Semaglutide and Constipation: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 3, 2025

"I’ve been on Wegovy for just over a year. At first, I experienced heartburn and a little bit of nausea and fatigue. I only threw up once. I’m adjusted to it now, and it’s keeping the weight I lost off, which was 60 pounds. I used to get migraines the day after injection, sometimes a couple of days in a row. I have found that if I take the injection earlier in the day around lunchtime and I also eat around the time I take the injection, I have fewer headaches. Please remember, you should avoid greasy foods because that causes the nausea and the heartburn, although I do enjoy an occasional hamburger. I am starting to notice a vision issue in one eye, but I don’t know if it’s related. I’m getting ready to see an ophthalmologist. I’m also in my 50s and knew already that I have the beginnings of cataracts. At first, injections cause constipation, eating better causes them to become regular for me."

• Rit...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "For the first three weeks on this drug, I had oscillating constipation and diarrhea. I felt very nauseous and did not want to eat much. After upping the dosage, the digestive problems have decreased, but I still feel nauseous and don't have much of an appetite. I have been on it since November and have lost 16 lbs. with Metformin, diet, and exercise."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I just got my A1C after 3.5 months on Rybelsus (one month at 3 mg and 2.5 at 7 mg), and I’m very excited that it’s dropped from 7.8 to 6.5! I have had some side effects - mainly stomach pain, gas, and occasional constipation - but the results are worth it. I haven’t had any significant weight loss, but my BMI was under 27 to start with, and because we had Thanksgiving recently, I normally would have gained a couple of pounds. If you have just started and are having side effects, try to hang in there. The first month was the worst for me."

• Weg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2024

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I started on Wegovy on the 1st of June 2023. My weight was 109.7 kg. I started losing 1-2 kg per week at the start. Afterwards, the loss was more between 0.2-0.7 kg. I did not attend the gym or do exercises last year. I have started going to the gym now. My weight now in August 2024 is 73 kg. I have not experienced any side effects besides constipation. The plan is that after the end of August, I will start going down on the dosage and will fully stop taking it at the end of this year. My doctor told me that some of her other patients who have fully stopped it have managed to keep their weight by regularly exercising and by continuing to eat healthy, not overeating."

• Nan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 3, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been using Ozempic for 3 weeks now. I'm down 4 lbs. And have had a little constipation the first week...and then loose to normal b.m.s. I have no headaches, no vomiting, no bad tastes. I'm using .25 for one more week then use .50. Will keep you informed."

• Sal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 7, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with .25 for 4 weeks, then .5 after that. I don't have much of an appetite, which is good because I do need to lose weight. I cannot finish a portion of food I usually eat. I have pain, burping, and constipation daily. I am okay in the morning when I wake up and after breakfast (eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt). I usually eat lunch-supper at 2-3 pm. The real pain and burning start 3-4 hours later and last till I go to bed. If I drink water, it gets worse. When I lie in bed, the pain goes away. I have not had problems with indigestion, so I wonder if this is causing it? I worry about kidney and pancreatitis. I will see my MD this coming week and discuss all this with him. I lost 10 lbs, and my A1C went from 10.3 to 9.1. Wonder how long it takes for the A1C to get below 7?"

• Arc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Began Wegovy three weeks ago, have lost 11 pounds so far. Ready to move up to the 0.5 mg dose. Side effects have been minimal, some tiredness and a bit of constipation, but nothing awful. The key is to listen to your body. If you feel full, then stop eating. That's Wegovy doing its job. Don't ignore it. Good luck to all."

• MGa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 1, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Lost 7 lbs in 7 weeks. Side effects were severe constipation and acid reflux. Happy with the results so far. But need to remember: it just curbs your food cravings. But you still have to diet/eat less to lose wt."

• Anonymous
• February 7, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "My doctor put me on Ozempic to lower my blood sugar and A1c, as every time I check my blood sugar it’s extremely high in the 200s and 300s. So that is why my doctor put me on Ozempic. At the beginning of the year, before the medication, my A1c was 10.8, and my blood sugar was in the 200s. Five weeks later, I went to the doctor this week and got my sugar checked, it was 72. I couldn’t believe it, plus my A1c is 8.2, and I lost 5 lbs in just a short period. I take my shot every Sunday, .25. The day after I take the shot, I do experience some nausea, headaches, and constipation, but it’s only for one day, and it’s worth it for these low numbers. I was scared to take this new drug because I already take metformin 1000 mg once a day, but I’m so happy my doctor introduced me to this medicine. If you guys can get through the side effects, keep taking it, this medicine really works."

