Semaglutide, like any other pharmaceutical drug, has negative side effects. Constipation is one of the more common gastrointestinal problems it can cause. Usually, semaglutide constipation is temporary. But it can cause great discomfort and harm your weight loss journey. Review this article to understand the reasons why you might have constipation and how to get rid of it.
Why Does Semaglutide Make You Constipated?
Semaglutide is a drug used to treat type 2 diabetes and sometimes to help tackle obesity. It is part of a GLP-1 receptor agonist group that works to replicate the GLP-1 hormone in the brain. This hormone controls your appetite and food intake. Your blood sugars lower, and your digestive system slows down (gastroparesis). Your food will take longer to leave your stomach, leaving you feeling fuller for longer. As a result, people start to lose weight because they eat less.
The delayed gastric emptying can harm your digestive system and bowel movements. There are fewer stomach contractions to digest your food. Blockages can occur in your colon. You may experience painful stool passing and constipation. This can leave you feeling bloated, gassy, and uncomfortable.
How Long Does Constipation Last on Semaglutide?
The effects of semaglutide vary from person to person. Constipation can depend on what your lifestyle looks like. Individuals are unlikely to suffer from constipation if they have a healthy lifestyle.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 5% of semaglutide users suffer from constipation.
Constipation can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Clinical trial results show that semaglutide users experienced constipation for a median of 47 days. The placebo group experienced constipation for a median of 35 days.
How Do You Get Rid of Semaglutide Constipation?
Follow the same measures that you would take if you had regular constipation. It may be a simple issue that you have dehydration or are not including enough fiber in your diet.
Drink Water
Drinking plenty of water can help to reduce your chances of suffering from constipation. Hydrating yourself will help to soften your stool, making it easier to pass. Aim for at least 2 liters a day.
Eat More Fiber
Fiber again helps to soften your stool. Incorporating more fiber into your diet may help to solve constipation problems. The standard recommendation is that men consume 38 grams of fiber daily and women 25 grams. Foods high in fiber include:
- Strawberries
- Pears
- Apples
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Beans
- Avocado
- Oats
- Almonds
- Chia Seeds
Incorporating these foods into your diet may help your situation. Keep track with a food diary. This can tell you what foods benefit your bowel movements.
Increase Movement
Incorporating more exercise into your life is beneficial for your digestive system. Doctors recommend that adults get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. You should try to increase the amount of cardio you do. Regular cardio workouts will improve your weight loss results while also relieving your constipation.
Try a Probiotic
Probiotics are well known for improving gut health and promoting regular bowel movements. Foods such as yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut may help to improve your digestion and make passing stools easier.
Over-The-Counter Medication
If none of these methods are relieving your constipation, it may be best to get some laxatives. There are options available, such as MiraLax or Dulcolax. You can use these as stool softeners for semaglutide constipation. But, it is not recommended to rely on laxatives to cure your constipation.
If you are still not losing weight on Ozempic or its alternatives, or if you have doubts about the side effects of GLP-1 drugs, reach out to your doctor and consider weight loss alternatives.
Bariatric care has seen a lot of innovation in recent years, as the FDA has approved non-surgical solutions like the Spatz3, the first adjustable weight-loss balloon in the world. This is a non-permanent, non-invasive procedure that is also affordable. With an 84% success rate, compared with other gastric balloons in the US, the Spatz3 can provide quick results. Weigh up the pros and cons of the gastric balloon with your doctor to understand what the best option will be for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Semaglutide and Constipation
Do Ozempic and Wegovy cause constipation?
Ozempic and Wegovy are both a type of semaglutide drug, so, yes, they can both cause constipation. They delay gastric emptying, which can have side effects on the digestive system. These can include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
How Common Is Ozempic Constipation?
Ozempic constipation is not uncommon. Reports have shown that anywhere between 3-13% of Ozempic users can experience constipation. In most cases, constipation is mild does not last for long, and is curable with the advice we have given.
Can Ozempic or Wegovy Cause Bowel Blockage?
If semaglutide constipation persists for a long period, there may be a bowel blockage. This is a condition called ileus and can be fatal if not immediately treated. You may be experiencing a bowel blockage if you have any of these side effects:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Incapable of passing gas
- Extreme constipation
The FDA has updated labeling on Ozempic packaging to warn users about the side effect, ileus. Wegovy also has this side effect on its label.
If you experience a bowel blockage while on Ozempic or Wegovy, you should stop taking it. Always consult with your doctor if you want to stop taking Ozempic so you know what side effects to expect.
What Other Side Effects of Semaglutide relate to Constipation?
Other common digestive system side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
When to see a Doctor about Ozempic Constipation
You should visit your doctor if nothing is helping your constipation. Seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any extreme symptoms of constipation. You could be at risk of a bowel blockage. Professionals may recommend that you stop taking the semaglutide. Investigate some alternative non-surgical bariatric options to see if there is another weight loss procedure that won’t cause constipation.
