Wegovy is one of several weight loss drugs out there designed to help treat type 2 diabetes to improve glycemic control. The scientific name of this powerhouse drug is Semaglutide, the same drug behind another popular brand name diabetes medication: Ozempic.
And while Wegovy decidedly does a lot of good, like any medication, it comes with its pros and cons. For starters, before taking Wegovy, you should discuss potential serious side effects with your medical provider to determine if this particular medication is right for you. But we’re here to talk about a side effect that isn’t necessarily serious, but it is uncomfortable and can interfere with day to day life.
We’re talking about Wegovy and nausea.
But what causes nausea in users of this popular GLP-1 weight loss drug? How does Wegovy work anyway? How bad is the nausea, and what can you do to stop it?
Today we’ll be discussing all of this and more, including strategies to help soothe nausea and stomach pain, like:
- What you can include in your diet to support stomach health
- When to take Wegovy for the greatest impact and lowest chance of side effects like nausea
- Supplements that can support digestive health for a happy gut while taking Wegovy
Get to Know Wegovy: The GLP-1 That’s Changing the Weight Loss Game
Before we tackle the issue of nausea as a Wegovy side effect, let's take a moment to familiarize ourselves with Wegovy itself. This revolutionary medication, also known as semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which are designed to help individuals struggling with obesity shed excess pounds and improve their overall health, and treat Type 2 Diabetes more specifically.
GLP-1s like Wegovy mimic the action of a naturally occurring hormone in the body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). By activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain, Wegovy helps to regulate appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and reduce calorie intake. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, leading to improved blood sugar control. And all of this, ultimately, translates to weight loss.
Some of the very mechanisms that make Wegovy such an effective weight loss drug can also be the culprit behind Wegovy-related nausea. Luckily, there are plenty of strategies for overcoming this unpleasant side effect.
What’s Going On with Wegovy-Induced Nausea?
Now, the reason why we’re here today in the first place – why does Wegovy cause nausea for some people? The answer lies in the drug's mechanism of action and its effects on gastrointestinal function.
One of the primary ways that Wegovy helps to promote weight loss is by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and reducing food intake. While for the most part this is beneficial for individuals struggling with obesity, it can also lead to feelings of fullness, bloating, and discomfort, which may sometimes manifest as nausea.
Wegovy has also been shown to increase levels of a hormone called glucagon, which can stimulate nausea and vomiting in certain situations. This can further contribute to that uncomfortable queasy feeling, especially during the initial stages of treatment when the body is still adjusting to the medication or when the dose has recently been ramped up.
How to Treat Nausea Caused by Wegovy
Now that we've identified the source of the issue, let's talk about some strategies for managing Wegovy-induced nausea and minimizing its impact on your daily life. Here are a few tips to consider.
Start Low, Go Slow
Step number one to treating Wegovy nausea involves working with your doctor – so unfortunately, if you need a pinch right now, you might want to scroll down to the next couple of recommendations.
Nausea and other gastrointestinal symptoms are some of the most common side effects when taking a weight loss drug like Wegovy. These drugs affect how your body processes food and interprets signals from that part of the body, so it’s no wonder they’re some of the most common culprits of discomfort on Wegovy.
So if you're experiencing severe nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms after starting Wegovy, don't be afraid to discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it over time can help your body adjust more smoothly to the medication. That’s why the official Wegovy dosing timeline recommends starting with just 0.25mg a week in month one, gradually working up to 2.4mg each week by month five.
However sometimes, severe side effects that you’re having trouble coping with in your day to day life may be an indication that another medication – like Ozempic, Zepbound, or Mounjaro – could be a better solution for your particular body chemistry.
Wegovy’s ingredients can help with weight loss, but they may also cause stomach upset and nausea. Taking the medication with food is one way to make sure there’s a little bit of buffer between it and your stomach.
Take Wegovy With Food
This might be a surprising suggestion – who wants to eat food when their stomach is upset? And why the heck does having food on your stomach matter when your medication is a weekly injection?
