Constipation
Users on Reddit frequently report constipation as a side effect of GLP-1 medications. Experiences range from mild and occasional to severe and persistent, sometimes leading users to consider discontinuing the medication.
Experiences with Constipation:
Some users experience infrequent bowel movements. A user on Ozempic for 2-3 months reported bowel movements "like twice a week. " They also noted, "the infrequent bowel movements kind of worry me. "[7]
For some, constipation can be severe. One user shared, "I'd gladly take twice a week. Im lucky if i go once a week... Idk I hate this side effect most of all". [9] Another user on Ozempic for a year said, "It's horrid. Nothing works for me except enemas. "[19]
A user on Semaglutide for eight months reported, "The constipation never got better and it's a terrible feeling. I would have dreams about looking for a place to poop, not cool. "[28]
One user mentioned their mother was having "very difficult constipation" and was considering stopping the medication. [30]
Another user on Trulicity experienced "some constipation and gas. " [32]
A user on Ozempic for six months is "often constipated now and nauseous. " They added, "As long as I poop at least every second day I’m not too worried about it. "[33]
A user on Zepbound for 4 months described their constipation as "how it’s supposed to work (slowed digestion). "[35]
One user on Mounjaro for about six months gets constipation but is "managing with it. "[37]
A user on Wegovy for several months stated, "constipation is really the main side effect that I have". [40]
A user with a sensitive GI tract felt Ozempic was making their pre-existing constipation worse. [41]
One user reported, "I’m so constipated from Oz". [47]
A user on GLP-1s for 11 months stated, "I get plenty of protein from plants, and the high fiber keeps the constipation away. "[50]
A user on Zepbound mentioned, "I’m struggling with constipation or borderline! I eat enough fiber take magnesium drink tons of water and electrolytes and still things seem to be moving pretty slow". [56]
A user with Crohn's disease on Mounjaro said it can cause constipation but "as long as you drink water, it’s not a problem. "[52]
A user on Ozempic for 18 months still gets "bad nausea & constipation. " [39]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
"Water, fiber, and daily movement can all help". [2]
"I find water is vital to not being horribly and painfully constipated on these meds lol". [61]
One user stated, "GLP-1s decrease both hunger and thirst cues, so you need to make sure you are keeping hydrated by tracking your water intake. " They also mentioned, "Keep your kidneys healthy; dehydration on GLP-1s is no joke and can stress the internal organs. "[63]
Fiber Intake:
Increasing fiber intake through diet or supplements is a common suggestion. "If she hasn’t tried them already, I’d strongly recommend fibre supplements on top of high fibre foods! "[4]
"I take Metamucil powder every morning and try to drink lots of water, seems fairly regular. "[8]
"I aim for about 20-25g of fiber per day. " This user also incorporates a "two fruits & two Cruciferous vegetable per week rule. "[10]
"Daily. Drinking 120 oz water per day, fibre drink every morning and a fibre rich muesli breakfast. "[11]
"When I start having trouble I take psyllium husk. "[12]
"To help stay regular, I take 4g fiber gummies morning and night. "[6]
"I take fiber gummies and a magnesium supplement. Helps me go almost everyday! "[14]
"Eat a fiber and protein rich diet high enough in calories for your body’s needs and drink plenty of water. "[17]
"I drink a microgreens fiber I get from Amazon". [25]
"I’ve been on Ozempic for about six months now... Also, often constipated now... I make sure to drink lots of fluids (mostly water and diet pop) and eat fiber either as supplements or in my diet. Bran muffins are awesome! "[33]
"I have been on GLP-1 meds for 11 months and have lost 38 pounds, all while eating a WFPB, gluten and dairy free diet. I get plenty of protein from plants, and the high fiber keeps the constipation away. "[50]
One user mentioned, "The key is eating more fiber rich foods and upping your water intake on a daily basis. Aim for 30g of fiber per day, every day. "[44]
