Fecal Incontinence
Users on Reddit infrequently report explicit fecal incontinence directly caused by GLP-1 medications in the provided data. However, many users describe experiencing diarrhea, extremely loose stools, and urgent bowel movements, which can be severe. One notable instance of fecal incontinence was linked to Metformin, a medication often prescribed alongside or before GLP-1s.
Experiences with Diarrhea and Loose Stools (and one case of incontinence on Metformin):
Users on GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Zepbound, and Saxenda have described issues like "extremely loose stools," general "diarrhea," or experiencing "loose tummy time sometimes. "[2, 3, 4, 5]
A user on a GLP-1 medication mentioned that one of their typical bowel movements often "turns to diarrhea. "[6]
The intensity of these symptoms can be significant. One user on Zepbound described having "abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea and now vomiting in all doses," which eventually led to an ER visit for severe pain and dehydration. [3] Another Zepbound user reported, "Oh man, on my second dose of 7. 5, I got SICK. Diarrhea, vomiting and I got dehydrated. "[4]
Dietary choices can trigger these issues. A user warned that after "eating a big bowl of pasta? Stay close to the toilet," indicating that high-carbohydrate meals might cause urgency. [7] Another user, after eating pasta for three days while on compounded semaglutide, experienced severe bloating and other GI issues, advising, "When they say don't eat heavy carbs, it's not a joke. Stay away, far away. "[9]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
A user who suffered severe diarrhea and vomiting with a 7. 5mg dose of Zepbound "went off the med for 4 weeks... met with my MD and we decided to start at 2. 5 again. I am on 5 mg again and it's going well. "[4]
Dietary Strategies:
Avoiding trigger foods like "greasy or fatty foods" and "heavy carbs" is a common piece of advice for managing general GLP-1 related GI side effects, which may also alleviate diarrhea. [8, 9]
One Zepbound user experiencing various GI issues, including diarrhea, found that eating "small meals" was a helpful strategy. [10]
Supplements:
A user on Saxenda dealing with diarrhea and "loose tummy time" mentioned they were "looking into getting some guar gum supplement as that is supposed to be good for both diarrhea and constipation! "[5]
For general bowel issues and sulfur gas while on Zepbound, another user reported that "Daily probiotic supplements have helped tremendously. "[12]
Hydration:
Maintaining good hydration by drinking plenty of water is generally recommended when on GLP-1 medications, and is especially crucial if experiencing diarrhea.
Experiences with Diarrhea and Loose Stools (and one case of incontinence on Metformin):
- One user reported discontinuing Metformin after multiple episodes of fecal incontinence, stating, "I got off metformin after I shit myself the fourth or possibly fifth time.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Medication Adjustments or Cessation:
- The user experiencing fecal incontinence while on Metformin found relief by stopping the medication.