New Users May Experience Stomach, Bowel Symptoms As They Acclimate

More than 40 million Americans use GLP-1 medications to help manage obesity and chronic conditions like diabetes. These medications have delivered positive results for many patients, although the side effects pose a challenge for some. ThedaCare has advice for people looking to better manage the potential side effects of these drugs.

“While GLP-1s are powerful and often effective tools to help manage weight, side effects can become problematic if not properly managed,” said Ashley Faulks, APNP, a nurse practitioner with ThedaCare Weight Wellness Solutions. “That’s why it’s important to choose a multidisciplinary program. Our team can help manage side effects.”

Faulks and registered dietitian Ashley Krautkramer highlighted common GLP-1 side effects and offered tips for managing them.

Common GLP-1s include semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound). They work partly by helping people feel full sooner and slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach. This slower digestion also explains why new GLP-1 users often experience uncomfortable stomach and bowel symptoms as their bodies acclimate to the medication.

“The good news is that most people adjust very well,” Krautkramer said. “And there are several possible solutions for those who need an extra bit of help adjusting to the side effects.”

Common Side Effects Explained

“Side effects tend to be most pronounced soon after people start the medication,” Faulks said. “They may be uncomfortable or disruptive enough to make people rethink their decision.”

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort, reduced appetite, injection-site irritation and fatigue or lightheadedness.

“If a person does not feel well as they adjust to a GLP-1 and they tended to be chaotic eaters, they may not really know what their normal food intake was,” Krautkramer said. “We help educate them as to how best to make intentional food choices and eat more slowly so their health and confidence improve.”

The dietetics team also may prescribe a micronutrient supplement and a B-1 (thiamin) complex vitamin for people who struggle to eat enough nutritious food as their bodies adjust, Krautkramer said.  

From a medication management standpoint, a doctor or nurse practitioner may opt to reduce a person’s prescribed dose or slow their scheduled dose increases if they experience difficult side effects, she said.

“There is also a misconception that we should measure up to the highest dose with each patient, and that is simply not true,” Faulks said. “We work together to discover the lowest, most effective dose to reach a person’s health goals.”

Easing GLP-1 Side Effects

Both experts shared tips for managing the side effects of GLP-1 medications.

For nausea, vomiting or feeling too full, Faulks suggested eating several smaller meals instead of large meals, eating slowly and stopping when comfortably satisfied, not stuffed.

“Choose bland or cool foods when nauseated,” she added. “These can include crackers, toast, rice, applesauce, bananas, soup and yogurt. Also, avoid greasy, fried, rich, spicy or sweet foods, especially around the time of a dose increase.”

She also suggested sipping water throughout the day.

“Do not lie down right after eating,” Faulks said. “Try sitting upright or taking a gentle walk.”

For constipation related to GLP-1 use, Krautkramer again encouraged people to drink lots of fluids, especially water. She also advised people to add fiber to their diet with foods such as oats, beans, lentils, vegetables, fruit, chia or ground flaxseed.

“In addition, move your body daily if you can,” she said. “Walking may help the bowels move.”

For those experiencing diarrhea as a side effect of GLP-1 use, Faulks and Krautkramer offered the following tips:

• Keep sipping fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Temporarily choose simpler foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, potatoes, broth or crackers.
• Avoid alcohol, soda, greasy foods and caffeine while symptoms are active.
• Avoid sugar-alcohols found in sugar-free products like gum and cough drops.

Most GLP-1 side effects are digestive, mild to moderate and temporary, Krautkramer said. With better food choices, regular small meals and more physical movement, these medications may help people see early results that motivate them to stay the course.

“We believe a healthy weight goes far beyond the number on a scale,” Faulks said. “Whether your goal is to move better, play with your grandkids or enjoy gardening, we will help you get there. We have so many tools in our toolbox that can help.”

Visit ThedaCare Weight Solutions for more information on non-surgical and surgical weight loss treatment options.

About ThedaCare

For more than 115 years, ThedaCare® has been improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves in northeast and central Wisconsin. The organization delivers care to more than 650,000 residents in 17 counties, and employs approximately 7,000 providers and team members at 180 points of care, including 10 hospitals. As an organization committed to being a leader in Population Health, team members are dedicated to empowering people to live their unique, best lives. ThedaCare is a not-for-profit health system with a level II trauma center, comprehensive cancer treatment, stroke and cardiac programs, as well as primary care. ThedaCare also partners with communities to understand needs, find solutions together, and encourage health awareness and action. ThedaCare is part of Froedtert ThedaCare, Wisconsin’s most comprehensive healthcare system.

For more information, visit thedacare.org or follow ThedaCare on social media.

Date posted: July 23, 2026