Bloating / Distension / Puffiness (abdominal)
Users on Reddit report experiencing abdominal bloating, distension, and puffiness while taking GLP-1 medications. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and are often linked to dietary choices or the body adjusting to the medication.
Experiences with Bloating / Distension / Puffiness:
Another user mentioned that on Ozempic, "If i force it I pay the price with massive gas, bloating, etc bordering on acid reflux no matter how early i eat the greasy foods, probably its slowing stomach emptying. "[4]
A user trying Saxenda for the second time after a previous bad experience noted, "Had the worst bloated tummy I’ve ever had while throwing up and having diarrhea 😞 I remember wanting to stab myself in the stomach to get some relief 😵💫"[5]
One user on Ozempic experienced bloating initially but found it subsided: "In the first month or so I experienced severe nausea and headaches... I find in the occasions I do allow myself ‘treat’ foods like carby pasta or candy that I don’t bloat like before. "[1]
A user with dysautonomia on Ozempic shared, "Last year for instance I was plagued by a sulfuric taste / smell that was accompanied by severe bloating and nausea + vomiting. "[10]
Another user with dysautonomia reported, "Visible reduction in inflammation. (Ie. Face would be so puffy and swollen from inflammation always. Now it’s gone. ) Would bloat out looking nine months pregnant. That also hasn’t happened once. "[11]
A user on Zepbound mentioned, "my biggest struggles are reflux, bloating, and nausea... When the bloating hits, it’s also hard to drink enough water, which makes everything worse. "[14]
Some users experience bloating along with other GI issues like sulfur burps and gas. One user on Wegovy mentioned, "Sulfur burps can be annoying, but they happen as well as being gassy. "[6]
A user on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for diabetes mentioned, "I have GI problems, but had it before taking the medication because of my diabetes... "[12]
One user taking Lemme GLP-1 (a supplement, not a prescription GLP-1) reported, "i honestly been on it for 9 days now, and i feel super fuller after even 1 meal.. and for a pretty long time throughout my day. I dont get as hungry anymore. the only downside is i feel BLOATED af i hope this subsides soon or im gonna try the lemme debloat"[13]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Avoiding greasy foods: One user noted that forcing greasy foods leads to "massive gas, bloating, etc. "[4]
Over-the-Counter Medications:
Pepto-Bismol: "My life-saving medicine is Pepto-Bismol cherry chewables. Like a godsend stg. Chewed 4 I have had no sulpher burps since and my bathroom problems have been remedied. "[2]
Gas-X: Mentioned by a user who still experienced severe symptoms despite trying various remedies, including Gas-X. [8]
Gaviscon: A user mentioned needing to take regular Gaviscon. [7]
Probiotics:
"Daily probiotic supplements have helped tremendously with my sulfur-gas and bowel issues. I highly recommend this for anyone on one of these drugs. "[9]
A user recommended a "glp-1 probiotic daily (pill form)" which helped with constipation and things moving at a more normal pace. [11]
Another user found that "having an Activia or Yakult probiotic drink has almost completely eliminated my bloating and reflux. Edited to add: one each day"[15]
Hydration:
Drinking plenty of water is often emphasized. One user mentioned, "when I drink a ton of water (around 135 ounces), I don’t have a lot of side effects. "[3]
Fiber Intake:
Some users recommend fiber. One user takes Metamucil gummies. [6] Another mentioned taking fiber gummies morning and night. [16]
However, one user explicitly advised against it: "DO NOT take fiber! " while recommending daily probiotic supplements instead. [9]
It's important to note that experiences and the effectiveness of remedies can vary significantly among individuals. Some users continue to experience bloating despite trying various strategies.
Experiences with Bloating / Distension / Puffiness:
- Some users experience bloating, particularly when eating certain foods.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Avoiding heavy carbs: "When they say don't eat heavy carbs, it's not a joke.
It's important to note that experiences and the effectiveness of remedies can vary significantly among individuals. Some users continue to experience bloating despite trying various strategies.