GLP-1 medications slow digestion and change how your body signals fullness. That's also why most side effects show up in the gut — nausea, reflux, constipation, or feeling full faster than expected. They're usually mild, most pronounced after a dose increase, and tend to settle as your body adjusts.
Most common
- Mild nausea, especially in the first week of a new dose
- Reflux or a feeling of fullness lasting longer than usual
- Constipation — usually a sign of low fiber, low water, or moving less
- Reduced appetite that makes hitting protein targets harder
What tends to help
- Smaller, protein-forward meals instead of large plates
- Plenty of water throughout the day — most people need more than they think
- Fiber from vegetables, berries, chia, or psyllium for regularity
- Limiting heavy, greasy, or very rich meals while your body adjusts
- Telling your clinician early — dose timing or pacing can usually be adjusted
When to call your provider
Persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or any symptom that feels alarming is worth a call. Most side effects are manageable, but your clinician would rather hear from you early than late.