A user recommended, "psyllium husk, that is natural and doesnt mess up your digestion long term like medication does. Oats, wholegrain, loads of veggies". [45]
However, one user cautioned, "DO NOT take fiber! " and instead recommended daily probiotic supplements. [34]
Another user found, "Fiber made me bloated to the point it was painful. " [46]
Stool Softeners and Laxatives:
"My doc added in a daily Colace tablet (not the stimulant kind) and I'm all good. "[5]
"I just take a dose of miralax when I need it. "[5]
"Add miralax to my coffee every morning. "[9]
"I started taking mirafiber gummies... I also keep a bottle of colace on hand to soft in the stool when need be". [15]
"Stool softener and prunes. "[18]
"Just take stool softener consistently and drink lots of water. "[29]
"The nausea and constipation can be a little rough but I’ve adjusted... Dulcolax and senna tea. "[59]
"I take 2 stool softeners daily". [40]
"Take 2 senna every other night. "[48]
"Miralax in my morning coffee. "[64]
"I take a stool softener in the morning and evening. "[67]
"Colace gummies!! "[69]
"Colace and Metamucil gummies". [72]
"If I have not had a bowel movement in 1-2 days, my regimen is Miralax for a couple of days as well as Dulcolax (gentle) soft chews or Mag Citrate tablets x 2 for a couple of days. "[74]
Magnesium Supplements:
"I take fiber gummies and a magnesium supplement. "[14]
"I take Magnesium Citrate supplements to keep things moving". [20]
"I managed that by taking calm in the evening. (Magnesium from Costco)"[26] One user specified using the powder form: "Large heaping scoop once a day keeps the constipation away. "[27]
"My gastroenterology recommended a supplement called Mag07. It's oxygenated magnesium. It's helped me significantly! "[24]
"Try Mag 07 , it has kept my wife and I regular for a year! "[16]
"Daily magnesium too". [62]
"My doc told me to take a magnesium supplement and that has been helping me a lot". [43]
"Magnesium citrate. A few gummies a night help me sleep well and help me with constipation. "[53]
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes:
"Take a probiotic every day. "[9]
"You need a pre-probiotic combo. "[21] One user recommended Seed, a combination prebiotic and probiotic. [22]
"I take a probiotic/prebiotic combo in the morning. "[70]
"I started taking a digestive enzyme once a day and it’s helped me soooo much! "[76]
"I take a digestive enzyme and I haven’t had any issues with constipation. "[23]
"Daily probiotic supplements have helped tremendously with my sulfur-gas and bowel issues. "[34]
Dietary Adjustments:
"drink lots of water and added a few prunes to breakfast". [31]
"Eating fruits and vegetables. "[12]
"My friend had this issue and also was going to quit taking it. Her doctor told her to stop eating so much so she did, and the constipation went away. "[36]
"Yogurt helps". [13]
"Kefir really helps me manage both constipation and nausea... Legumes 5 to 7 times a week for me for fiber/protein. "[57]
"I have been having 6 prunes every morning for the past week and it’s resolved my issue". [51]
"I found that adding more fruits/veggies stopped this problem altogether. "[66]
Other Remedies:
"I’ve been on Ozempic for about six months now... Also, often constipated now... I make sure to drink lots of fluids (mostly water and diet pop) and eat fiber either as supplements or in my diet. Bran muffins are awesome! "[33]
A user recommended Dr. Schulze’s Intestinal Formula #1. [46]
One user found juicing (apple, carrot, celery) helped. [54]
Catalina Crunch cereal (made with Chicory root fiber/Inulin) was suggested. [73]
"I made another comment above but if you’ve never taken Alli weight loss pills, they make you have to go... The instructions say one with your meal 3x per day but I recommend just one with whatever your biggest meal is. "[58]
Some users note that for them, constipation is an expected part of how the medication works by slowing digestion. [35] For individuals with IBS-D, the constipating effect can sometimes be seen as a benefit.
Experiences with Constipation:
- Constipation is a common side effect.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration:
- Drinking plenty of water is frequently recommended.
Some users note that for them, constipation is an expected part of how the medication works by slowing digestion. [35] For individuals with IBS-D, the constipating effect can sometimes be seen as a benefit.