can reduce the risk of constipation,” Dr. Lahey says. One study from 2019 found that exercise therapy had a significant effect on reducing constipation symptoms in participants.
• Consume natural laxatives. J. Omatseye Jr, MD, aesthetic and regenerative medicine provider at Signature Rejuvenation MD in Florida, recommends reaching for natural laxatives in the form of oat bran and prunes. Both foods contain soluble fiber, and prunes also contain a natural sugar called sorbitol, which can have a mild laxative effect.
• Take a supplement. Fiber supplements containing psyllium can treat constipation when taken with enough water. Psyllium helps your stool “bulk up” or bind together, making it easier to have a bowel movement. You can find psyllium in over-the-counter (OTC) fiber supplements like Metamucil and Benefiber. You may also want to add a probiotic to your diet to increase the amount of healthy bacteria in your gut, which can further regulate your bowel movements.
• Take an OTC medication. If nothing else works, Burrus suggests taking an OTC stool softener to make it easier to have a bowel movement. However, she also says it’s important to check with your healthcare provider before taking any new medication while on Wegovy. Stool softeners like Colace and Dulcolax are generally safe for occasional use, but if you’re reaching for them on a daily basis, it’s worth talking to your healthcare provider about other ways to manage constipation.
• Slow down or lower your dose. Dr. Lahey says taking a lower dose of Wegovy can prevent constipation from occurring, as can increasing your dose gradually rather than rapidly.  

If you’re still having constipation after trying these strategies, talk to your healthcare provider. Dr. Omatseye says most GLP-1 agonists are known to cause constipation, but many of his patients and colleagues have noticed that GI side effects like constipation are less severe with GLP-1 agonists containing tirzepatide, such as Mounjaro and Zepbound, compared to semaglutide (though more studies are needed to see if this can be proven with research).  

RELATED: Wegovy vs. Mounjaro

Other Wegovy side effects

In addition to constipation, Wegovy can cause other GI side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. When taking Wegovy, you also have a higher risk of hypoglycemia, which involves low blood glucose levels. Less commonly, severe side effects like acute kidney injury and inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas can occur.

When to see your healthcare provider about Wegovy constipation

Constipation isn’t usually serious, but it can sometimes cause complications like hemorrhoids, anal fissures, and incontinence. Dr. Omatseye says you should contact your healthcare provider if your constipation doesn’t improve with any of the recommended at-home remedies. 

Wegovy side effects may be more severe at higher doses, so if constipation becomes a chronic problem, your healthcare provider might want to lower your dose. They may also be able to give you a prescription medication to treat your constipation.