• Tuu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 23, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started with 0.25 Ozempic in November 2020 and upped my dosage to 0.5 in January 2021. My A1C is the same as when I was taking 2000 mg Metformin daily (5.1-5.3%). My doctor decided to switch me to help with weight loss and manage my pre-diabetes. I have lost 47 lbs, which is great, but it isn't a healthy way to lose weight. I met with a GI specialist and was diagnosed with gastroparesis, they had me discontinue Ozempic to see if my symptoms would disappear. That was 6 weeks ago, and my stomach is still paralyzed. I have sulfur burps, diarrhea, severe constipation, and vomiting daily. I now have to eat a low FODMAP diet and can only manage a few mouthfuls of food at a time. I have no quality of life anymore, I can no longer enjoy many of the things I used to, which has caused me severe anxiety and depression. While the weight loss benefits sound appealing, please think twice before taking this drug."

• TN ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2020

For Type 2 Diabetes "I've been taking Rybelsus, along with metformin and Farxiga, for over 3 months. I had some minor diarrhea/constipation with the 3 mg that worked itself out quickly, but I lost over 5 lbs and A1C went down over 1 pt (8.3 to 7.2). Just started the 7 mg dose 5 days ago. So far, the diarrhea is a lot worse, and I'm having a lot of dizziness/nausea/fatigue/headaches, but I'm hoping it'll stop soon. I seem to start feeling worse about 5-6 hrs after taking the pill, so I'm sick in bed for hours in the afternoon and evening lately. Not good, as I'm a disabled housewife with two special needs adult children who depend on me. Not sure how someone who works a 9 to 5 job would be able to handle this transition period. If it doesn't sort itself out within a couple of weeks, I'll call my doctor. One tip: keep some saltine crackers and eat a few every hour or so. I know, against diabetic diet, but that and plenty of water help the nausea."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "My experience has been good on Ozempic. I haven’t been on it for six months, and I have lost 50 pounds. My side effects have been very mild. I was a little nauseous the first week, my worst side effect is being constipated. It is now under control, and the appetite suppressant has been fabulous. I do not crave for anything or overeat anymore. I am feeling wonderful, lots of energy, and sleeping well."

• Rem...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 3, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Other medications I am required to take have caused increased appetite and subsequently weight gain. Almost immediately after starting Wegovy (0.5), I wasn't hungry, was not craving carbs or sweets, and was able to eat good food and be satisfied with less than half the amount of food I usually had. In seven weeks, I have lost 9 kilos. It seems effortless after years of dieting. Side effects are definitely constipation and dehydration. I did have a problem with the pen on week 4, wasn't sure I got the dosage, but seems ok so far."

• Dke...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I had high hopes for this drug and stuck with it as long as I could, but it caused severe constipation, stomach cramping, and fatigue. I started out with .25 mg for 4 weeks, then .50 for 2 weeks. I didn’t lose weight, so my doctor increased the dose to 1 mg, but I just couldn’t tolerate the side effects at the lower doses, so I didn’t even try the 1 mg."

• Wor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 25, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "Beginning weight was 234 and began at 0.25 in June 2024, and just began 2.4 today at 177. Been going up very slowly, but weight loss has slowed way down. Still have 17 pounds to lose, but prefer 27 more. Have gone from 2XL/Size 22 to size 14. Have dealt with nausea, headaches, occasional constipation/diarrhea, depending on what I eat. Small meals, five times a day, plus drinking lots of water is key. I get extremely tired the day or two after taking the shot. I take the shot at night, hoping to be at my goal weight by the end of May 2025. 63-year-old woman and all blood work now within normal limits."

• Mer...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 29, 2021

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I have been on it for 2 months. I am at .5 right now and have lost 18 pounds. That’s great, but I am exhausted lately and very constipated. Going to my primary on Friday for blood work. If the side effects continue, I will have to stop."

• Dee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "T2D 15 years, morbidly obese. At the 3rd week at a dose of 0.5, I was unable to keep water down or take other medications. Other side effects were sulfur belching, burning acid, and pain in the stomach and up the throat, brown water vomit. Unable to sleep more than 2 hours at a time. Blood sugars as high as 345. Lost weight because I couldn't eat, but no appetite anyway. Constipated for days. Then had a bowel movement and horrible effects eased. Started at 325 lbs, lost 22 lbs. Couldn't handle any more and stopped taking it. Consulted the doctor and restarted after 3 weeks. Manageable up to the 3rd injection, and horrible symptoms started again. Going through all the same dramas again. Will quit for good now! Weight loss not worth it!"

