Increased Urination / Frequent Urination
Users on Reddit have reported experiences of increased urination or frequent urination while on GLP-1 medications, often linking it to dehydration or the body's process of expelling byproducts of fat metabolism.
Experiences with Increased/Frequent Urination:
Another user experiencing severe dehydration and mouth pain also reported frequent urination: "It’s super odd, I’m voiding (urinating) every 20 minutes. I’m exploding at 20 minutes. All day long, bc I’m drinking so much water. By 11 am in the morning, my urine is crystal clear. Stays the same all day long, when I go to sleep, I might get 5-6 hours of sleep, I’ll have to get up at night once or twice to void, and by 7 am it’s sunburst orange. "[2]
A user mentioned that the byproducts of fat catabolism during weight loss are excreted through breathing and urinating, implying increased urination as part of the process. [3]
Some users connect increased urination to dehydration caused by the medication. One user stated, "For me, the GLP-1 medication suppressed my thirst an extreme amount. As a result, I’ve been severely dehydrated over the past few weeks, and no amount of water seemed sufficient. "[4] This dehydration led to IC flares, which can involve urinary frequency.
Another user mentioned, "i think if there is an increase it will come from dehydration. As the GLP1 reduces appetite, it also reduces thirst. A lot of the side effects of GLP1s are purely dehydration. "[5]
A user reported developing a UTI, which often involves frequent urination, and attributed it to not drinking enough water while on semaglutide. [6]
It's noted that being dehydrated is a risk with these medications, which can lead to issues like UTIs. [7]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
"I have a 32 oz water bottle that I fill between 10-12 times a day and probably 2-3 times a night. "[1]
"I have a 40 oz water bottle that I fill and drink at least 10-12 times a day. "[2]
"The byproducts of fat catabolism during weight loss are excreted by breathing and urinating. Keeping hydrated supports this process. "[3]
"Hydration is so ridiculously important on a glp1 and i wish i would have considered that the crazy extra amount of water i would have to intake would impact my pelvic floor and bladder so it really took some getting used to. "[8]
"It really seems to me that a huge percentage of side effects people experience with these meds could be headed off by simply increasing fluid intake aggressively. "[9]
"Stay hydrated. Its easy to get dehydrated because you just aren't thinking about eating or drinking as much. "[10]
Electrolytes: Along with water, electrolytes are recommended to ensure proper hydration.
"I also take electrolytes to try to help. "[1]
"I’m taking electrolytes (liquid IV- if anyone can suggest something better, please do). "[2]
"Electrolytes are very important, before I used them it felt like my body wasn’t absorbing a lot of the water i was drinking. It was just passing right through me. "[8]
"Also should mention that with GLP-1s, it’s a great idea to also have electrolyte drinks in addition to water. Electrolytes are key to proper hydration— sugar and electrolytes like magnesium, sodium, potassium, and zinc actually help water absorb into our cells and maintain proper balance in the body. When we don’t have the proper concentration of E’s, water just goes straight through us leading to symptoms of dehydration like fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, etc. If you’re peeing a lot and still feel thirsty, that is a good sign to consider a sports drink on these meds. "[11]
"I drink pickle juice when the things get dire. "[12]
"I do try to drink 8-12 ounces of Pedialyte daily because before I was doing that, I did end up dehydrated and with a UTI, which was super not fun. "[13]
Awareness of Thirst Cues: Users note that GLP-1s can suppress thirst, so intentional hydration is key.
"For me, the GLP-1 medication suppressed my thirst an extreme amount. "[4]
"I have found I have less thirst on these medications so I need to be intentional about drinking water to avoid dehydration. "[14]
"GLP-1s decrease both hunger and thirst cues, so you need to make sure you are keeping hydrated by tracking your water intake. "[3]
"I’ve just found I don’t get thirsty and I get dehydrated easily if I’m not forcing myself to try to drink more. Maybe the meds suppress thirst a bit? "[15]
"Have to make myself take water/ fluid, ... forget to drink! "[16]
It's important to note that some users with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) reported that GLP-1s flared their condition, which can include symptoms of frequent urination, often due to dehydration caused by the medication. [4, 17] However, other IC patients reported no negative impact or even improvement.
Experiences with Increased/Frequent Urination:
- One user described severe dehydration and frequent urination, stating, "I’m voiding (urinating) about every 20 minutes or so but it slows down at night.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is the most commonly recommended prevention and remedy.
It's important to note that some users with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) reported that GLP-1s flared their condition, which can include symptoms of frequent urination, often due to dehydration caused by the medication. [4, 17] However, other IC patients reported no negative impact or even improvement.