Well, while you can take Wegovy with or without food, eating a meal before taking Wegovy can help mitigate nausea and other gastrointestinal issues by providing a buffer between the medication and your stomach lining. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to keep nausea at bay, as well as mitigate some other stomach-related side effects like vomiting.
Stay Hydrated
Seems like water is the solution for everything doesn’t it? Everything from skin troubles to stomach aches, water is near the top of the list of solutions. And Wegovy related nausea is no exception. Staying hydrated is the key to soothing nausea and other unpleasant symptoms – like vomiting or diarrhea – sometimes associated with GLP-1s.
Dehydration can exacerbate stomach pain and digestive issues, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses a day and steer clear of caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate your body and make problems like nausea and stomach pain even worse.
Go for the Gut
Stomach and digestive issues are common side effects of GLP-1s… which means that pretty much everyone experiencing these side effects experiences them differently. For some people, Wegovy can mean a mild stomach ache or a bit of fatigue. For others, nausea so severe that it leads to vomiting might be the case. So how do you soothe all of these different gut concerns?
Give your gut what it needs so that it’s strong enough to stand up to some of these unpleasant side effects. Wellness supplements like Dr. Emil’s Total Gut Complex capsules or Dr. Emil’s Multi Collagen Peptides + Gut Health drink powder support gut health, making your visceral microbiome more difficult to disrupt.
Another option is to incorporate foods chock full of healthy probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber, which are shown to support digestive health. Whole grains, fruits and veggies, and legumes are great sources of fiber. For gut-boosting biotics, you’ll want to look at fermented foods like kefir, kombucha, miso, yogurt, and pickles.
Consider Anti Nausea Medications
When it comes to nausea, there are many, many treatments available. If natural remedies haven’t delivered the relief you need, there are plenty of prescription and over the counter anti nausea medications that should put the issue to rest.
For starters, the stomach soothers you probably have in your cabinet right now – Tums, Gas X, Pepto Bismol – can be helpful for mild stomach upset and nausea.
For over the counter options that are more specific to nausea, consider medication that’s designed to help passengers overcome air sickness like dramamine and non drowsy dramamine. Antihistamines like benadryl can also be helpful because they shut down the chemoreceptor trigger zone (aka, “the vomit center”) and decrease electrical signals sent to the ears, cutting down on dizziness as well.
Your doctor can provide stronger medications if none of these fit the bill, like:
- Anticholinergics
- Dopamine antagonists
- Antihistimines
- Corticosteroids
- Selective Serotonin Receptor (5-HT3) Antagonists
Listen to Your Body
Above all else, pay attention to what your body is telling you. Logging factors that can effect nausea– what food you eat, activities you do, when you take your medication – as well as when symptoms occur can help you track what’s going on and what triggers your symptoms.
You’ll quickly uncover patterns, allowing you to adjust your lifestyle and dietary habits accordingly. If certain foods or activities seem to trigger nausea, take note and make changes as needed to minimize discomfort while taking Wegovy.
Wegovy and nausea don’t have to go hand in hand – these simple strategies can help you cut down on discomfort.
Experiencing nausea or other gastrointestinal symptoms while taking Wegovy is obviously uncomfortable. But with the right approach to dealing with these side effects, you can find relief and continue on your weight loss journey with confidence.
Understanding the mechanisms behind Wegovy-induced nausea is the key to finding and implementing strategies to address it. With strategies like staying hydrating, logging your symptoms, improving gut health, and trying anti nausea medications, you can minimize side effects and maximize the benefits of this powerful weight loss medication.
As always, it's essential to communicate with your healthcare provider about any symptoms or concerns you may have while taking Wegovy, as well as your lifestyle habits and any other medications or OTC solutions you might be taking.Together, you can work to find the best solution for your individual needs and ensure a positive experience with Wegovy.
It can be a challenging journey at times, but despite nausea and any other hiccups you might encounter on the road to wellness, you will get to your goals. With perseverance, patience, and a little bit of know-how, you can overcome any obstacle – even Wegovy-induced nausea.
Stay strong, take it slow, and remember… you’ve got this!