• Anonymous
• November 9, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been taking Ozempic now for three months. I started at 0.25, felt somewhat nauseous, not terrible. Then increased to 0.5 and again, not terrible. I also take Synjardy. I then went to 1 mg and that’s when the trouble started. I was at first getting sick maybe twice a week. But I lost weight and my A1C came down. But I noticed I was, after a while, getting bad stomach pains and constipated and/or the opposite. The worst was how many times I was getting sick. It went from possibly twice a week to two or three times every other day. And without warning, I would be driving, and it would hit me. So I called my doctor and asked to be decreased back down to 0.5. I did not want to get off it because I know it’s been helping. I do still get nauseous and sick sometimes, but not nearly as bad as at 1 mg. My appetite has decreased a lot to where I might only eat twice a day."

• oze...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 29, 2020

"I have been on Ozempic for 5 full months to help me lose weight. In that time, I have lost exactly 60 pounds (I had about 100 to lose). I was on 0.25 mg for 6 weeks, moved up to 0.5 mg thereafter, and have been on 1 mg for the past 4 weeks. I certainly experience stomach pains, headaches, absolutely no appetite, severe constipation, feel full almost immediately after eating more than 3-4 bites, and I am not sleeping as well. As of right now, the benefits are outweighing the negatives. I do not plan to stay on Ozempic long term because the possible thyroid cancer/tumors scare me. I am nervous upon stopping Ozempic that the weight gain will come right back."

• Evi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2022

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "I'm starting my third month on Wegovy, and yesterday was my first 1 mg dosage. I'm down 20 pounds and thankfully haven't had any noticeable side effects. I'd had bariatric surgery in 2019 and lost 100 pounds. Over the pandemic, my weight crept up 20 pounds, and I am NOT going back up there. I've injected in my thigh and abdomen with no noticeable difference in efficacy. That said, constipation has been the new normal since my surgery, so I wouldn't notice it as a side effect of Wegovy. If you're reading this and your insurance covers it, I would recommend it. You may have some mild side effects or even be one of the minority who have intolerable side effects and need to stop the medication - but I think the odds of it working well, without making you miserable, make it worth a shot. Unlike past weight loss meds, it doesn't make me agitated or anxious. I'd recommend starting it on Saturday (if you're off Sat/Sun so you're home if there are any side effects). Good luck!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2025

For Type 2 Diabetes "I started in 3 mg, now in 7 mg. My blood sugars have come down enormously, I have lost about a stone in weight after being on it for 4 months. You must take it first thing with just a dash of water, don’t eat or drink for half an hour. The side effects are a bit brutal but do die down, bit of constipation and food suppression. Feel better than I have in a long while on this tablet."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 17, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "My A1C was slowly creeping up, and at 6.9, the Dr. wanted to start Rybelsus (3 mg). I took it exactly as directed. The side effects were immediate: constipation followed by diarrhea and extreme nausea. As I continued on the medication, nausea was constant and actually turned into stomach pain. If I ate anything, my stomach hurt worse, and I started to have an aversion to food. Any activity or exercise that involved using my core muscles was very painful. Still, I persevered knowing that it can take a few weeks to adjust to a medication. But in week 3, after side effects continued to worsen and I vomited for several days in a row, I stopped the medication. I have been off for 3 weeks now, and my stomach has not returned to normal as I have constant discomfort and it hurts after eating. I lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks, but it came at a high cost. The physical side effects were extreme, and I hope I have not permanently harmed my body. I can still only eat a few bites at any one time. Beware!"

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 8, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was a 63-year-old female when I started Ozempic. 5'2", 208#. A1C of 7.2. History of stroke, cardiovascular disease, Hashimoto's, fibromyalgia, and the list goes on. At the beginning, I had some nausea, but not terribly. I have been on it for 14 months and have lost 85#! From 208# to 125#. Average about 5#/month. When increased to 2.0, I had some issues with constipation but worked through it. Now, with a normal BMI, A1C is at 4.9 and steady. Continuing at 2.0 to maintain. I would highly recommend this to anyone! Following recent labs, my endocrinologist sent a message, 'Diabetes is in remission!' Woohoo! Good luck, everyone!"

• Zee...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2025

For Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) "70 pounds down and maintained for over a year now. Wegovy in conjunction with a high-protein, low-carb food plan does it right. I am convinced that the majority of negative outcomes are due to people just shooting the drug and making no changes to their diet. Stay off the sugar, keep your carb intake to vegetables and limited fruits only. Constipation avoided by adding a magnesium citrate supplement. (I use Calm)."

• Bre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 26, 2024

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started with the 0.25 dose & after 5 weeks went to 0.50. Side effects were minimal, mostly just an upset stomach for the first day after a shot. Pens were easy to use & directions easy to follow. My A1c went from 10.3 to 6.2 after 90 days & I lost 22 lbs. I made significant dietary changes, which were helped because overeating gave me that 'too full to move' feeling you get on Thanksgiving, even with small portions. I eat 4-5 times a day but in small portions & calories under 1200 daily. Constipation was avoided by an increase in fiber/vegetables and water."