Side Effects of Semaglutide for Weight Loss
As you may have read on our Weight Loss with Semaglutide page, we believe that Semaglutide and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can be safe and highly effective tools for long-term weight loss and weight management. Most patients who have traditionally struggled with weight loss, when put on a GLP-1 (Semaglutide) or GLP-1+GIP (Mounjaro or Zepbound ®), recognize substantial weight loss, especially when combined with a healthy diet and a regular exercise regime. When used responsibly, these medications can be profound for patients who battle weight and metabolic dysfunction and can allow a patient to take control of their health trajectory.
While Semaglutide (i.e. Ozempic® or Wegovy®) and Tirzepatide (i.e. Mounjaro ® or Zepbound®) are generally safe and well-tolerated, some patients do experience side effects. While some of these side effects can be bothersome, most can be managed through low and slow dosing and often subside with time. There are some rare, severe side effects that patients should be aware of that require medical attention.
Common Side Effects of Semaglutide for Weight Loss
Gastrointestinal issues
Nausea
Loose stool or constipation
Bloating, gassiness
Vomiting (especially with too high of a dose)
GERD (acid reflux)
Digestive Changes: You will not tolerate rich, fried, or fatty foods. Large meals won’t sit well.
Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired can occur temporarily and resolve with usage.
Mild headaches
Rare, Severe Side Effects and Long-Term Risks
More severe side effects require reporting to the emergency department and these include:
Severe abdominal pain (can be a symptom of Pancreatitis or gallbladder problems)
Abdominal pain that radiates to the back or shoulder blade (can be a symptom of gallbladder problems)
Lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or hoarseness (possible sign of thyroid mass)
Shortness of breath
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Shaking, fast heartbeat, dizziness
Changes in cognition
Dark brown or discolored urine
Managing Side Effects
As noted, many side effects will subside with usage. However, the following are recommendations on how to optimize semaglutide injections and ensure side effects are kept to a minimum, if not completely avoided.
Stay hydrated: Hydrate with electrolytes. (LMNT drink mixes)
Eat lean and protein-rich meals. Large meals won’t sit well.
If you are having persistent side effects, do not increase dosage or consider decreasing your dose until side effects resolve.
Dietary adjustments: Eat high fiber foods and consider adding supplements (see list below and contact our office for an invitation to our online pharmacy, FullScript).
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the side effects of semaglutide for weight loss?
A. While not everyone experienced side effects when using semaglutide, some common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, GERD (acid reflux), bloating, gassiness, digestive changes, and fatigue
Q. Do side effects of semaglutide for weight loss last throughout treatment?
A. Most side effects decrease or subside over time.
Q. How can I manage my side effects?
A. Staying hydrated and eating lean, protein-rich meals will help you avoid or reduce side effects. Additionally, be sure to heat a high-fiber diet.
Q. If I experience side effects, should I adjust my dosage?
A. Do not increase your dosage or consider decreasing your dosage until side effects resolve.
Q. Can the side effects of semaglutide be serious?
A. While not common, some side effects may be more severe for some patients. If you experience any of the Rare, Severe Side Effects listed above, please contact the ER.
Q. Will this medication stop working?
A. Some studies have found that semaglutide can become less effective at suppressing appetite and weight loss for some patients around the two-year mark. Plateaus can be avoided through dietary and lifestyle interventions and occasionally, switching to other GLP/GIP medications such as Mounjaro.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS ANY SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS WITH YOUR DOCTOR. PLEASE GIVE THE OFFICE A CALL AT 425-230-6893 IF YOU WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WEIGHT LOSS WITH SEMAGLUTIDE PROGRAM.
Recommended Supplement List:
Multivitamin or AG1
LMNT Electrolytes
Colostrum (Pure Encapsulations)
Whole Body Collagen (Designs for Health)
Magnesium citrate (CALM)
PureLean Fiber (Pure Encapsulations)
Smooth Move tea
Eliminate Capsules
Heartburn Essentials (Pure Encapsulations)
Contact our office (425-230-6893) for an invitation to our online pharmacy, FullScript.
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